Diabetes Q+A: Fasting Blood Glucose

Question: My fasting glucose number was 127. Does this sound like pre-diabetes or diabetes? What should I do to control by blood sugar?

Answer: According to the American Diabetes Association pre-diabetes is defined as a fasting glucose between 100 mg/dl and 125 ml/dl. It defines diabetes as a fasting glucose of 126 ml/dl or higher.

It is a good idea to discuss this with your doctor and consider repeating the test or request an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) to be certain of the results.

The best way to prevent or delay diabetes is through lifestyle change. Choose whole grains. Eat 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables. Choose low-fat milk. Pay attention to proper serving sizes. If you are overweight, lose 5-10% of your wt. Add 30 minutes of activity to your daily routine.  Minimize your intake of high sugar drinks such as regular soda and juice.

If you receive a diagnosis of diabetes from your doctor consider speaking with a Registered Dietitian to assist you in meal planning and carbohydrate counting.