Fasting blood glucose - diabetes range?

• A. ≥7.0 mmol/L on two separate tests
• B. ≥7.0 mmol/L on a single test
• C. 5.6-6.9 mmol/L
• D. <5.6 mmol/L

Answer: (A)

Diagnosing diabetes with fasting glucose requires two abnormal results on separate occasions. The threshold is a fasting glucose of 7.0 mmol/L (126 mg/dL) or higher, confirmed on two separate tests. This two-test rule guards against misclassification from day-to-day variation or temporary factors like stress or illness. If fasting glucose is 5.6–6.9 mmol/L, that indicates impaired fasting glucose (prediabetes), not diabetes. A value below 5.6 mmol/L is considered normal. Remember, fasting means no caloric intake for at least 8 hours before the test.