Which test result is typically indicative of diabetes?

A fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL is a key indicator of diabetes. According to the diagnostic criteria set forth by the American Diabetes Association, a fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher confirms a diagnosis of diabetes. A level in this range suggests that the body is not effectively managing blood sugar levels, which is characteristic of diabetes.

In contrast, fasting blood glucose levels below 126 mg/dL are typically considered to be within the normal range or suggest prediabetes, depending on the specific value. For instance, levels of 100 mg/dL and 110 mg/dL may fall within the normal range or indicate a risk for developing diabetes but do not meet the threshold for a diagnosis. Therefore, while elevated, they do not provide the definitive indication of diabetes that a level of 126 mg/dL does. A fasting blood glucose of 150 mg/dL clearly indicates poor glucose control but is still a further confirmation of diabetes rather than the initial diagnostic marker.