What Are Normal Non-Fasting Glucose Levels?

A non-fasting glucose test measures the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood after eating. Normal non-fasting (A1C) levels are below 140 milligrams per deciliters of blood (mg/dL). If between 140 and 199 mg/dL, you may have prediabetes. If above 200 mg/dL, you may have diabetes.

This article explains the purpose of a non-fasting glucose test and how it differs from a fasting glucose test. It also describes what a normal result is for each test and at what point a person may need medical assistance for hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose).

Why Non-Fasting Glucose Is Tested

Fasting blood glucose and non-fasting blood glucose are two measures that are helpful in the diagnosis of prediabetes and diabetes. Non-fasting blood glucose offers an additional benefit in that it can also help inform diabetes management.

The fasting glucose test only measures your blood glucose at a specific point: after you haven't consumed anything for eight hours. It tells you how low you can expect your blood glucose to go.

In contrast, the non-fasting A1C helps determine your average blood sugar level over a period of two to three months. This tells you about how well your blood glucose is being kept in check and is more informative than the blood tests used to monitor blood sugar at home.

Non-Fasting Glucose Levels: Normal, Elevated, and High

The following non-fasting glucose levels indicate whether an adult is prediabetic, diabetic, or neither:

• Normal: Under 140 mg/dL
• Prediabetes: 140 and 199 mg/dL
• Diabetes: Above 200 mg/dL

As a point of comparison, here are the fasting blood sugar levels used to help with diagnosis:

• Normal: Less than 100 mg/dL
• Prediabetes: 100 mg/dL to 125 mg/dL
• Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher
  

Levels in People With Diabetes

Measuring glucose levels after meals is important not just for diagnosis, but in the treatment of diabetes too. Results obtained during home testing can reveal whether you need an insulin shot to move excess sugar out of your blood and into cells.

Non-fasting sugar levels among adults with type 1 diabetes should be:

• Before meals: From 90 to 130 mg/dL
• After meals (1 to 2 hours after eating): Less than 180 mg/dL
• At bedtime: From 90 to 150 mg/dL

Non-fasting glucose levels among adults with type 2 diabetes should be:

• Before meals: From 70 to 130 mg/dL
• After meals (1 to 2 hours after eating): Less than 180 mg/dL
• At bedtime: From 90 to 150 mg/dL
  

Risks of Low Non-Fasting Blood Glucose

Hypoglycemia is a glucose level below 70 mg/dL. If the body doesn’t have enough glucose, this can lead to symptoms such as:

• Difficulty speaking
• Dizziness
• Fast breathing
• Feeling anxious or weak
• Hunger
• Nausea
• Shakiness
  

If a person has diabetes, hypoglycemia can sometimes be a side effect of diabetes medication. If a person has hypoglycemia and the glucose is too low, it could result in a diabetic coma. If the person is unconscious, it is vital to call 911 immediately.

Anyone with diabetes should keep the contact information of their healthcare provider nearby so they can reach out for help when needed.

Risks of High Non-Fasting Glucose Levels

Hyperglycemia is high blood sugar. This happens when the body doesn’t have enough insulin and there is too much sugar in the blood. Symptoms of hyperglycemia include:

• Blurred vision
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination
• Headache
• Increased hunger and/or thirst

If hyperglycemia is not treated properly, you risk both short- and long-term health issues, such as kidney problems. And if your blood sugar climbs too high and is left untreated, you risk lapsing into a diabetic coma.

Hyperglycemia can be maintained and/or prevented by:

• Avoiding smoking and alcohol
• Eating right
• Exercising
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Taking medication as prescribed

It's important to work with your healthcare provider to get the best outcome regarding this condition.

Ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can develop in people who have type 1 diabetes and untreated hyperglycemia. This is when toxic acids or ketones build up in the blood. This is an extremely serious condition that can cause coma or death.

Summary

Diabetes is a serious condition that requires diabetics to remain proactive about their blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. If they don't, they could develop hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hyperglycemia (high blood sugar), or ketoacidosis (a serious complication of diabetes). Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly can help keep blood sugar levels under control.

A Word From Verywell

Diabetes can create a lot of health complications if it's not managed properly. Checking blood sugar on a regular basis is essential. For many people, it also represents one of the biggest adjustments they have to make to a diabetic lifestyle. But if diabetes goes untreated, it can result in dangerous consequences.