Blood sugar, or glucose, is the body’s primary energy source, fueling everything from muscle movement to brain function. Maintaining balanced blood sugar levels is important for overall well-being, as both excessively high and low levels can affect health. Monitoring these levels provides insights into how the body processes glucose and helps identify potential issues early, allowing for timely adjustments to support health.
Interpreting Your Blood Sugar Reading
A blood sugar reading of 145 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) warrants attention, as its significance depends on when the measurement was taken. For someone without diabetes, a normal fasting blood sugar level, taken after not eating for at least eight hours, is typically less than 100 mg/dL. Normal levels two hours after a meal are generally less than 140 mg/dL.
A reading of 145 mg/dL falls outside the normal range for fasting glucose, indicating elevated levels. If this reading occurs two hours after consuming a sugary liquid during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), it falls within the prediabetes range, which is 140 to 199 mg/dL. Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. For diagnosing diabetes, a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher, or a two-hour OGTT result of 200 mg/dL or higher, is typically used. A single reading of 145 mg/dL is not a definitive diagnosis of any condition, but it serves as an indicator that further evaluation by a healthcare professional is advisable.
Common Influences on Blood Sugar
Blood sugar levels can fluctuate due to a variety of factors. Dietary choices, especially the amount and type of carbohydrates consumed, significantly influence glucose levels. Eating large meals with more carbohydrates than usual can cause blood glucose to rise.
Physical activity also plays a role; being less active can lead to higher blood sugar, while regular exercise can improve insulin sensitivity. Stress, whether physical or emotional, triggers the release of hormones that elevate blood glucose. Illnesses and infections also prompt the body to release hormones that raise blood sugar. Certain medications, such as steroids, and dehydration can also temporarily increase blood glucose.
What Elevated Blood Sugar May Indicate
Consistently elevated blood sugar, like a reading of 145 mg/dL, suggests a potential underlying issue with metabolic health. This level often indicates prediabetes, a stage where cells don’t respond effectively to insulin (insulin resistance). The pancreas initially compensates by producing more insulin, but may eventually struggle, leading to persistent high glucose.
If not addressed, this can progress to type 2 diabetes. Sustained high blood sugar can affect various bodily systems. It can damage blood vessels, impacting cardiovascular health, kidney function, and nerves. Eye health may also be affected, potentially leading to vision problems.
Recommended Actions for High Readings
If you receive an elevated blood sugar reading like 145 mg/dL, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. They can conduct further tests, such as an A1C test, to provide a comprehensive assessment and personalized advice. Professional guidance is important, as self-diagnosis or self-treatment is not recommended.
Lifestyle modifications are often suggested to help manage blood sugar levels. These include dietary adjustments like balanced meals, more fiber, and limited processed sugars. Regular exercise can also improve insulin response. Stress management, such as meditation or deep breathing, can help mitigate stress-induced fluctuations.