A blood glucose reading of 137 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) measures the concentration of glucose circulating in the bloodstream at a specific moment. Receiving a number like this often prompts immediate concern, as blood sugar levels are a direct indicator of metabolic health. Understanding what 137 mg/dL signifies requires context, because the interpretation changes based on when the test was performed relative to eating or sleeping. A healthcare professional interprets this result by considering the timing of the test and any accompanying symptoms to determine if it represents a temporary elevation or a chronic condition.
Contextualizing a 137 Blood Glucose Reading
Interpreting a 137 mg/dL result depends entirely on the testing scenario, which can be categorized into three main types: fasting, random, or post-meal. If this measurement was taken after a period of at least eight hours without food, known as a fasting plasma glucose test, a reading of 137 mg/dL is significantly elevated. A fasting level at or above 126 mg/dL meets the threshold for a preliminary diagnosis of diabetes. A 137 mg/dL result in this context is a serious indication requiring further medical evaluation.
If the 137 mg/dL reading was taken randomly at any time of day without regard to your last meal, it falls into a less alarming category. For a random plasma glucose test, a value of 200 mg/dL or higher is generally used for a diabetes diagnosis, especially when paired with symptoms like increased thirst or frequent urination. A random 137 mg/dL is elevated above the normal non-fasting range, but it is not immediately diagnostic of diabetes on its own.
Conversely, if the test was performed one to two hours after consuming a meal, the 137 mg/dL result is often considered within an acceptable range. Two hours after eating, blood glucose levels for people without diabetes are typically expected to be below 140 mg/dL. In this post-meal context, 137 mg/dL suggests the body is managing the influx of carbohydrates effectively, although it is near the upper limit of the target range.
Understanding the Clinical Range Thresholds
Medical professionals use established cutoffs to classify glucose measurements and provide a framework for diagnosis. The fasting plasma glucose (FPG) test is a standard diagnostic tool, with a result below 100 mg/dL considered normal. Prediabetes is defined by an FPG level between 100 and 125 mg/dL, indicating impaired fasting glucose. A diagnosis of diabetes is made when the fasting glucose measurement is 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate occasions.
Another diagnostic method is the two-hour Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), where a patient drinks a sugary solution. A result of less than 140 mg/dL after two hours is normal, while levels between 140 and 199 mg/dL signal prediabetes. Diabetes is confirmed if the two-hour OGTT result is 200 mg/dL or higher. The A1C test provides an average blood sugar level over the preceding two to three months. An A1C result below 5.7% is normal, 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher confirms a diabetes diagnosis.
Factors That Temporarily Elevate Glucose
A single elevated reading like 137 mg/dL does not automatically confirm a chronic condition, as many situational factors can temporarily increase blood glucose. Physical stress from an illness, such as a cold or the flu, or even minor injuries, triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol. These hormones prompt the liver to release stored glucose, which can temporarily spike blood sugar levels.
Acute emotional stress, whether from work pressure or a traumatic event, also causes a hormonal response that elevates glucose. Certain medications are known to interfere with glucose regulation, particularly corticosteroids used to treat inflammation or allergies. Furthermore, insufficient sleep or a state of dehydration can also lead to a higher glucose reading, as both conditions affect the body’s sensitivity to insulin.
Immediate Steps and Medical Consultation
Upon receiving a 137 mg/dL result, the most important step is to schedule a consultation with a healthcare provider. The provider will likely recommend confirmatory testing, such as a repeat fasting plasma glucose test or an A1C test, to assess long-term glucose control. The A1C test is valuable because it is not affected by recent meals or temporary stressors, offering a clearer picture of average blood sugar.
While awaiting a medical appointment, immediate, simple lifestyle adjustments can be beneficial. Increasing water intake helps to flush out excess glucose and correct any dehydration that may have influenced the reading. Taking a short, brisk walk immediately after meals can help muscles utilize circulating glucose, which naturally lowers blood sugar levels. These initial steps are part of a proactive approach to managing a potentially elevated glucose measurement.