The doctor can provide more context and describe ways to keep blood glucose levels in a safe range. Your self-monitoring device reports your blood sugar levels in milligrams of sugar per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles of sugar per liter (mmol/L). The measurement shows your blood sugar level at the time you do the test.
If a patient’s sugar level goes above 140 mg/dL after any of the two tests, they have prediabetes, and if they go above 199 mg/dl, they have diabetes and urgently need treatments. An A1C test measures the average amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood over the past three months. The higher the percentage, the higher your blood glucose levels have been, on average. Approximately 8 out of 10 people with prediabetes do not know they have the condition. This is because symptoms don’t usually appear until blood sugar levels increase enough to be diagnosed with diabetes.
High fasting glucose levels can be concerning, especially when paired with a normal A1C result. A fasting glucose level of 101 mg/dL falls within the range of prediabetes, typically defined as 100-125 mg/dL. This number indicates that your body may not be processing glucose as efficiently as it should be. On the other hand, an A1C level of 5.1% is considered to be within the normal range, usually interpreted as good blood sugar control over the past 2-3 months.
During the A1C test, a member of your health care team takes a blood sample by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm or pricking your finger tip with a small, pointed lancet. If the blood is taken from a vein, the blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis. Glucose (sugar) mainly comes from carbohydrates in the food and drinks you consume. Your blood carries glucose to all of your body’s cells to use for energy. Changing a few habits can make a difference and help ensure your blood sugar stays under control. An A1c of 5.1 is equal to blood sugar of 100 mg/dl or 5.6 mmol/l.
The test is done in a doctor’s office or a lab using a sample of blood from a finger stick or from your arm. You don’t need to do anything special to prepare for your A1C test. However, ask your doctor if other tests will be done at the same time and if you need to prepare for them. Aerobic exercise includes swimming, running, brisk walking, or biking. You can engage in any of these exercises for 30 minutes every day and 150 minutes every week. This means that people who have an ancestry with diabetes issues are more likely to get diabetes than those who don’t.
So, what does it mean when you have high fasting glucose but a normal A1C? It could suggest that your body is still able to regulate blood sugar levels well over an extended period despite showing elevated levels in the short term. However, it’s essential to monitor both your fasting glucose and A1C levels regularly to catch any changes or trends early on.
Red blood cells contain a protein called hemoglobin, which gives blood its red color. Hemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body, from the lungs to other organs and body parts. Another substance, blood sugar (glucose), which comes from food sources, also travels through the bloodstream. Everlywell offers health and wellness solutions including laboratory testing for wellness monitoring, informational and educational use.
Causes of High Fasting Glucose
Several factors can contribute to high fasting glucose levels, including insulin resistance, poor diet, lack of physical activity, stress, medications, and underlying health conditions like prediabetes or diabetes. In some cases, a high fasting glucose level may be a one-time occurrence due to external factors such as a high-carb meal the night before or increased stress levels.
Using syrups or additional sugar can prevent the beverages from exhibiting their protective impact and increase your blood sugar instead. The aim is to enable people to make diabetes testing a priority once they fall into any of the categories. The oral glucose tolerance test is first taken after an overnight fast. That means that patients will have to take it in the morning and at a time when it’s been at least 8 hours since their previous meal a day ago. After taking that first test, they’ll have to take a sugary drink or glucose-filled juice and repeat the test after two hours.
Managing High Fasting Glucose
If you consistently have high fasting glucose levels, it’s essential to work with your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and develop a plan to manage it effectively. This may involve making lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet, increasing physical activity, reducing stress, and possibly medication if necessary. Monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly and staying informed about your condition are crucial steps in maintaining good health.
High blood sugar and diabetes may not cause symptoms in the early stages. A fasting blood sugar test is the most common test done to screen for diabetes, usually starting at age 35. If you have no other diabetes risk factors, you should be tested every 3 years (in some cases, more often if your weight is rising). The A1c test is a blood test that measures your blood sugar level over the previous 3 months. If you have diabetes, expect to take an A1c test at least twice a year.
