Normal Fasting Blood Sugar Levels

Blood sugar is an important health indicator and is the measurement of the level of glucose in the bloodstream, as it helps determine the functioning of many enzymes like insulin, and even organs like the pancreas and kidneys. Most importantly, blood sugar levels are measured to help diagnose the condition of diabetes.

There are two types of blood sugar measurements - fasting blood sugar levels (preprandial) and postprandial blood sugar levels. Fasting blood sugar levels are measured either six to eight hours after a meal, and they signify the amount of glucose circulating in the blood when the person has an empty stomach.

The normal fasting blood sugar is said to be around 70-100 mg/dl. It is important to know the normal levels of fasting blood sugar, so as to be able to keep an eye out for the presence of diabetes.

Here are the normal Blood Sugar Levels (mg/dl) according to different categories:

• Less than 70: Low levels
• 70 - 100 mg/dl: Normal level
• 100 - 125 mg/dl: Prediabetes/impaired glucose tolerance
• More than 125 mg/dl: Diabetic Blood Sugar Levels

If the blood sugar only deviates slightly from the normal range, then it is not a major cause of worry, as some simple changes in lifestyle, like cutting down on the intake of fatty foods and regularly exercising, will help keep a check on the blood sugar levels, and will help bring them under control.

However, if the fasting blood sugar rises to say 120 mg/dl, then it is advisable that the person get his postprandial blood sugar levels checked as well. This will help confirm the diagnosis of diabetes. 

Along with taking the help of the test, the person can also check for other possible diabetes symptoms, like increased hunger (polyphagia), increased thirst (polydipsia), and increased urination (polyuria). If the person is showing the signs and symptoms of this classic triad, then the chances are high that he is suffering from diabetes. 

In such cases, it is necessary that the person will need to go to the doctor and get a proper and detailed treatment plan chalked out, as making major lifestyle changes along with taking medications at this stage, will help in bringing down the sugar levels on a long term basis.

This is an important indicator of diabetes and helps in detecting this disease in its early stages. Hence, the readings of this test should not be ignored, as it helps in catching diabetes in its incipient stage, which can help prevent complications and problems related to this dreadful disease in the future.

Disclaimer: This is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.