Fasting blood sugar refers to the level of glucose in your blood after at least 8 hours without eating. A fasting plasma glucose test, also known as a fasting blood sugar test, is used to determine this number. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, an elevated level of blood glucose is often an indication of a metabolic disorder, such as insulin resistance, prediabetes and diabetes.
Fasting Plasma Glucose
The American Diabetes Association provides three distinct ranges to help determine if your blood sugar is too high. A fasting plasma glucose, or FPG, under 100 is considered normal. Anywhere between 100 and 125 is an indication of impaired fasting glucose, which means you've developed prediabetes. As soon as your FPG is over 125, you're often diagnosed with diabetes.
Prediabetes
According to MayoClinic.com, a fasting blood sugar level indicating prediabetes is likely to progress into type 2 diabetes, or adult-onset diabetes, in less than 10 years. However, this doesn't necessarily mean diabetes is unavoidable. Certain lifestyle changes can help to prevent this disease.
Lifestyle Changes
If your fasting blood sugar is 100 to 125, losing weight is probably the most effective method of preventing or delaying diabetes. A weight loss of approximately 5 to 7 percent reduces your chances of developing this condition by 60 percent, explains the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
To help you lose weight and lower blood sugar, change your diet to include more fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains, while reducing your fat and calorie intake. Exercising at least 30 to 60 minutes most days of the week is also beneficial.
Sleep
Surprisingly, your sleep can affect your blood sugar levels, advises MayoClinic.com. It appears that proper rest prevents insulin resistance. Getting at least 6 hours of sleep each night may help prevent prediabetes and subsequently adult-onset diabetes.
Medical Intervention
If lifestyle changes fail to improve your blood sugar levels, or you're currently at high risk of developing diabetes, medical intervention is often necessary. A number of medications can be used in combination with lifestyle changes to improve the levels of blood sugar or blood cholesterol, which can also contribute to the development of diabetes. Your doctor can prescribe the appropriate form of treatment.
