At what blood sugar level do you become diabetic?

To diagnose diabetes, we rely on measuring blood glucose levels, also called “glycemia.” “Glucose is an important source of energy for the functioning of all cells in the body.” reminds us of Dr. Remy Bezen, a general practitioner, but “for some it is toxic once this concentration is too high, especially the kidneys, heart, brain, retina.”. “When you eat, foods containing carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which is then absorbed into the blood. This causes blood sugar levels to rise.”. In response to this increase, the pancreas releases insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. In diabetes, this regulation is absent and sugar levels rise.

There are 4 types of diabetes, but we keep two: type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.is associated with a malfunction of the immune system, which attacks and destroys the beta cells of the pancreas that produce insulin.” explains Dr. Besin. Without insulin, glucose cannot enter cells and be used as an energy source, and it accumulates in the blood, causing blood sugar levels to rise. The second type, type 2 diabetes, is the most common. “In this case, the body does not produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to the insulin it produces. This means that glucose cannot be efficiently absorbed into cells, which also leads to a build-up of glucose in the blood.”

If in doubt, your doctor will order a blood test, including fasting blood sugar, random blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). In a healthy person, fasting blood sugar (after a 12-hour period of fasting) is usually maintained at between 0.70 and 1.10 grams (g/L) of glucose per liter of blood. “In diabetics, blood sugar levels regularly exceed 1.26 g/l” Dr. Besin tells us. So “Blood glucose levels equal to or greater than 1.26 g/L on two different tests are generally considered a sign of diabetes.” – confirms Dr. Catherine Drone-Busson, endocrinologist-diabetologist at the Inkermann Polyclinic in Niort.

“These people must be found”

Random blood sugar levels are measured at any time of the day, regardless of when you last ate. “If your random blood sugar level is above 2 g/L and you have classic symptoms of diabetes such as polyuria (frequent urge to urinate, especially at night), polydipsia (excessive thirst), feeling tired and tired. General weakness and unexplained weight loss may indicate that you have diabetes.” continues the endocrinologist. Finally, the HbA1c test measures the percentage of hemoglobin in your blood that is glycated (i.e. bound to glucose) and gives an idea of ​​your average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. “An HbA1c level of 7% or higher is commonly used to diagnose diabetes.”

Diabetes screening tests are recommended for people with high risk factors for developing diabetes, such as obesity, high blood pressure, a family history of diabetes and physical inactivity, which Drone-Busson says “should be examined regularly“. “Similarly, people with a history of medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, polycystic ovary syndrome… may require more frequent diabetes screening.” Finally, people with classic diabetes symptoms such as urinary frequency, excessive thirst, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, etc. should also be evaluated.