A fasting glucose (blood sugar) of 65-99 mg/dL is considered “normal.” A level of 100-125 mg/dL is considered “prediabetes.” A level of 126 mg/dL or higher found on two separate occasions is diagnosed as “diabetes.” The horrific consequences of markedly elevated (diabetic) glucose levels are well known:
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Kidney failure (nephropathy)
- Eye damage (retinopathy) leading to blindness
- Amputation of the toes, foot, or leg
- Bacterial and fungal skin infections
- Hearing impairment
- Brain atrophy (shrinkage) and eventual Alzheimer’s disease
Recent studies have shown a glucose level of 86 mg/dL or higher is an excess of what the body needs and this excess can lead to chronic inflammation and the formation of destructive free radicals. The majority of doctors fail to recognize the harmful effects of “high-normal” or mildly elevated glucose (86-99 mg/dL), and many fail to recognize the harmful effects of moderately elevated glucose (100-125 mg/dL). These levels of glucose have both been found to inflict microvascular injury, resulting in damage to the thousands of miles of tiny capillaries through the body that deliver oxygen and nutrients to the tissues and vital organs.
Mildly or moderately elevated glucose can eventually lead to the same consequences of markedly elevated glucose levels outlined above. Therefore, “prediabetes” (glucose 100-125 mg/dL) should be reclassified as “diabetes,” and mildly elevated glucose (86-99 mg/dL) should be classified as “prediabetes.” Fasting glucose should be kept between 70 and 85 mg/dL (lower-end of the normal range) for optimal health and longevity.
COMMENTS: Does your doctor rely on obsolete blood glucose ranges? Does your doctor know that any excess glucose can have negative consequences? Bottom line, is your doctor doing enough to protect your health? Don’t be a victim of physician apathy and ignorance.
The benefit of recognizing the risks of mildly or moderately elevated glucose allows the opportunity of not only reversing either condition before full-blown diabetes can develop but also, with our help, the opportunity to begin reversing existing damage to your body.
