by Asad Khan
(Karachi,Pakistan)
QUESTION: I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes eight months ago with fasting glucose of 220 mg/dL and HbA1c of 9.1%. After losing weight through exercise and food changes, my doctor stopped my medicines. My fasting readings are 64, 78, 92, and 69 mg/dL, while my two-hour after-lunch readings are 104, 78, 92, and 88 mg/dL. Are these levels normal?
Most of these readings are reassuring, but fasting values of 64 and 69 mg/dL are below the hypoglycemia alert level of 70 mg/dL and should not be described as ideal. Because you are no longer taking glucose-lowering medicine, repeat unexpected low readings after washing and drying your hands, note any symptoms, and discuss recurrent values below 70 with your doctor. An HbA1c taken at least three months after stopping medicine is needed to determine whether your type 2 diabetes is in remission.
Answer by Dr. Albana Greca, MD, MMedSc
Hi Asad,
Your weight loss and improved readings are encouraging. However, the goal is not to push glucose as low as possible. Values below 70 mg/dL deserve attention, even when you do not feel symptoms.
Home glucose meters have normal measurement variation, so confirm an unexpected low with clean, dry hands and a fresh strip. If repeated values remain below 70 mg/dL, contact your clinician. Review our guide to blood sugar that is too high or too low.
Readings of 78–104 mg/dL two hours after lunch are not high. They may reflect smaller carbohydrate portions, exercise, improved insulin sensitivity, or normal meter variation. A result of 78 mg/dL is above the hypoglycemia threshold, but it is worth noting if you felt shaky, sweaty, weak, confused, or unusually hungry.
For many adults with diabetes, the common individualized target is below 180 mg/dL one to two hours after a meal begins. Your values are well below that target, but HbA1c provides a better picture of overall control than several isolated readings. See our guide to blood sugar after eating.
No. Type 2 diabetes can enter remission after substantial weight loss and lifestyle change, particularly when diagnosed recently. Remission is generally defined as an HbA1c below 6.5% that persists for at least three months without glucose-lowering medicine.
Remission is not considered a permanent cure. Glucose can rise again with weight regain, illness, reduced activity, aging, or progression of diabetes. Continue periodic HbA1c, blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney, eye, and foot checks even if remission is confirmed.
Possible explanations include a prolonged fast, intense exercise, eating too little, alcohol, meter error, illness, or less commonly a liver, kidney, hormonal, or insulin-related disorder. Rapid or excessive weight loss can also lead to inadequate calorie intake or loss of muscle.
Your loss from 80 kg to 64 kg is substantial. If it was fully intentional and your nutrition, strength, and health are good, it may have improved insulin sensitivity. If weight is still falling, appetite is poor, or you feel weak, dizzy, or unwell, arrange a prompt review.
A blood sugar log can help your clinician determine whether the low results are isolated or recurrent.
If glucose is below 70 mg/dL and you are awake and able to swallow, take fast-acting carbohydrate and recheck after about 15 minutes according to your clinician’s plan. Seek emergency help for confusion, fainting, seizure, inability to swallow, or a low that does not improve. Recurrent lows without diabetes medicine require medical evaluation.
Your after-meal readings are reassuring, and the improvement after weight loss may represent remission. However, fasting values of 64 and 69 mg/dL are lower than desired. Arrange an HbA1c and discuss the low readings, nutrition, exercise intensity, and current weight with your doctor rather than assuming every low number is healthy.
Educational safety note: This answer is for general diabetes education only. It does not replace personal medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not start, stop, or change medicines, diet, fasting, supplements, or exercise plans without speaking with your healthcare provider.
Last reviewed: July 2026.
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