Is a blood glucose level of 6.15 mmol/L considered high?

Jun 11, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I went to the hospital today for a glucose test and found that my glucose level reached 6.15 mmol/L. Is a glucose level of 6.15 mmol/L considered high?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng

Whether a blood glucose level of 6.15 mmol/L is considered high needs to be determined by combining the testing scenario, reference standards, and individual health status. If this is a fasting blood glucose measurement, the normal range for healthy adults is generally 3.9 to 6.1 mmol/L. In this case, 6.15 mmol/L slightly exceeds the upper limit; although it doesn't meet the diagnostic criteria for diabetes, it falls within the range of impaired fasting glucose, indicating possible abnormalities in glucose metabolism. Further evaluation using an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) should be conducted to assess postprandial glucose levels and screen for prediabetes risk.

If the measurement is a random or postprandial blood glucose test, 6.15 mmol/L falls within the normal range. For example, normal 2-hour postprandial glucose levels should be less than 7.8 mmol/L, and random glucose levels should be below 11.1 mmol/L; in these scenarios, this value does not exceed normal thresholds. Additionally, the standard for fasting glucose in pregnant women is stricter. If a pregnant woman's fasting glucose level is 6.15 mmol/L, it significantly exceeds the upper limit, raising concerns about gestational diabetes. Diagnosis should be confirmed by evaluating OGTT results.

It is also important to note that blood glucose measurements can be influenced by multiple factors, such as whether fasting was strictly observed before testing, stress conditions, and medication interference. If a single test result is abnormal, retesting is recommended to rule out measurement errors. If fasting glucose levels are confirmed to consistently remain around 6.15 mmol/L, although not meeting the criteria for diabetes diagnosis, this serves as an early warning signal for impaired glucose metabolism, and lifestyle interventions should be implemented to prevent progression to diabetes.