What Is A Normal Blood Sugar Level?
The aim of diabetes treatment is to bring blood sugar (“glucose”) as close to normal as possible. What is a normal blood sugar level? And how can you achieve normal blood sugar? First, what is the difference between “sugar” and “glucose”? Sugar is the general name for sweet carbohydrates that dissolve in water. “Carbohydrate” means a food made only of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen. There are various different kinds of sugars. The one our body uses most is called “glucose.” Other sugars we eat, like fructose from fruit or lactose from milk, are converted into glucose in our bodies. Then we can use them for energy. Our bodies also break down starches, which are sugars stuck together, into glucose. When people talk about “blood sugar,” they mean “blood glucose.” The two terms mean the same thing. In the U.S., blood sugar is normally measured in milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood (mg/dl). A milligram is very little, about 0.00018 of a teaspoon. A deciliter is about 3 1/3 ounces. In Canada and the United Kingdom, blood sugar is reported in millimoles/liter (mmol/L). You can convert Canadian or British glucose levels to American numbers if you multiply them by 18. This is useful to know if you’re reading comments or studies from England or Canada. If someone reports that their fasting blood glucose was 7, you can multiply that by 18 and get their U.S. glucose level of 126 mg/dl. What are normal glucose numbers? They vary throughout the day. (Click here for a blood sugar chart.) For someone without diabetes, a fasting blood sugar on awakening should be under 100 mg/dl. Before-meal normal sugars are 70–99 mg/dl. “Postprandial” sugars taken two hours after meals should be less than 140 mg/dl. Those are the normal numbers for someone w Continue reading >>
Blood Tests For Diabetes: Random Plasma Glucose Test
Also known as: RPG; casual plasma glucose test; random blood sugar test. What is it? The random plasma glucose test measures plasma (or blood) glucose levels. It is performed with a small blood draw taken at any time of the day (hence the term “random”). Why is this test performed? Generally, as a screening test for diabetes when a patient has serious diabetes symptoms and has had food or drink, and therefore can’t do a fasting plasma glucose test or oral glucose tolerance test. How is this test performed? The test consists of a simple blood draw, which is sent to your doctor’s lab for analysis. What do normal results mean? A random plasma glucose test that is under 200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/l) is considered acceptable. What do abnormal results mean? Levels of 200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/l) or higher, along with the presence of symptoms of diabetes (e.g., excessive thirst and/or urination, blurry vision, unexplained weight loss), indicate a diagnosis of diabetes. The results should be confirmed through a separate test, either the oral glucose tolerance test or the fasting plasma glucose test, taken on another day. Other conditions which may result in an elevated result include pancreatitis, Cushing’s syndrome, liver or kidney disease, eclampsia, and other acute illnesses, such as sepsis and myocardial infarction (heart attack). SOURCES American Diabetes Association. “Diagnosing Diabetes and Learning About Prediabetes.” Accessed August 30, 2017. American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. “Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.” AACE Diabetes Resource Center. Accessed August 30, 2017. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. “Diabetes & Prediabetes Tests.” April 2014. Accessed August 30, 2017. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Continue reading >>
- Home blood glucose test: How to test for diabetes at home
- Postprandial Blood Glucose Is a Stronger Predictor of Cardiovascular Events Than Fasting Blood Glucose in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Particularly in Women: Lessons from the San Luigi Gonzaga Diabetes Study
- Tiny sensor placed under the skin to replace finger prick tests for diabetes: Smartphone app will alert patients if their blood sugar level drops or is too high
Random Blood Glucose Test
