Is Random Sugar of 117 Normal?

Answer by Dr. Albana Greca Sejdini, MD, MMedSc

Medically reviewed by Dr. Ruden Cakoni, MD, Endocrinologist | Last reviewed: July 2026

Hi,

Your morning reading deserves proper follow-up. Current diagnostic criteria classify a laboratory fasting plasma glucose of 126 mg/dL or higher as being in the diabetes range. Fasting means no calories for at least eight hours. Unless there are unmistakable symptoms or a hyperglycemic emergency, the diagnosis normally requires confirmation with a second abnormal result.

A home reading of 147 mg/dL is therefore concerning, especially when it happens repeatedly, but your doctor should confirm it with an accredited laboratory rather than diagnosing diabetes from the meter alone. Read more about fasting blood sugar between 127 and 200 mg/dL.

Could This Be Only the Dawn Phenomenon?

Early-morning hormones can signal the liver to release glucose before waking. This is called the dawn phenomenon and may explain why morning glucose is higher than readings later in the day. Late meals, poor sleep, stress, illness, steroid medicines, and insufficient overnight insulin action can also contribute.

However, the dawn phenomenon should not be used to dismiss repeated fasting readings around 147 mg/dL. It describes a glucose pattern; it does not exclude diabetes. This detailed guide explains why blood sugar may be high in the morning.

What Do the Other Readings Mean?

A daytime glucose around 128 mg/dL cannot be classified without knowing whether it was measured before a meal, after a meal, or at another time. It should not be considered your personal “normal” simply because it occurs frequently.

A reading of 180 mg/dL after eating also depends on timing:

• For many nonpregnant adults who already have diabetes, a common treatment target is below 180 mg/dL about 1–2 hours after the start of a meal.


• For someone being evaluated for diabetes, an ordinary home reading after a mixed meal is not a diagnostic test.


• A formal two-hour oral glucose tolerance test uses a measured 75-gram glucose drink. A laboratory result of 200 mg/dL or higher during that test is in the diabetes range.

The fact that your glucose returns to 128 mg/dL after three hours does not rule out diabetes. Likewise, a meter-generated daily average of 128 may miss early-morning readings, after-meal peaks, or times when you did not test. HbA1c provides a broader estimate of glucose exposure over approximately two to three months.

Which Tests Should You Request?

1. Laboratory fasting plasma glucose: performed after at least eight hours without calories.


2. Laboratory HbA1c: below 5.7% is generally normal, 5.7%–6.4% is the prediabetes range, and 6.5% or higher is the diabetes range if confirmed.


3. Repeat confirmation: your clinician may repeat the abnormal test or use a second diagnostic test promptly.


4. Oral glucose tolerance test: this may help when fasting glucose, HbA1c, and post-meal patterns do not agree.

Compare these options in our guide to blood tests used to diagnose diabetes. Do not wait several months if fasting readings continue around 147 mg/dL; arrange an appointment soon and take your meter and glucose log.

What to Do While Waiting for Your Appointment

• Wash and dry your hands before testing and repeat any unexpected result with a new strip.


• For several days, record fasting glucose and readings 1–2 hours after the first bite of your main meal.


• Record meal times, carbohydrate portions, activity, sleep, illness, stress, and any medicines that may affect glucose.


• Choose balanced meals with non-starchy vegetables, protein, healthy fats, and controlled portions of high-fiber carbohydrates.


• Avoid sugary drinks and large portions of refined carbohydrates.


• Remain physically active if exercise is safe for you, but do not use strenuous exercise to force down a high reading.


• Do not begin herbs, supplements, or diabetes medicine without medical guidance.

Related Questions

• Why is my blood sugar higher first thing in the morning?


• What can cause a sudden jump in fasting blood sugar?


• What does a blood sugar of 196 mg/dL two hours after eating mean?


• Does an A1C of 5.6% mean prediabetes?

Related Resources

• Normal Blood Sugar Level Chart


• Blood Sugar Levels After Eating


• HbA1c to Average Glucose Calculator


• Dangerous Blood Sugar Levels and Warning Signs

References

• American Diabetes Association: Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes—2026


• CDC: Diabetes Testing


• Laboratory Guidelines for Diabetes Diagnosis and Management

Medical disclaimer: Educational only—not personal medical advice.