Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c):
This test gives an average of blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. It is often used to diagnose and monitor diabetes.
| UK | Other countries | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| mmol/mol | % | mmol/mol | % | |
| Normal | <42 | <6.0 | <39 | <5.7 |
| Pre-diabetes | 42 – 47 | 6.0 – 6.4 | 39 – 47 | 5.7 – 6.4 |
| Diabetes | ≥48 | ≥6.5 | ≥48 | ≥6.5 |
Normal blood glucose levels:
| mmol/L | mg/dL | |
|---|---|---|
| Fasting blood glucose (after at least 8 hours of no eating): | 3.9 – 5.5 | 70 – 99 |
| Postprandial (2 hours after eating) | <7.8 | <140 |
| Random (anytime of day): | <7.8 | <140 |
Though this depends on timings in relation to meals and may vary depending on various contexts. Therefore, it needs to be assessed with a trained clinician.
Pre-diabetes:
This is an intermediate stage where blood glucose is higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes.
| mmol/L | mg/dL | |
|---|---|---|
| Impaired fasting blood glucose (after at least 8 hours of no eating): | 6.1 – 6.9* | 110 – 125 |
| Impaired glucose tolerance (fasting glucose) | <7.0 | <126 |
| Impaired glucose tolerance (postprandial – 2 hours after eating) | 7.8 – 11.0 | 140 – 199 |
*As defined by World Health Organization but thresholds may vary across different countries.
Diabetes:
A diagnosis of diabetes is made when blood glucose levels are consistently above the normal range.
| mmol/L | mg/dL | |
|---|---|---|
| Fasting blood glucose (after at least 8 hours of no eating): | ≥7.0 | ≥126 |
| Postprandial (2 hours after eating) | ≥11.1 | ≥200 |
Complications of diabetes:
| mmol/L | mg/dL | |
|---|---|---|
Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose):
|
≤3.9 | <70 |
Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose)
|
>10.0 | >180 |
Important points:
References:
Chronic inflammation links both diseases
Periodontitis can significantly increase blood glucose levels
Inflammation from periodontitis exacerbates insulin resistance
Regular periodontal reviews can aid diabetes management
Chronic inflammation links both diseases
Periodontitis can significantly increase blood glucose levels
Inflammation from periodontitis exacerbates insulin resistance
Regular periodontal reviews can aid diabetes management