RATE★★★★★ A random blood glucose test is used to diagnose diabetes. The test measures the level of glucose (a type of sugar) in your blood. If your blood glucose level is 200 mg/dL or higher and you have the classic symptoms of high blood sugar (excessive thirst, urination at night, blurred vision and, in some cases, weight loss) your doctor may diagnose you with diabetes. If you do not have any symptoms of high blood sugar, your doctor will probably have you take another test for further evidence of diabetes.1 Usually, having high blood glucose can be a sign that your body is not functioning normally and that you may have diabetes. If you have high blood glucose and it is not treated, it can lead to serious health complications. However, finding out that your blood glucose is elevated is powerful information that you can use to keep yourself healthy. If you know that your blood glucose is high, you can take steps to lower it, by losing weight (if you are overweight or obese), getting regular moderate physical activity, and taking a medication that lowers blood glucose.2 Why measuring blood glucose is important in diagnosing type 2 diabetes Our bodies require energy to function properly and we get that energy from the foods we eat. Our diet (everything we eat and drink) includes three main sources of energy (also known as calories): protein, fat, and carbohydrates (sugars, starches, and fibers).When the body digests most sources of carbohydrates, they are transformed through digestion into a very important source of instant energy, a form of sugar called glucose. Our bodies depend on the action of a number of different natural body chemicals called hormones, including insulin, amylin, incretins, and glucagon, working together in conjunction, to control how we Continue reading >>
- Home blood glucose test: How to test for diabetes at home
- Postprandial Blood Glucose Is a Stronger Predictor of Cardiovascular Events Than Fasting Blood Glucose in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Particularly in Women: Lessons from the San Luigi Gonzaga Diabetes Study
- When Youre Afraid to Test: The Root of Diabetes Test Anxiety
Blood Sugar Levels For Adults With Diabetes
Each time you test your blood sugar, log it in a notebook or online tool or with an app. Note the date, time, results, and any recent activities: What medication and dosage you took What you ate How much and what kind of exercise you were doing That will help you and your doctor see how your treatment is working. Well-managed diabetes can delay or prevent complications that affect your eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Diabetes doubles your risk for heart disease and stroke, too. Fortunately, controlling your blood sugar will also make these problems less likely. Tight blood sugar control, however, means a greater chance of low blood sugar levels, so your doctor may suggest higher targets. Continue reading >>
Random Capillary Blood Glucose Cut Points For Diabetes And Pre-diabetes Derived From Community-based Opportunistic Screening In India
OBJECTIVE To determine random capillary blood glucose (RCBG) cut points that discriminate diabetic and pre-diabetic subjects from normal individuals. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS RCBG was performed in 1,333 individuals randomly chosen from 63,305 individuals who had participated in an opportunistic screening program. An oral glucose tolerance test was also performed by venous plasma glucose on an autoanalyzer. RCBG cut points that discriminate diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) were determined using receiver operating characteristic curves. RESULTS Using 2-h plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/l) criterion, the RCBG cut point of 140 mg/dl (7.7 mmol/l) gave the highest sensitivity and specificity. For 2-h plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/l) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥126 mg/dl (7.0 mmol/l) criteria, either 2-h plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/l) or FPG ≥126 mg/dl (7.0 mmol/l) criterion, and the FPG ≥126 mg/dl (7.0 mmol/l) criterion, RCBG cut point was 143 mg/dl (7.9 mmol/l). RCBG cut points for IGT, IFG according to World Health Organization criterion, and IFG according to American Diabetes Association criterion were 119 mg/dl (6.6 mmol/l), 118 mg/dl (6.6 mmol/l), and 113 mg/dl (6.3 mmol/l), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Asian Indians with RCBG >110 mg/dl at screening can be recommended to undergo definitive testing. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Between September 2004 and September 2007, 774 opportunistic diabetes screening camps evaluating 103,878 people were conducted in various parts of Chennai (formerly Madras), India, with a population of 5 million in southern India, as part of the Prevention Awareness Counselling and Evaluation (PACE) Diabetes Project. Of these, 76,645 (73.8%) individuals underwent a Continue reading >>
What Are “normal” Blood Sugar Levels?
