QUESTION: I am 26 years old. My recent fasting blood sugar is 102 mg/dL; previous results were 100 and 98 mg/dL. My HbA1c is 6.4%. I had gestational diabetes 11 months ago, beginning around the fourth month of pregnancy, and I used insulin for about six months. We are trying for another baby and I am very worried that I will become diabetic. My weight is 64 kg and my height is about 5 feet 4 inches. What should I do?
Your fasting glucose of 102 mg/dL and HbA1c of 6.4% fall in the prediabetes range when interpreted outside pregnancy. They do not by themselves diagnose diabetes, but an HbA1c of 6.4% is at the upper end of the prediabetes range.
Because you previously had gestational diabetes and needed insulin, and because you are planning another pregnancy, arrange a preconception medical review now. Repeat laboratory glucose testing and ask whether a 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is appropriate before conception.
Answer by Dr. Albana Greca, MD, MMedSc
Hello,
Your results do not mean that you are already diabetic, but they should not be dismissed as simply “borderline.” Your previous gestational diabetes places you at increased risk of developing prediabetes or type 2 diabetes later, and your HbA1c of 6.4% shows that close follow-up is important.
| Test | Prediabetes | Diabetes |
|---|---|---|
| Fasting glucose | 100–125 mg/dL | 126 mg/dL or higher* |
| HbA1c | 5.7–6.4% | 6.5% or higher* |
*In the absence of clear symptoms or marked hyperglycemia, diabetes usually requires confirmatory testing.
Your fasting glucose is only mildly elevated, but your HbA1c is very close to the diabetes threshold. These tests measure different aspects of glucose control, so your doctor may repeat them or use an OGTT if clarification is needed.
See our guide to HbA1c and average glucose.
Gestational diabetes often resolves after delivery, but having had it increases the chance of developing abnormal glucose regulation later. Needing insulin during pregnancy does not mean that you now have permanent diabetes; it means that your body needed additional help controlling glucose during pregnancy.
People with a history of gestational diabetes need continued diabetes screening even if glucose returns to normal after delivery.
Because you are trying to conceive, I recommend seeing your obstetrician, family doctor or diabetes specialist before pregnancy rather than waiting for routine prenatal testing.
If you become pregnant before this evaluation is completed, tell your prenatal team immediately about your previous insulin-treated gestational diabetes and HbA1c of 6.4%. Women at increased risk may need glucose assessment early in pregnancy.
No. Prediabetes does not mean that type 2 diabetes is inevitable. It means your risk is higher and that this is a good time to act.
Healthy eating, regular physical activity, maintaining an appropriate weight and continued medical follow-up can reduce future diabetes risk. Because you are preparing for pregnancy, avoid crash diets, prolonged fasting and extreme carbohydrate restriction.
If by 5.4 feet you mean about 5 feet 4 inches, 64 kg gives a BMI of roughly 24, within the usual healthy-weight range. Your focus should therefore be healthy habits rather than aggressive weight loss.
For more information on testing, see blood tests for diabetes and our guide to normal fasting blood sugar levels.
Seek medical review if fasting glucose rises repeatedly, HbA1c reaches 6.5% or higher, or you develop excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss or blurred vision. If you are already pregnant, contact your prenatal team rather than waiting for the usual 24–28 week gestational diabetes screening.
Your current results fit prediabetes rather than diabetes, but the combination of HbA1c 6.4%, previous gestational diabetes and plans for another pregnancy deserves prompt follow-up.
I would arrange preconception glucose assessment now. Early evaluation gives you and your medical team the best opportunity to improve glucose control before pregnancy and plan appropriate monitoring from the beginning.
Educational safety note: This answer is for general diabetes and pregnancy education only. It does not replace personal preconception or prenatal care. Do not start, stop or change medicines, supplements, restrictive diets or exercise programs without discussing them with your healthcare professional.
Last reviewed: August 2026.
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