Normal In healthy individuals the blood glucose levels range between 4-7 mmol/L
There are several blood tests that are done to determine/confirm if you have diabetes this usually involves measuring your sugar levels when you wake up before you have had anything to eat or drink (Fasting) and tests before and 2 hours after drinking a sugary drink. (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test OGTT)
Fasting Blood Sugars
Normal fasting blood sugars are below 6.1 mmols/L
Pre diabetes “Pre- diabetes” is a term used when your blood sugars have been confirmed as being above normal levels but below the levels at which we diagnose diabetes therefore NOT high enough to be classed as diabetes.
Pre-diabetes your fasting blood sugar levels are between 6.1-6.9 mmols/L also know as Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG)
Diabetes blood sugars are equal to or above 7.00 mmols/l this is diabetes although – a repeat test is required to confirm diagnosis. (Two test- WHO recommendations)
Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) equal to or above 7.8 mmol/l but below 11.0 mmol/l at the two hour test. See What is a Glucose Tolerance Test
If you do have Diabetes
Hypoglycaemia – blood sugars fall below 4mmol/l See symptoms
Hyperglycaemia- blood sugars are above normal 4-7 mmol/l See symptoms These are both determined by glucose monitoring
