Fasting blood glucose reference ranges
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Fasting Blood Glucose Reference Ranges: Population and Age Differences
Standard Fasting Blood Glucose Reference Ranges
Fasting blood glucose (FBG) is a key measure for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes. Standard reference ranges for fasting blood glucose in healthy adults are generally considered to be between 80 and 120 mg/dL (4.4–6.7 mmol/L) . However, these ranges can vary based on population, age, and other factors.
Population-Specific Reference Ranges
Research shows that FBG reference ranges can differ significantly between populations. For example, a study in Sudanese adults found a mean FBG of 74.3 ± 13.8 mg/dL, with a reference range of 60.5 to 88.1 mg/dL, which is lower than international standards. This suggests that using Western-derived reference values may not be appropriate for all populations . Similarly, a study in Kerala, India, found a mean FBG of 80.97 ± 10.1 mg/dL, with no significant difference between males and females, but with higher values in older age groups .
Age-Related Variations in Fasting Blood Glucose
Age is an important factor in determining FBG reference ranges. In the Kerala study, the highest mean FBG was observed in the 50–59 year age group, indicating that FBG tends to increase with age . Another large study in China found that in people aged 90 and above, desirable FBG levels were below 6.15 mmol/L (about 110.7 mg/dL), with borderline and high levels defined as 6.15–7.45 mmol/L and ≥7.45 mmol/L, respectively. These values were higher than those found in younger adults, showing that reference intervals change with age .
Fasting Blood Glucose in Children and Across the Lifespan
Reference ranges for fasting glucose and related indices also vary across the lifespan. In children and adolescents, age-specific reference ranges are necessary due to strong age-dependent variation. For example, fasting glucose alone was not predictive of future dysglycemia in children with obesity, highlighting the need for more comprehensive indices and age-specific thresholds .
Fasting Blood Glucose in Animal Models
For research purposes, reference ranges have also been established in animal models. In healthy Mus musculus mice, fasting blood glucose reference ranges were found to be 72–105 mg/dL, with no significant difference between males and females .
Fasting Blood Glucose and Diabetes Risk
Even within the normal range, higher fasting plasma glucose levels are associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. In young men, FBG levels of 87 mg/dL (4.83 mmol/L) or more were linked to a higher risk of diabetes compared to those with lower levels, especially when combined with high triglycerides or higher body mass index .
Clinical Implications and Recommendations
The optimal FBG target for most patients with type 2 diabetes appears to be ≤6.1 mmol/L (about 110 mg/dL), with stricter targets (≤5.6 mmol/L or about 101 mg/dL) considered for those at lower risk of hypoglycemia Yang2019Yang2019. These findings support the need for individualized targets and population-specific reference intervals in clinical practice.
Conclusion
Fasting blood glucose reference ranges are not universal and can vary by population, age, and health status. Local studies are essential to establish appropriate reference intervals for different groups, ensuring accurate diagnosis and effective management of diabetes and related conditions Ali2020Rajesh2023Wang2021+1 MORE.
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