Physicians focus so much ondisease that we sometimes lose sight of what’s healthy and normal. For instance, the American Diabetes Association defines “tight” control of diabetes to include sugar levels as high as 179 mg/dl (9.94 mmol/l) when measured two hours after a meal. In contrast, young adults without diabetes two hours after a meal are usually in the range of 90 to 110 mg/dl (5.00–6.11 mmol/l). What are Normal Blood Sugar Levels? The following numbers refer to average blood sugar (glucose) levels in venous plasma, as measured in a lab. Portable home glucose meters measure sugar in capillary whole blood. Many, but not all, meters in 2010 are calibrated to compare directly to venous plasma levels. Fasting blood sugar after a night of sleep and before breakfast: 85 mg/dl (4.72 mmol/l) One hour after a meal: 110 mg/dl (6.11 mmol/l) Two hours after a meal: 95 mg/dl (5.28 mmol/l) Five hours after a meal: 85 mg/dl (4.72 mmol/l) (The aforementioned meal derives 50–55% of its energy from carbohydrate.) Ranges of blood sugar for healthy non-diabetic adults: Fasting blood sugar: 70–90 mg/dl (3.89–5.00 mmol/l) One hour after a typical meal: 90–125 mg/dl (5.00–6.94 mmol/l) Two hours after a typical meal: 90–110 mg/dl (5.00–6.11 mmol/l) Five hours after a typical meal: 70–90 mg/dl (3.89–5.00 mmol/l) * Blood sugars tend to be a bit lower in pregnant women. What Level of Blood Sugar Defines Diabetes and Prediabetes? According to the 2007 guidelines issued by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists: Pre-diabetes: (or impaired fasting glucose): fasting blood sugar 100–125 mg/dl (5.56–6.94 mmol/l) Pre-diabetes: (or impaired glucose tolerance): blood sugar 140–199 mg/dl (7.78–11.06 mmol/l) two hours after ingesting 75 grams of glucose Continue reading >>
All-cause Mortality Of High-normal Random Blood Glucose Using Basic Demographics
1NYU Lutheran Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA 2Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine at USC, Los Angeles, CA, USA 3Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA 4Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK 5Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, UAE 6Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, UAE 7epartment of Infection and Immunity, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 8Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA 9Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA Citation: Saith SE, Tang J, Irving G, Memari SAA, Dhaheri ADA, et al. (2016) All-cause Mortality of High-normal Random Blood Glucose using Basic Demographics. J Cardiovasc Dis Diagn 4:248. doi:10.4172/2329-9517.1000248 Copyright: © 2016 Saith SE, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Visit for more related articles at Journal of Cardiovascular Diseases & Diagnosis Abstract Abstract Background: The prevalence of diabetes has reached epidemic proportions both in the United States and worldwide. A recent World Health Organization (WHO) report has estimated the prevalence has quadrupled in just three decades and is directly responsible for the deaths of 1.5 million people worldwide. More than 80% of these deaths occur in low and middle income countries. The forecasted urban population in developing nations is expected to double by the year 2030, compared to the year 2000. Methods: We utilized a Continue reading >>
Random Glucose Test
Random glucose test ({aka} random blood glucose) is a [blood sugar] test taken from a non-[fasting] subject. This test, also called capillary blood glucose (CBG), assumes a recent [meal] and therefore has higher reference values than the fasting glucose test. Reference values[edit] The reference values for a "normal" random glucose test in an average adult are 79–160 mg/dl (4.4–7.8 mmol/l), between 160–200 mg/dl is considered pre-diabetes, and > 200 mg/dl is considered diabetes according to ADA guidelines (you should visit your doctor or a clinic for additional tests however as a random glucose of > 200 mg/dl does not necessarily mean you are diabetic).[citation needed] See also[edit] Blood glucose Diabetes mellitus Hypoglycemia External links[edit] Glucose Tests @ Lab Tests Online ADA page that hints at random glucose levels Continue reading >>
Blood Sugar Level Ranges
Tweet Understanding blood glucose level ranges can be a key part of diabetes self-management. This page states 'normal' blood sugar ranges and blood sugar ranges for adults and children with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and blood sugar ranges to determine people with diabetes. If a person with diabetes has a meter, test strips and is testing, it's important to know what the blood glucose level means. Recommended blood glucose levels have a degree of interpretation for every individual and you should discuss this with your healthcare team. In addition, women may be set target blood sugar levels during pregnancy. The following ranges are guidelines provided by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) but each individual’s target range should be agreed by their doctor or diabetic consultant. Recommended target blood glucose level ranges The NICE recommended target blood glucose levels are stated below for adults with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and children with type 1 diabetes. In