What Blood Sugar Level is Considered High?

Normal blood sugar levels are defined as a fasting blood glucose level between 3.3 and 6.1 mmol/L, and a post-meal (2 hours after eating) level below 7.8 mmol/L. If a person's fasting blood sugar exceeds 6.1 mmol/L or their post-meal blood sugar rises above 7.8 mmol/L, this indicates high blood sugar. Individuals with consistently elevated blood sugar should seek medical advice, and in some cases, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) may be necessary. This test is considered the gold standard for diagnosing diabetes.

Understanding the Glucose Tolerance Test

During the glucose tolerance test, individuals are required to fast overnight. A fasting blood sugar level above 7.0 mmol/L, combined with a result higher than 11.1 mmol/L two hours after consuming a sugary drink, confirms a diagnosis of diabetes. If the fasting blood sugar falls between 6.1 and 7.0 mmol/L, and the 2-hour post-sugar level ranges between 7.8 and 11.1 mmol/L, the individual is classified as having prediabetes.

Managing Prediabetes and Diabetes

Prediabetes is a critical stage where lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of progressing to full-blown diabetes. It is strongly recommended that individuals focus on healthy eating, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight. For those diagnosed with diabetes, lifestyle modifications such as improved diet, increased physical activity, and weight management are essential first steps. However, if these changes are not sufficient to bring blood sugar levels into the target range, medication may be prescribed to help control glucose levels effectively.