During a blood sugar camp, five individuals present with their fasting blood sugar levels measured. The following are their fasting blood sugar values:
- Person 1: 90 mg/dL
- Person 2: 120 mg/dL
- Person 3: 130 mg/dL
- Person 4: 49 mg/dL
- Person 5: 52 mg/dL
Which of the following blood sugar levels is considered normal?
A. 90 mg/dL
B. 120 mg/dL
C. 130 mg/dL
D. 49 mg/dL
E. 52 mg/dL
Correct Answer: A. 90 mg/dL
Explanation:
The normal fasting blood sugar level for a healthy individual is typically in the range of 70 to 99 mg/dL. Any value above this range suggests a potential disorder in glucose metabolism, such as prediabetes or diabetes mellitus. A fasting blood sugar level that is below this range could indicate hypoglycemia.
Here’s the breakdown of each value:
- 90 mg/dL: This is within the normal range for fasting blood sugar levels. A fasting blood sugar of 90 mg/dL is considered a healthy level for a normal individual.
- 120 mg/dL: This is above the normal range. A fasting blood sugar between 100 and 125 mg/dL suggests prediabetes, a condition where blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes.
- 130 mg/dL: This level is indicative of diabetes. A fasting blood sugar of 126 mg/dL or higher, on two separate occasions, is diagnostic for diabetes.
- 49 mg/dL: This is low and may indicate hypoglycemia, a condition where blood sugar drops below normal levels, often leading to symptoms such as sweating, shaking, and confusion.
- 52 mg/dL: Similar to 49 mg/dL, this is also hypoglycemia, as the normal fasting blood sugar should not drop below 70 mg/dL in a healthy individual.
Key Points to Remember:
- Normal fasting blood sugar: 70-99 mg/dL
- Prediabetes: 100-125 mg/dL
- Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests
- Hypoglycemia: Below 70 mg/dL
Conclusion:
The normal fasting blood sugar level is 90 mg/dL. Any level below 70 mg/dL indicates hypoglycemia, and levels above 100 mg/dL may suggest prediabetes or diabetes.