Blood glucose, or blood sugar, is the primary sugar in your blood and the main energy source for the body’s cells, derived from the food you eat. Maintaining stable levels involves the hormone insulin, but any reading is merely a snapshot of a constantly fluctuating system. Because these levels change based on the body’s immediate demands, the time and circumstances of the measurement are the most important factors for accurate interpretation.
Context is Key: Defining Blood Sugar Ranges
Medical professionals use specific criteria to define normal, prediabetic, and diabetic blood glucose levels. These ranges depend entirely on whether the measurement was taken after fasting or after a meal. The Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) test is performed after at least eight hours without food or caloric beverages. A normal fasting glucose reading is less than 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
A fasting result between 100 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL is classified as prediabetes, indicating an elevated risk for developing type 2 diabetes. A reading of 126 mg/dL or higher, confirmed by a repeat test, is diagnostic for diabetes. The non-fasting measurement, sometimes called the 2-hour post-meal glucose, is taken two hours after consuming a standardized glucose drink or a meal. For this test, a normal result is less than 140 mg/dL. If the non-fasting level falls between 140 mg/dL and 199 mg/dL, it is consistent with prediabetes, reflecting impaired glucose tolerance. A non-fasting reading of 200 mg/dL or higher suggests a diagnosis of diabetes.
Interpreting a Reading of 116 mg/dL
The interpretation of a 116 mg/dL blood sugar reading depends entirely on whether the measurement was taken in a fasting or non-fasting state. If the 116 mg/dL result was obtained after fasting for eight or more hours, it falls outside the normal range of under 100 mg/dL. This reading places the individual within the prediabetes range.
The prediabetes classification (100 mg/dL to 125 mg/dL fasting) suggests the body is not efficiently clearing glucose from the bloodstream, known as impaired fasting glucose. This elevation indicates that the body’s insulin response may be starting to struggle. A fasting result of 116 mg/dL signals that lifestyle changes are warranted due to an increased risk of future complications.
Alternatively, if the reading of 116 mg/dL was taken one or two hours after eating, it is likely within an acceptable range. The body naturally experiences a temporary rise in glucose after a meal as carbohydrates are broken down and absorbed. A reading of 116 mg/dL is well below the prediabetes threshold of 140 mg/dL for a post-meal test, suggesting a healthy and prompt insulin response. This result is considered a normal post-meal peak for a person without diabetes.
Immediate Influences on Glucose Levels
A single elevated blood glucose reading, even 116 mg/dL fasting, does not always signify a chronic condition and can be due to temporary factors. Acute physical or emotional stress triggers the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which raise blood sugar to provide immediate energy. Minor illnesses, such as the common cold or flu, also cause the body to release stress hormones that can elevate glucose levels as part of the immune response.
Certain medications, most notably corticosteroids, interfere with insulin action and can cause temporary spikes in blood sugar. A poor night of sleep can also negatively impact insulin sensitivity, leading to a higher morning glucose level. Dehydration concentrates the blood, which can result in a seemingly higher blood sugar concentration when measured.
Next Steps and Long-Term Monitoring
If a fasting reading of 116 mg/dL is obtained, the next step is to schedule a follow-up test with a healthcare provider for confirmation. A diagnosis of prediabetes or diabetes requires multiple abnormal test results. The provider will likely order a more comprehensive assessment, such as the A1C test.
The A1C test measures the percentage of hemoglobin proteins in the blood coated with glucose. This test reflects the average blood sugar level over the previous two to three months, offering a reliable long-term picture of glucose control. The A1C is considered a more stable diagnostic tool than a single snapshot glucose reading.
A fasting result of 116 mg/dL should prompt a discussion with a healthcare professional regarding lifestyle adjustments. Prediabetes is often a reversible condition that can be managed through changes in diet and increased physical activity. Regular monitoring and clinical guidance are necessary to address an elevated glucose reading and reduce the risk of future health issues.