Morning blood sugar tests are typically referred to as fasting blood glucose tests. When you test your blood sugar in the morning, you should do it without having anything to eat or drink for at least 8 hours. This blood sugar test indicates how well your body manages the sugar that it produces naturally and can indicate impaired glucose management or diabetes.
When to Test
Test your morning blood sugar just after you get up, before you eat anything. Your fasting blood sugar reading is only accurate if you have gone 8 hours since you last ate, and you test before you eat or drink anything in the morning. Test as soon as possible after you get up because your body begins producing sugar for energy if you haven't eaten anything to provide energy fuel.
Target Blood Sugar
When your body is managing glucose properly, your fasting blood sugar will be between 70 and 100. If your blood glucose reading is 100 to 125, this indicates a pre-diabetes condition which means your blood sugar is not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes, but you are showing an impaired glucose response.
Diabetic Fasting Blood Sugar
Diabetes patients should aim for a fasting blood glucose between 90 to 130 mg/dL. Fasting blood glucose readings above 130 should be treated if you are on an insulin regimen. Do not add carbohydrates to your breakfast until you bring your blood glucose readings within the target range.
Gestational Diabetes
Pregnant women with gestational diabetes need to aim for a fasting blood sugar number no higher than 95, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. The developing baby is highly sensitive to the increased blood sugars during late stages of pregnancy, which is why these numbers are lower for pregnant women.
