Blood sugar level: Types and Normal Values.

Blood sugar levels refer to the amount of glucose present in the blood. Glucose is a type of sugar that serves as a primary source of energy for the body's cells. The two main types of blood sugar tests are fasting blood sugar and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

  1. Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS):

    • Normal Range: Typically, a normal fasting blood sugar level is considered to be less than 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). However, values between 100-125 mg/dL may indicate prediabetes, and levels of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests usually indicate diabetes.

  2. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT):

    • Normal Range: A normal blood glucose level two hours after consuming a sugary drink during an OGTT is less than 140 mg/dL. Values between 140-199 mg/dL may suggest impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes), and levels of 200 mg/dL or higher typically indicate diabetes.

  3. Random Blood Sugar Test:

    • Normal Range: There is no standard "normal" range for a random blood sugar test, as it is taken at any time, regardless of when you last ate. However, values above 200 mg/dL may suggest diabetes.

  4. HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) Test:

    • Normal Range: HbA1c reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. Generally, an HbA1c level below 5.7% is considered normal. Levels between 5.7% and 6.4% may indicate prediabetes, while an HbA1c of 6.5% or higher is often used to diagnose diabetes.



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