addition, the International Diabetes Federation's target ranges for people without diabetes is stated. [19] [89] [90] The table provides general guidance. An individual target set by your healthcare team is the one you should aim for. NICE recommended target blood glucose level ranges Target Levels by Type Upon waking Before meals (pre prandial) At least 90 minutes after meals (post prandial) Non-diabetic* 4.0 to 5.9 mmol/L under 7.8 mmol/L Type 2 diabetes 4 to 7 mmol/L under 8.5 mmol/L Type 1 diabetes 5 to 7 mmol/L 4 to 7 mmol/L 5 to 9 mmol/L Children w/ type 1 diabetes 4 to 7 mmol/L 4 to 7 mmol/L 5 to 9 mmol/L *The non-diabetic figures are provided for information but are not part of NICE guidelines. Normal and diabetic blood sugar ranges For the majority of healthy ind Continue reading >>
Diagnosis
Print Symptoms of type 1 diabetes often appear suddenly and are often the reason for checking blood sugar levels. Because symptoms of other types of diabetes and prediabetes come on more gradually or may not be evident, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has recommended screening guidelines. The ADA recommends that the following people be screened for diabetes: Anyone with a body mass index higher than 25, regardless of age, who has additional risk factors, such as high blood pressure, a sedentary lifestyle, a history of polycystic ovary syndrome, having delivered a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds, a history of diabetes in pregnancy, high cholesterol levels, a history of heart disease, and having a close relative with diabetes. Anyone older than age 45 is advised to receive an initial blood sugar screening, and then, if the results are normal, to be screened every three years thereafter. Tests for type 1 and type 2 diabetes and prediabetes Glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test. This blood test indicates your average blood sugar level for the past two to three months. It measures the percentage of blood sugar attached to hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. The higher your blood sugar levels, the more hemoglobin you'll have with sugar attached. An A1C level of 6.5 percent or higher on two separate tests indicates that you have diabetes. An A1C between 5.7 and 6.4 percent indicates prediabetes. Below 5.7 is considered normal. If the A1C test results aren't consistent, the test isn't available, or if you have certain conditions that can make the A1C test inaccurate — such as if you're pregnant or have an uncommon form of hemoglobin (known as a hemoglobin variant) — your doctor may use the following tests to diagnose diabetes: Random blood sugar Continue reading >>
Blood Glucose Monitoring
One of the main aims of diabetes treatment is to keep blood glucose levels within a specified target range. The key is balancing your food with your activity, lifestyle and diabetes medicines. Blood glucose monitoring can help you understand the link between blood glucose, food, exercise and insulin. Over time your readings will provide you and your health professionals with the information required to determine the best management strategy for your diabetes. Maintaining good blood glucose control is your best defence to reduce the chances of developing complications from diabetes. Self-blood glucose monitoring allows you to check your blood glucose levels as often as you need to or as recommended by your doctor or Credentialled Diabetes Educator. To test blood glucose levels, you need: A blood glucose meter A lancet device with lancets Test strips. Blood glucose meters are usually sold as kits giving you all the equipment you need to start. There are many different types, offering different features and at different prices to meet individual needs. Most of these are available from Diabetes Australia in your state or territory, pharmacies and some diabetes centres. Your doctor or Credentialled Diabetes Educator can help you choose the meter that’s best for you, and your Credentialled Diabetes Educator or pharmacist can show you how to use your meter to get accurate results. To test your blood glucose levels, you prick your finger with the lancet and add a small drop of blood onto a testing strip. This strip is then inserted into the meter, which reads the strip and displays a number – your blood glucose level. When and how often you should test your blood glucose levels varies depending on each individual, the type of diabetes and the tablets and/or insulin being us Continue reading >>
Diagnosing Diabetes
In diagnosing diabetes, physicians primarily depend upon the results of specific glucose tests. However, test results are just part of the information that goes into the diagnosis of type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Doctors also take into account your physical exam, presence or absence of symptoms, and medical history. Some people who are significantly ill will have transient problems with elevated blood sugars, which will then return to normal after the illness has resolved. Also, some medications may alter your blood glucose levels (most commonly steroids and certain diuretics, such as water pills). The 2 main tests used to measure the presence of blood sugar problems are the direct measurement of glucose levels in the blood during an overnight fast and measurement of