Health column

When a health check shows a fasting glucose of 6.1 mmol/L (110 mg/dL), many people worry, “Is it diabetes?” By the criteria, 6.1 mmol/L does not reach the diagnostic criterion for diabetes (7.0 mmol/L or higher) and falls in the 5.6–6.9 mmol/L range of impaired fasting glucose, that is, prediabetes. However, a state is not confirmed from a single value alone.

Background to a rise in fasting glucose

Overnight, the liver makes glucose and releases it into the blood, and insulin suppresses this appropriately. When insulin resistance develops, this suppression weakens and morning fasting glucose rises. Abdominal obesity, lack of physical activity and lack of sleep are known to be factors related to insulin resistance.

What to check before the test

• Whether you fasted for at least 8 hours (including drinks other than water and lollies)
• Whether you overate or drank alcohol the night before
• Whether you are taking any medication (such as steroids)

If it came out at 110

• Also look at your average blood glucose over the past 2–3 months with an HbA1c test. If it is 5.7–6.4%, prediabetes becomes more clear.
• If you have prediabetes and a BMI of 23 or higher, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) recommends losing and maintaining 5–10% of your body weight.
• Start at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise a week and muscle-strengthening exercise 2–3 times a week.
• If the value is 126 or higher, or if prediabetes shows up repeatedly, get a diagnosis and consultation at a medical institution.

In Korea, 41.1% of adults aged 30 and older have prediabetes. It is not rare, and it is also the stage when management has the greatest effect.

Interpret my blood glucose numbers