Is a random glucose level of 117 mg/dL a concern for impaired glucose regulation or diabetes?

Assessment of a Random Blood Glucose Level of 117 mg/dL

A random blood glucose level of 117 mg/dL is not concerning and falls within the normal range, as it is well below the threshold of 200 mg/dL that would indicate potential diabetes when measured randomly. 1

Understanding Random Blood Glucose Values

• Random blood glucose measurements (taken without regard to time since last meal) are considered normal when below 200 mg/dL 1
• For diagnostic purposes, only random glucose values ≥200 mg/dL accompanied by classic symptoms of hyperglycemia (polyuria, polydipsia, unexplained weight loss) are considered indicative of diabetes 1
• Your value of 117 mg/dL falls well within normal parameters and does not suggest impaired glucose regulation 1

Interpreting Blood Glucose Values in Context

Normal vs. Abnormal Glucose Values:

• Fasting plasma glucose:

  • Normal: <100 mg/dL
  • Prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose): 100-125 mg/dL
  • Diabetes: ≥126 mg/dL 1

• Random plasma glucose:

  • Diabetes: ≥200 mg/dL with symptoms 1
  • Your value of 117 mg/dL: Normal 1

• 2-hour glucose during OGTT:

  • Normal: <140 mg/dL
  • Prediabetes (impaired glucose tolerance): 140-199 mg/dL
  • Diabetes: ≥200 mg/dL 1

When Further Testing Might Be Warranted

While your random glucose of 117 mg/dL is not concerning, additional testing might be considered if you have risk factors for diabetes:

• Family history of diabetes 2
• BMI greater than 25 kg/m² 2
• Sedentary lifestyle 2
• Hypertension or dyslipidemia 2
• History of gestational diabetes 2
• Certain racial/ethnic backgrounds (Black, Latin American, Native American, Asian-Pacific Islander) 2

If these risk factors are present, a fasting plasma glucose test would be more informative than a random glucose measurement 1.

Glucose Variability Considerations

• Recent research using continuous glucose monitoring shows that even individuals with normal glucose measurements can experience significant glucose variability throughout the day 3
• However, a single random reading of 117 mg/dL provides reassurance that your glucose level at that moment was normal 1

Bottom Line

A random blood glucose of 117 mg/dL is normal and not a cause for concern. If you have risk factors for diabetes or symptoms suggestive of glucose dysregulation, follow up with your healthcare provider for more definitive testing such as fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, or an oral glucose tolerance test 1.