the body's ability to appropriately handle the excess sugar presented after drinking a high glucose drink. Fasting Blood Glucose (Blood Sugar) Level A value above 126 mg/dL on at least 2 occasions typically means a person has diabetes. The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test An oral glucose tolerance test is one that can be performed in a doctor's office or a lab. The person being tested starts the test in a fasting state (having no food or drink except water for at least 10 hours but not greater than 16 hours). An initial blood sugar is drawn and then the person is given a "glucola" bottle with a high amount of sugar in it (75 grams of glucose or 100 grams for pregnant women). The person then has their blood tested again 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, and 3 hours after drinking the high glucose drink. For the test to give reliable results, you must be in good health (not have any other illnesses, not even a cold). Also, you should be normally active (for example, not lying down or confined to a bed like a patient in a Continue reading >>
Diagnosing Diabetes
How much do you know? Self assessment quizzes are available for topics covered in this website. Find out how much you have learned about Diabetes. Random or casual plasma glucose test A plasma glucose test is a measure of how much sugar/glucose you have circulating in your blood. “Random” or “Casual” simply means that you have blood drawn at a laboratory at any time. Whether you have fasted or recently eaten will not affect the test. A plasma glucose test measurement equal to or greater than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) indicates that you may have diabetes. To be sure, you will need to have the test results confirmed on another day through another random test, or by taking a fasting plasma glucose test or an oral glucose tolerance test. Fasting plasma glucose test This simple blood test is taken after you have abstained from food and drink (except water) for at least 8 hours. A normal plasma glucose level after fasting is between 60 and 99 mg/dl. Diabetes is not confirmed until 2 separate fasting plasma glucose tests each measure 126 or greater. Oral glucose tolerance test It’s possible for people with diabetes – even those with symptoms – to have a normal fasting plasma glucose test. If you fall into this category, you will again be asked to abstain from food and drink (except water) for 8 hours and then drink a liquid containing a known amount of glucose, usually 75 grams.Your blood is drawn before drinking the glucose mixture and 2 hours later. You will be asked to refrain from eating until the test is completed. This test is called an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Your fasting plasma glucose normally is less than 100 mg/dl. Values from 100mg/dl to 126 mg/dl are diagnostic of pre-diabetes. Fasting plasma glucose levels equal or above 126 m Continue reading >>
Blood Sugar Test
A blood glucose test measures the amount of a sugar called glucose in a sample of your blood. Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the body, including brain cells. Carbohydrates are found in fruit, cereal, bread, pasta, and rice. They are quickly turned into glucose in your body. This raises your blood glucose level. Hormones made in the body help control blood glucose level. Continue reading >>
Random Blood Glucose: A Robust Risk Factor For Type 2 Diabetes
Go to: Context: Although random blood glucose (RBG) values are common in clinical practice, the role of elevated RBG values as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes is not well described. Objective: This study aimed to examine nondiagnostic, RBG values as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes This was a cross-sectional study of National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) participants (2005–2010). The primary outcome was glycemic status (normal glycemia, undiagnosed prediabetes, or undiagnosed diabetes) using hemoglobin HbA1C as the criterion standard. Analysis: Multinomial logistic regression examined associations between diabetes risk factors and RBG values according to glycemic status. Associations between current U.S. screening strategies and a hypothetical RBG screening strategy with undiagnosed diabetes were examined. Results: In unadjusted analyses, a single RBG ≥ 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) was more strongly associated with undiagnosed diabetes than any single risk factor (odds ratio [OR], 31.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 21.3–45.5) and remained strongly associated with undiagnosed diabetes (OR, 20.4; 95% CI, 14.0–29.6) after adjustment for traditional diabetes risk factors. Using RBG < 100 mg/dL as a reference, the adjusted odds of undiagnosed diabetes increased significantly as RBG increased. RBG 100–119 mg/dL (OR 7.1; 95% CI 4.4–11.4); RBG 120–139 mg/dL (OR 30.3; 95% CI 20.0–46.0); RBG ≥ 140 mg/dL (OR 256; 95% CI 150.0–436.9). As a hypothetical screening strategy, an elevated RBG was more strongly associated with undiagnosed diabetes than current United States Preventative Services Task Force guidelines (hypertension alone; P < .0001) and similar to American Diabetes Association guidelines (P = .12). Conclusions: A single RBG ≥ 100 m Continue reading >>
