A fasting blood glucose test measures your blood sugar after at least eight hours without food. It is a standard screen for prediabetes and diabetes.
What the numbers mean
- Normal: below about 100 mg/dL
- Prediabetes: roughly 100 to 125 mg/dL
- Diabetes range: 126 mg/dL or higher on two occasions
These thresholds are guidelines; your doctor interprets them alongside your symptoms and risk factors.
Why HbA1c matters too
A single glucose reading is a snapshot. HbA1c reflects your average blood sugar over the past two to three months, so the two tests together give a fuller picture. An HbA1c of 5.7 to 6.4 percent suggests prediabetes.
What you can do about prediabetes
Prediabetes is often reversible. Modest weight loss, regular activity and reducing refined carbohydrates can move your numbers back toward normal. Recheck as advised by your clinician.
You don't have to interpret a single number alone. Upload your full lab report and Lab Lens will explain every value in plain English, or browse all our lab test guides.
This article is for general education only and is not medical advice. Reference ranges vary between laboratories — always read your result against the range on your own report and discuss it with your doctor.