Community Answer

Answered by Dr. Emily Carter, MD

A fasting blood sugar test typically requires you to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for 8 to 12 hours before the test. This ensures accurate measurement of your blood glucose levels without the influence of recent food intake.

  • Purpose: It helps diagnose prediabetes, diabetes, or monitor blood sugar control.
  • Normal Range: Fasting blood sugar levels should be less than 100 mg/dL.
  • Prediabetes: Levels between 100–125 mg/dL indicate prediabetes.
  • Diabetes: Levels of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests suggest diabetes.

Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions for fasting and testing.

Last updated: 1/12/2025

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