Blood glucose, or blood sugar, is the main sugar found in your blood and serves as the primary energy source for your body’s cells. Glucose comes from food and is transported to every cell to fuel metabolism. Maintaining glucose within a healthy range is necessary because consistently high levels can cause long-term damage to nerves, blood vessels, and organs. Measuring blood glucose provides a snapshot of how effectively your body, particularly the hormone insulin, is managing this energy supply.
Understanding Different Glucose Tests
The meaning of any specific blood glucose number, including a reading of 117 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), depends entirely on the type of test performed and when it was taken. The two most common tests relevant for this reading are the Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) test and the Random Plasma Glucose (RPG) test. The FPG test requires no caloric intake for at least eight hours, typically performed first thing in the morning. This measurement offers a baseline reading of your body’s glucose control when it is not actively digesting food.
The RPG test can be taken at any time of day, regardless of when you last ate. Because food directly impacts blood sugar, a random result is more variable and its interpretation differs significantly from a fasting result. Doctors use these different contexts to assess not only the lowest baseline sugar level but also how well the body manages the temporary surge that occurs after a meal. Understanding this distinction is necessary for accurate classification of a 117 mg/dL result.
Classifying the 117 Reading
If the 117 mg/dL measurement was taken as a Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) test, it falls into the classification known as pre-diabetes. A normal FPG result is considered to be below 100 mg/dL, while a result of 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes. The range between 100 and 125 mg/dL is officially defined as Impaired Fasting Glucose.
A 117 mg/dL result suggests that your body’s mechanisms for regulating blood sugar, particularly insulin sensitivity, are beginning to show strain. Conversely, if the 117 mg/dL reading was taken as a Random Plasma Glucose (RPG) test, it would be considered well within an acceptable range. A diagnosis of diabetes based on a random test requires a result of 200 mg/dL or higher, often combined with classic symptoms like increased thirst or urination. A single reading, even a borderline one like 117 mg/dL, is rarely used for a definitive diagnosis, and follow-up testing, such as an A1C test or a repeat FPG, is usually required.
Temporary Reasons for Elevated Glucose
The presence of a 117 mg/dL reading, even in a fasting state, does not automatically signify a chronic condition, as various temporary factors can cause a brief elevation. High stress levels, for example, trigger the release of the hormone cortisol, which signals the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream. Cortisol also reduces the body’s sensitivity to insulin, which leaves more sugar circulating in the blood.
A lack of sufficient sleep can also acutely impair glucose metabolism. Research shows that even a single night of partial sleep deprivation can induce insulin resistance, making cells and the liver less effective at handling glucose. Recent food intake, certain medications, or an acute illness like a cold or flu can also temporarily elevate blood glucose, making it important to consider the context of the measurement.
Practical Steps for Glucose Management
For anyone with a borderline or pre-diabetic reading, simple but consistent lifestyle adjustments can improve glucose management. Targeted dietary changes focus on reducing the intake of refined sugars and highly processed carbohydrates, which cause rapid blood sugar spikes. Prioritizing whole foods high in fiber, such as vegetables and whole grains, can help slow the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream.
Increasing physical activity is another effective strategy, especially short walks after meals. Muscle contraction during exercise stimulates an insulin-independent pathway for glucose uptake, meaning muscles can pull sugar directly from the blood without relying on insulin. Even a brisk 10 to 15-minute walk starting shortly after eating can significantly blunt the post-meal glucose spike.
Managing chronic stress and ensuring adequate sleep prevents hormonal disruptions that can raise blood sugar. Consulting with a healthcare provider is necessary for personalized advice and to determine if repeat testing, such as an A1C test, is appropriate to monitor long-term glucose trends.