Understanding your Fasting Blood Glucose results
Fasting blood glucose measures the amount of glucose in the blood after a period without food, in milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL) or millimoles per litre (mmol/L). In the fasting state the level reflects how much glucose the liver is releasing and how well insulin from the pancreas keeps it in range. Unlike HbA1c, it captures a single moment and can be affected by recent illness, stress or medicines, which is why doctors usually confirm an unexpected result with a second test.
The ranges on this page are commonly quoted adult reference ranges. Laboratories set their own, so the range printed on your report is the one that applies to your result.
Fasting required: Zavis's record for this test lists fasting but gives no duration, so ask the lab how long to fast before your sample is taken.
Commonly quoted adult reference ranges
>>>| Parameter | Reference range | Unit | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Usual fasting range | < 100 | mg/dL | To convert mg/dL to mmol/L, multiply by 0.0555 |
| Band often labelled pre-diabetes | 100–125 | mg/dL | Also called impaired fasting glucose |
| Threshold commonly used for diabetes | ≥ 126 | mg/dL | A diagnosis is made by a doctor, usually after a second test |
| Threshold commonly used for low blood glucose | < 70 | mg/dL |
What a high Fasting Blood Glucose result can mean
A fasting glucose above the reference range means the body is not keeping glucose in range overnight. The band often labelled pre-diabetes, also called impaired fasting glucose, indicates insulin resistance with the pancreas still partly compensating. A result at or above the threshold commonly used for diabetes, confirmed on a second occasion, is one of the ways doctors diagnose diabetes. Symptoms of high blood glucose (hyperglycaemia) include thirst, passing urine often, blurred vision and tiredness.
What a low Fasting Blood Glucose result can mean
A fasting glucose below the reference range is called hypoglycaemia. In people who take insulin or some other diabetes medicines it is a known side effect of treatment. In people without diabetes it is uncommon, and doctors look for a cause. Symptoms include shakiness, sweating, confusion and palpitations.
How a doctor reads the result
A doctor will usually interpret fasting glucose alongside HbA1c, symptoms, medicines and whether the fast was complete. One result outside the range is not a diagnosis. Discuss the result with your doctor.
Follow-up a doctor may arrange
After a raised fasting glucose, a doctor may repeat the test or order HbA1c, and may check kidney function, liver function, cholesterol and a urine sample. How often glucose is rechecked is decided by the doctor.
Related tests
>>>Fasting Blood Glucose: preparation and listed prices
Fasting is required. Sample type: blood. The Fasting Glucose test is listed at AED 39 to AED 45 across 4 labs and services: AED 39 on the DarDoc website, AED 40 on the Healthchecks360 website, AED 40 on the Unilabs website and AED 45 on the Smart Care Polyclinic website (Dubai only).
Sources: Prices on this page are the ones each lab or service publishes on its own website, read between 13 October 2026 and 7 November 2026. Zavis has published prices from 6 of the 13 labs and services it lists: of the other 7, 6 do not publish per-test prices and 1 website could not be read. The websites do not all say whether VAT or a collection fee is added to a listed price, so confirm the price with the lab before you book. How Zavis sources prices.
Listed prices for the Fasting Glucose test, as each site names itFrequently asked questions
What are the commonly quoted reference ranges for Fasting Blood Glucose?
Commonly quoted adult reference ranges are: Usual fasting range: < 100 mg/dL; Band often labelled pre-diabetes: 100–125 mg/dL; Threshold commonly used for diabetes: ≥ 126 mg/dL; Threshold commonly used for low blood glucose: < 70 mg/dL. Laboratories set their own ranges, so the range printed on your report is the one that applies to your result.
What can a high Fasting Blood Glucose result mean?
A fasting glucose above the reference range means the body is not keeping glucose in range overnight. The band often labelled pre-diabetes, also called impaired fasting glucose, indicates insulin resistance with the pancreas still partly compensating. A result at or above the threshold commonly used for diabetes, confirmed on a second occasion, is one of the ways doctors diagnose diabetes. Symptoms of high blood glucose (hyperglycaemia) include thirst, passing urine often, blurred vision and tiredness.
Is fasting needed for Fasting Blood Glucose?
Fasting is required. Sample type: blood. Zavis's record for this test lists fasting but gives no duration, so ask the lab how long to fast before your sample is taken.
How often are Fasting Blood Glucose results rechecked?
There is no single interval that suits everyone. A doctor can advise whether and how often to test, based on your health, any treatment and your earlier results.
Medical disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reference ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results in the context of your full clinical picture, symptoms, and medical history. If you have concerns about your test results, always consult a licensed healthcare professional. Do not delay seeking medical advice or disregard professional medical guidance because of information on this page.