Ask the Diabetes Educator Archive

6/6/05

Q:
My doctor did a fasting test and she says it is my blood sugar is 6.5. I don't understand if that is high or not. A doctor I went to years ago always gave me numbers like 120-250, so I am confused as to what 6.5 means.

A:
She probably tested your A1C which is the average of your sugars levels for the past 3 months. 6.5 means your blood sugars are most likely in the pre-diabetes stage. A "normal" blood sugar has a target A1C closer to 5. If you are truly working on managing your lifestyle, you are moving in the right direction, and may continue to see a lowering of your A1C. Keep up the good work!