What blood sugar level is considered hyperglycemia?

Hyperglycemia is defined as an excessive level of glucose in the bloodstream. The threshold generally recognized for hyperglycemia begins at a blood sugar level of 130 mg/dL or higher, especially when measured after fasting. This level signals that the body is not effectively managing glucose levels, which can be indicative of diabetes or other health challenges.

In clinical settings, monitoring blood sugar is vital for understanding how well an individual is managing their glucose levels, particularly for those with diabetes. A reading of 130 mg/dL or above on a fasting test is often used as a diagnostic criterion. This threshold reflects a state where there may be insufficient insulin production, insulin resistance, or a combination of both.

The additional choices represent levels that fall within normal or slightly elevated ranges, where symptoms of hyperglycemia would not typically start to manifest. Therefore, the level of 130 mg/dL or higher is the key marker that indicates hyperglycemia requires further evaluation or intervention.