The Vital Role of Glucose in the Body

10. The Importance of Timing

Timing is an important factor when testing blood glucose. Glucose levels are the lowest right before meals or after fasting. Generally, the most accurate results are obtained in the morning after fasting overnight.

Normal blood glucose is under 100 mg/dL when fasting (first thing in the morning) or under 140 mg/dL two hours after eating. A fasting blood glucose greater than 125 mg/dL or 180 mg/dL two hours after eating indicates hyperglycemia. Hypoglycemia is blood glucose under 70 mg/dL, but symptoms may not occur until glucose is less than 55 mg/dL.