Blood sugar, also known as blood glucose, is the primary sugar circulating in your bloodstream, serving as your body’s main energy source. This glucose comes from the foods you consume, which your body breaks down and releases into your bloodstream. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is important because consistently high levels can lead to serious health problems over time. Understanding your blood sugar numbers, such as a reading of 118 mg/dL, helps in monitoring your overall health.
Understanding Blood Sugar Ranges
Medical professionals categorize blood sugar levels into different ranges to indicate metabolic health. For individuals who have fasted overnight, a normal blood sugar level is 99 mg/dL or lower. Fasting means not having eaten or drunk anything except water for at least eight hours.
A fasting blood sugar level between 100 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL falls into the prediabetes range. This indicates blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. A fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or higher, on two separate tests, signifies type 2 diabetes.
The A1C test provides an average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. An A1C result below 5.7% is considered normal. An A1C between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates prediabetes, while 6.5% or higher on two separate tests suggests diabetes.
Common Influences on Blood Sugar
Blood sugar levels fluctuate throughout the day due to various factors. Food intake influences blood sugar, with carbohydrate-containing meals causing levels to rise. Physical activity can also lower blood sugar by increasing insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake by muscles.
Beyond diet and exercise, other factors can affect blood sugar readings. Stress, illness, and certain medications, such as steroids, can temporarily elevate blood sugar levels. Hormonal changes, including menstrual periods or the “dawn phenomenon” (a natural surge in hormones early in the morning), can cause fluctuations. Dehydration and insufficient sleep also impact blood glucose regulation.
Interpreting a 118 Reading
A fasting blood sugar reading of 118 mg/dL falls within the prediabetes category. This means blood sugar levels are elevated but not yet at a type 2 diabetes diagnosis threshold. Prediabetes indicates difficulty managing blood glucose.
This condition suggests insulin resistance, where cells in muscles, fat, and liver do not respond effectively to insulin. While the pancreas initially compensates by producing more insulin, it may eventually struggle, leading to sugar buildup in the blood. Prediabetes increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, with some estimates suggesting up to a 50% chance over five to ten years without intervention.
Prediabetes also increases the risk of complications seen in type 2 diabetes, including heart attack, stroke, kidney issues, nerve damage, and vision problems. Recognizing prediabetes provides an opportunity to implement changes that can prevent or delay progression to type 2 diabetes.
Proactive Steps and When to Seek Medical Advice
Taking proactive steps is important with a fasting blood sugar reading of 118 mg/dL. Lifestyle modifications are often the first action to manage prediabetes and can return blood sugar levels to a healthy range. Adopting a balanced diet that limits added sugars, refined carbohydrates, and processed foods is key. Incorporating more whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats supports better blood sugar control.
Engaging in regular physical activity, such as at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, improves insulin sensitivity and lowers blood sugar. Weight management is also beneficial; losing even a small amount of excess weight can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Addressing stress and ensuring adequate sleep also contribute to better blood sugar regulation.
Consulting a healthcare professional is important with a 118 mg/dL blood sugar reading. They can provide a diagnosis, recommend further testing like an A1C test, and offer personalized guidance. Regular monitoring, as advised by your healthcare team, allows tracking progress and adjusting your management plan.