Fasting Blood Sugar Over 5.6? A Red Flag for Prediabetes: Don't Ignore the Warning Signs!

Prediabetes is a state characterized by blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but do not meet the criteria for type 2 diabetes. Different health organizations have varying definitions for prediabetes. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines prediabetes as a fasting blood glucose level between 6.1 to 6.9 mmol/L, while the American Diabetes Association (ADA) considers a fasting blood glucose level of 5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L (100 to 125 mg/dL) as prediabetes 16.

A research team from Shunde First People's Hospital, Southern Medical University, conducted a meta-analysis which included data from over 1.6 million individuals across 53 studies. Their findings indicated that the risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality associated with prediabetes begins to increase at fasting blood glucose levels as low as 5.6 mmol/L, aligning with the lower fasting blood glucose level threshold proposed by the ADA 45.

Given these findings, it is important for individuals to be vigilant about their blood sugar levels. If your fasting blood glucose is above 5.6 mmol/L, you may be in the prediabetes range and should consider lifestyle modifications, such as regular monitoring of blood sugar levels, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity, to prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes. These preventative measures are in line with the recommendations provided in the "Expert consensus on early intervention for diabetes in Chinese adults (2023 edition)" which emphasizes the importance of lifestyle interventions in managing prediabetes 1.