A blood glucose test will measure the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. The amount is usually measured in mg/dL (milligrams (mg) per decilitre (dL)).

Sometimes, blood sugar is measured in mmol/L (Millimoles Per Litre). Your blood glucose level in Millimoles is 10.3 mmol/L.

Blood Sugar Test

186 mg/dL Blood Glucose - what does it mean?

For a Person With Diabetes

• Too high (Hyperglycemia) if this was your fasting blood sugar (8 hours without food intake)
• Reactive Hyperglycemia or postprandial Hyperglycemia can occur right after eating and may still be okay
• If you are planning to exercise, this is a safe pre-exercise blood glucose level

For a Person Without Diabetes

• Prediabetic if this blood sugar was tested fasting or after a meal

More Information

If sugar is not controlled at the early signs of hyperglycemia, it will continue to rise. Readings of 180 mg/dl - 250 mg/dl suggests that glucose continues to build up in the bloodstream and there is not enough insulin in the body to remove it. The condition can occur in both types 1 and 2 diabetics.

At this point, symptoms may include excess sugar in the urine, increased thirst or hunger, blurry vision, fatigue, or weakness. Scaling back on the amount of food you eat, adjusting the time you take insulin, or exercising can help bring sugar levels down. However, you should work with your doctor or diabetes plan to reduce blood glucose in a way that is safe for you.