What fasting plasma glucose level is classified as positive for diabetes mellitus?

What fasting plasma glucose level is classified as positive for diabetes mellitus?

• A. 80 mg/dL
• B. 100 mg/dL
• C. 126 mg/dL
• D. 140 mg/dL

Answer: (C)

The fasting plasma glucose level classified as positive for diabetes mellitus is 126 mg/dL. This threshold is established by various health organizations, including the American Diabetes Association, as part of their criteria for diagnosing diabetes. A fasting plasma glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher indicates that the body is unable to properly regulate blood sugar levels, which signifies diabetes.

In the context of clinical diagnosis, fasting plasma glucose testing is typically done after not eating for at least 8 hours. Values less than 126 mg/dL, such as 100 mg/dL, are considered normal or indicative of prediabetes, but they do not meet the diagnostic criteria for diabetes.

Levels like 80 mg/dL would fall within the normal range, while 140 mg/dL, although elevated, is not specifically used as a fasting threshold for diabetes but may indicate other conditions related to glucose intolerance or hyperglycemia. Therefore, 126 mg/dL is the key value where the classification of diabetes mellitus applies.