What Is Impaired Fasting Glucose?

The condition currently known as pre-diabetes, was previously referred to as impaired fasting glucose or glucose intolerant diabetes, based on which test method was used to diagnose the condition. Impaired fasting glucose is related to an elevated level of glucose in the blood.

Fact

• Pre-diabetes is a condition in which a person's body cannot effectively convert glucose into energy. The result is a consistently elevated blood glucose level that has not yet reached the minimum level for diabetes.

FPG Test

• The fasting plasma glucose testing is performed by taking a blood sample from the patient. In order to ensure accurate results, the patient must fast (not eat) for at least 12 hours before the blood collection. The FPG test uses the serum blood glucose level, which is the level of blood glucose in the patient's blood at the time of the test.

Pre-Diabetes

• Patients who receive FPG test results of 100 to 125 mg/dl are considered pre-diabetic, based on the American Diabetic Association's recommendations. Results higher than 125 mg/dl are an indicator of diabetes.

Treatment

• People diagnosed with pre-diabetes are typically instructed to modify their carbohydrate intake, work toward a healthy weight, and get at least 30 minutes of exercise three or more times per week.

Considerations

• Interpretation of lab-test results should be left to a qualified medical professional. Therefore, it is prudent to have regular doctor visits where routine lab work can be performed for early detection of chronic health conditions.