Blood sugar, or glucose, is the primary sugar in your blood, providing energy for your body’s cells. Maintaining stable levels is important for overall health, as both high and low levels can impact bodily functions. While the body regulates these levels, imbalances can occur.
Understanding Blood Sugar Measurement
Blood sugar levels are measured in different contexts to understand how your body manages glucose. A fasting blood sugar test measures glucose after an eight-hour fast, typically used to screen for prediabetes or diabetes and reflect baseline control. A random blood sugar test measures glucose at any time, useful for quick assessments, especially with high blood sugar symptoms. Post-meal measurements, taken one or two hours after eating, show how your body handles glucose after food intake.
Interpreting 117 mg/dL
The meaning of a 117 mg/dL blood sugar reading depends on the test type. If 117 mg/dL is a fasting result, it indicates prediabetes. Normal fasting blood sugar is below 100 mg/dL, while prediabetes ranges from 100 to 125 mg/dL. Diabetes is indicated by 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests. If 117 mg/dL is a random reading, it is generally considered typical for someone without diabetes, as random levels fluctuate with food intake. Similarly, a 117 mg/dL post-meal reading, especially two hours after eating, is usually normal for healthy individuals, typically up to 140 mg/dL.
Factors Influencing Blood Sugar Levels
Many factors influence blood sugar levels. Dietary choices play a significant role, as carbohydrates break down into glucose, directly impacting blood sugar. The amount and type of carbohydrates consumed affect glucose responses. Physical activity also affects blood sugar, with exercise helping to lower glucose by increasing insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake by muscles.
Stress can elevate blood sugar by triggering hormone release. Insufficient sleep can impair insulin use. Dehydration can lead to more concentrated blood sugar. Medications, illness, infections, and hormonal changes can also cause levels to rise.
Next Steps for Blood Sugar Management
If a fasting blood sugar reading of 117 mg/dL indicates prediabetes, consult a healthcare professional. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and personalized advice. Further tests, such as an HbA1c test, might be recommended to assess average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. An HbA1c between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates prediabetes.
Lifestyle modifications are often recommended to manage and potentially reverse prediabetes. Adopting a balanced diet with fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while limiting processed foods and added sugars, can help regulate blood sugar. Regular physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, can improve insulin sensitivity and support weight management. Maintaining a healthy weight and stress management also improve blood sugar levels and prevent progression to type 2 diabetes.