Prediabetic Fasting blood glucose drop

by Gene
(Westland, MI)





Question: Hello,


I have been diagnosed as prediabetic. I recently dropped my fasting blood glucose from 126 to 98.


Is this considered a big improvement?




Quick Answer



Yes, a fasting glucose decrease from 126 to 98 mg/dL is encouraging. A laboratory fasting glucose of 98 mg/dL is within the usual normal fasting range. However, one improved reading does not prove that prediabetes has permanently resolved, and a previous fasting result of 126 mg/dL was at the diabetes diagnostic threshold if it was a properly performed laboratory test.


Ask your clinician whether the 126 result was confirmed and whether you need a repeat fasting plasma glucose, an A1C test, or another diagnostic test. Continue the habits that helped improve your result.




Answer by Dr. Albana Greca, MD, MMedSc


Dear Gene,


This is a meaningful improvement, but it needs to be interpreted carefully.



What Do 126 and 98 mg/dL Mean?



  • Below 100 mg/dL: usual normal fasting range for a nonpregnant adult.

  • 100–125 mg/dL: prediabetes range.

  • 126 mg/dL or higher: diabetes range when confirmed with appropriate laboratory testing.


Your new result of 98 mg/dL is reassuring. The earlier value of 126 mg/dL should not automatically be called only “prediabetes.” If you did not have clear symptoms of high blood sugar, diabetes normally requires two abnormal results, either from repeated testing or from two accepted tests such as fasting plasma glucose and A1C.



Why One Reading Does Not Tell the Whole Story


Fasting glucose can vary because of sleep, illness, stress, recent activity, fasting duration, medication, alcohol, laboratory variation, and the timing or accuracy of a home meter. A home finger-stick reading is useful for following patterns, but diagnosis should be based on laboratory testing.


An A1C test can add information because it reflects average glucose over roughly the previous two to three months. It is possible to have a normal fasting result while A1C or a two-hour glucose tolerance result remains in the prediabetes range.



Does 98 mg/dL Mean Prediabetes Is Gone?


Not necessarily. It means that this fasting result is currently below the prediabetes threshold. Your longer-term status depends on repeat laboratory results, A1C, any previous confirmed diagnosis, medicines, weight changes, and other risk factors.


If the original 126 mg/dL was confirmed as diabetes, later normal glucose does not erase that diagnosis; it may show improved control or possible remission, depending on the full clinical picture and whether glucose-lowering medicine is being used.



What to Do Next



  • Confirm whether both numbers came from a laboratory after at least eight hours without calories.

  • Ask whether you should repeat fasting plasma glucose and check A1C.

  • Keep a simple record of dates, fasting duration, illness, medicines, weight, and activity.

  • Continue a sustainable eating pattern emphasizing vegetables, high-fiber foods, minimally processed carbohydrates, lean or plant protein, and appropriate portions.

  • Aim for regular activity, commonly at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly if medically safe.

  • If you have overweight, even modest weight loss may lower diabetes risk; weight loss is not required for everyone.

  • Do not stop prescribed medicine based on one normal reading.




Arrange earlier medical review if fasting readings again reach 126 mg/dL or higher, or if you develop increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, blurred vision, repeated infections, or unusual fatigue.




Related Questions




Related Resources




References




Answered by: Dr. Albana Greca Sejdini, MD, MMedSc

Medically reviewed by: Dr. Ruden Cakoni, MD, Endocrinologist

Last reviewed: July 2026


Medical disclaimer: Educational only—not personal medical advice. Diagnosis and treatment should come from a qualified clinician who knows the patient’s medical history.



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