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Diabetes

What Blood Sugar Level is Considered Diabetic?

Linda Girgis | MD

Medically reviewed by Linda Girgis | MD, Girgis Family Medicine on August 20th, 2026.

Blood sugar levels of 126 mg/dL or higher on a fasting test indicate diabetes. The American Diabetes Association defines diabetes using three main criteria: fasting blood glucose ≥126 mg/dL, random blood glucose ≥200 mg/dL with symptoms, or HbA1c ≥6.5%. Prediabetes falls between 100-125 mg/dL fasting or 5.7-6.4% HbA1c. Normal fasting glucose should be below 100 mg/dL. These thresholds reflect glucose levels that significantly increase risk of diabetic complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, and cardiovascular problems. Two separate abnormal readings are typically required for diagnosis unless symptoms are present.

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