Community Answer

Answered by Dr. Emily Carter, MD 🩺

A blood sugar level of 165 mg/dL can be considered high depending on the context:

  • Fasting Blood Sugar: If this reading is taken after fasting (not eating for at least 8 hours), it is higher than the normal range (70-99 mg/dL) and may indicate prediabetes or diabetes.
  • Post-Meal Blood Sugar: If this reading is taken 1-2 hours after eating, it is slightly elevated but may still be within an acceptable range for some individuals. However, consistently high post-meal readings could indicate poor blood sugar control.

When to Consult a Doctor:

  • If you frequently see readings of 165 mg/dL or higher, especially when fasting, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and testing, such as an A1C test, which provides an average blood sugar level over the past 3 months.

Normal Blood Sugar Ranges: Condition Blood Sugar Range (mg/dL)

Normal (Fasting) 70-99
Prediabetes 100-125
Diabetes 126 or higher
Post-Meal (1-2h) Less than 180

If you have diabetes, your target range may vary based on your treatment plan. Always follow your doctor’s recommendations.

Last updated: 1/12/2025

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