what is a fasting blood sugar

Fasting blood sugar (FBS) refers to the level of glucose in your blood after you have not eaten for at least 8 hours. It is commonly used to diagnose prediabetes, diabetes, or to monitor blood sugar control in people with diabetes.

Normal Ranges for Fasting Blood Sugar:

• Normal: Less than 100 mg/dL
• Prediabetes: 100 to 125 mg/dL
• Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests

Why is it important?

• Diagnosis: Helps identify diabetes or prediabetes.
• Monitoring: Tracks how well diabetes is being managed.
• Risk Assessment: High fasting blood sugar levels can indicate an increased risk of complications like heart disease.

How is it tested?

• A blood sample is taken after an overnight fast (usually 8-12 hours).
• It is often part of routine health checkups or diabetes management plans.

If your fasting blood sugar is high, consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.