Is 122 mg/dl Fasting blood glucose level a sign of diabetes ??

Answer by Dr. Albana Greca, MD, MMedSc

Dear Huda,

Thank you for sharing your numbers. I would not call this an emergency, but I also would not say it is completely normal.

What Does Fasting Blood Sugar 122 mg/dL Mean?

A fasting blood sugar test should be done after at least 8 hours without food or caloric drinks. In general:

• Below 100 mg/dL is usually considered normal.


• 100–125 mg/dL is usually considered prediabetes.


• 126 mg/dL or higher may suggest diabetes if confirmed with repeat testing.

Your result of 122 mg/dL is close to the upper end of the prediabetes range. In mmol/L, it is about 6.8 mmol/L.

Helpful page: normal fasting blood sugar levels.

Does Random Blood Sugar 173 mg/dL Mean Diabetes?

A random blood sugar of 173 mg/dL does not diagnose diabetes by itself. Random glucose depends on when and what you last ate, stress, sleep, illness, and activity.

However, a random reading of 173 mg/dL is high enough to deserve follow-up, especially when your fasting glucose is also high.

Helpful resource: random blood glucose test results.

Can Dieting Cause This Reading?

Starting a diet does not usually explain away a fasting glucose of 122 mg/dL. Your body can release glucose from the liver during fasting, stress, poor sleep, or rapid diet changes, but a fasting result in this range should still be checked again.

It is better to confirm the result than to assume it is only from dieting.

What Should You Do Next?

Please speak with your doctor and ask for:

• Repeat fasting blood glucose


• HbA1c test


• Oral glucose tolerance test if your doctor thinks it is needed


• Blood pressure and cholesterol check


• Review of weight, waist size, family history, and lifestyle risk factors

Helpful page: blood tests for diabetes.

Is Prediabetes Dangerous?

Prediabetes is not an immediate danger like very high blood sugar with dehydration or ketones. But it is a warning sign. It means your body may already be having difficulty handling glucose.

The good news is that early changes in food, weight, activity, sleep, and follow-up testing can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Helpful page: type 2 diabetes information.

What Lifestyle Changes Help?

• Avoid sugary drinks, fruit juice, sweets, and frequent desserts.


• Reduce large portions of white bread, rice, pasta, and potatoes.


• Choose vegetables, beans, lentils, plain yogurt, whole fruits, and controlled portions of whole grains.


• Walk most days and add strength exercise if your doctor says it is safe.


• Aim for gradual weight loss if you are overweight.


• Sleep regularly and manage stress, because both can affect glucose.

Helpful resource: diabetes, carbs, and glycemic index.

Related Questions

• Is blood sugar 107 or 110 mg/dL high?


• What are normal and borderline blood sugar readings?


• Is my blood sugar normal?


• What does a random blood glucose test mean?

Related Resources

• Normal fasting blood sugar levels


• Blood tests for diabetes


• HbA1c explained


• Foods and drinks for diabetes blood sugar control


• Blood sugar log sheet

Last reviewed: July 2026.