Blood glucose levels are maintained in a narrow range by specific hormones acting on the liver, pancreatic beta cells, adipose tissue and skeletal muscle.
Glucagon, Cortisol, Epinephrine, Growth hormone (a.k.a stress hormones as a bunch) increase blood glucose levels whereas Insulin has the opposite effect.
| FASTING GLUCOSE (mg/dl) | 2h POSTPRANDIAL GLUCOSE* (mg/dl) | INTERPRETATION** |
|---|---|---|
| 70-99 | <140 | NORMAL |
| 100-125 | 140-199 | PREDIABETES |
| ≥126 | ≥200 | DIABETES |
*2h PPBG levels after 75g of oral glucose (Oral glucose tolerance test-OGTT) is the recommended test for diagnosis of DM. But Random blood glucose >200 mg/dl with osmotic symptoms (excessive thirst, urination and weight loss ) are also diagnostic
**American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends any 2 tests to be positive or abnormal test to be repeated the other day to confirm diabetes.
