what is a fasting blood sugar level

A fasting blood sugar level, also known as fasting plasma glucose (FPG), measures the amount of glucose in your blood after you have not eaten for at least 8 hours. It is commonly used to diagnose diabetes or prediabetes.

Normal Ranges:

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

Why It's Important:

Fasting blood sugar levels help assess how well your body manages glucose. High levels may indicate insulin resistance or diabetes, while low levels could suggest hypoglycemia.

When to Test:

• If you have symptoms of diabetes (e.g., frequent urination, excessive thirst).
• As part of routine health checkups, especially if you have risk factors like obesity or a family history of diabetes.

Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and interpretation of your results.