Is a fasting blood glucose level of around 5 mmol/L normal?

Fasting blood glucose in the low 5 mmol/L range (e.g., 5.0–5.9 mmol/L) is considered normal. In healthy individuals, the normal fasting blood glucose level ranges from 3.9 to 6.1 mmol/L. A diagnosis of diabetes can be made if fasting blood glucose exceeds 7.0 mmol/L and/or the 2-hour plasma glucose level during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) exceeds 11.1 mmol/L.

Individuals at high risk for diabetes include: those aged ≥45 years; individuals with obesity; first-degree relatives of people with diabetes; women who have delivered a macrosomic infant (birth weight ≥4,000 g) or who have a history of gestational diabetes; and patients with comorbidities such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, gout, coronary heart disease, or stroke. High-risk individuals must adopt strict dietary control and maintain regular physical activity. They should limit intake of high-sugar fruits and sugary beverages, consume controlled portions of staple carbohydrates per meal, and ensure balanced nutrition. Foods to avoid include fatty meats, animal offal, fried foods, and grilled/barbecued items. Regular exercise—such as cycling or running—is essential to improve physical fitness and maintain a healthy body weight.