Blood sugar, also known as blood glucose, is the primary sugar found in your blood and serves as the body’s main source of energy. It originates from the food consumed, which the body breaks down into glucose before releasing it into the bloodstream. Blood sugar levels naturally fluctuate in response to various bodily processes and external factors. This dynamic system ensures cells receive the energy needed to function properly.
Understanding Your Reading
A blood sugar reading of 137 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) requires careful interpretation, as its significance depends heavily on the context in which it was taken. For example, if this reading was measured two hours after a meal, it is considered normal for many healthy individuals. Healthy blood sugar levels remain below 140 mg/dL two hours after eating.
Conversely, if a 137 mg/dL reading was taken after an overnight fast, it would be considered elevated. A fasting blood sugar level between 100 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL suggests prediabetes, indicating levels higher than normal but not yet diagnostic of diabetes. A random blood glucose test of 137 mg/dL may warrant further investigation. A single measurement rarely provides a complete picture; repeat or additional tests are often needed for accurate assessment.
Blood Sugar Ranges Explained
Medical guidelines establish specific blood sugar ranges to help classify an individual’s glucose status, distinguishing between normal, prediabetic, and diabetic levels. For a fasting plasma glucose test, where blood is drawn after at least eight hours without food, a normal level is less than 100 mg/dL. A fasting level between 100 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL is classified as prediabetes. A fasting blood sugar of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.
For an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), which involves measuring blood sugar before and two hours after consuming a sugary drink, a normal result is less than 140 mg/dL. A two-hour OGTT reading between 140 mg/dL and 199 mg/dL signifies prediabetes. A reading of 200 mg/dL or higher suggests diabetes. A random plasma glucose test is considered indicative of diabetes if the reading is 200 mg/dL or higher, especially when accompanied by symptoms of high blood sugar.
Factors Affecting Blood Sugar Levels
Numerous factors can influence blood sugar levels, causing them to fluctuate. The type and amount of food consumed have a direct impact, with carbohydrates being a primary source of glucose. Physical activity also plays a significant role; exercise can help lower blood sugar as muscles use glucose for energy. Conversely, a lack of physical activity can contribute to elevated levels.
Stress, whether from illness, pain, or emotional situations, can cause blood sugar to rise due to the release of hormones. Certain medications, such as steroids, can also affect glucose metabolism and lead to higher blood sugar readings. Dehydration, insufficient sleep, and even the time of day can influence how the body manages glucose.
What to Do Next
Receiving a blood sugar reading of 137 mg/dL, especially if it’s a fasting or random measurement, warrants consultation with a healthcare professional. They can provide personalized advice and determine if additional tests are necessary. A healthcare provider might recommend follow-up tests, such as a repeat fasting glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test, to confirm the initial result and assess glucose metabolism.
The Hemoglobin A1C test provides an average of blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. An A1C level between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates prediabetes, while 6.5% or higher confirms diabetes. Lifestyle adjustments are often recommended, including adopting a balanced diet with controlled carbohydrate intake and engaging in regular physical activity.
Potential Health Implications
Consistently elevated blood sugar levels, if left unmanaged, can lead to serious health complications. Prolonged high glucose can damage blood vessels and nerves throughout the body, reducing blood flow and impacting nerve function. This damage can contribute to cardiovascular disease, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Kidney damage, known as diabetic nephropathy, can also occur, leading to kidney failure. Nerve damage, or neuropathy, commonly affects the hands and feet, causing numbness, tingling, or pain. Vision problems, including diabetic retinopathy, can result from damage to the blood vessels in the retina and may lead to blindness. Maintaining blood sugar levels within target ranges is a significant step in preventing or delaying these health problems.