Is 86 mg/dL Considered Hypoglycemia?
No, a blood glucose level of 86 mg/dL is not hypoglycemia—it falls within the normal preprandial target range of 80-130 mg/dL for adults with diabetes and is well above the hypoglycemia threshold of <70 mg/dL. 1
Defining Hypoglycemia Thresholds
The American Diabetes Association establishes clear cutoffs for hypoglycemia classification:
- Level 1 hypoglycemia: Glucose <70 mg/dL but ≥54 mg/dL 1
- Level 2 hypoglycemia: Glucose <54 mg/dL, where neuroglycopenic symptoms typically begin 1
- Level 3 hypoglycemia: Severe event with altered mental/physical status requiring assistance, regardless of measured glucose 1
The 70 mg/dL threshold represents the point where neuroendocrine counterregulatory responses begin in people without diabetes, making it the clinically important alert value. 1, 2
Why 86 mg/dL Is Normal
Your glucose level of 86 mg/dL sits comfortably within recommended ranges:
- For people with diabetes: The preprandial target is 80-130 mg/dL 1
- For healthy individuals: This represents normal fasting glucose, as impaired fasting glucose doesn't begin until 100-125 mg/dL 3
- No treatment needed: Fast-acting carbohydrates are only indicated when glucose drops below 70 mg/dL 1, 2
When to Be Concerned
You should only worry about hypoglycemia if your glucose drops below 70 mg/dL, especially if accompanied by symptoms. 1, 2
Key symptoms to watch for include:
- Neurogenic/autonomic symptoms: Shakiness, trembling, sweating, palpitations, anxiety, hunger 4, 2
- Neuroglycopenic symptoms: Confusion, difficulty concentrating, slurred speech, visual changes, behavioral changes 4, 2
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Do not confuse the diabetes treatment threshold (<70 mg/dL) with normal physiologic glucose levels in healthy individuals. 4 The hypoglycemia thresholds were established for patients on glucose-lowering medications, not for people without diabetes who can safely have glucose levels in the 60s-80s range without symptoms or harm. 4
In healthy individuals without diabetes, glucose levels can physiologically drop to the mid-60s during fasting without representing pathology. 5 However, if you experience recurrent symptomatic episodes that correlate with documented low glucose (particularly if consistently dropping below 50-54 mg/dL), further investigation is warranted. 4