Ask the Expert: Can a fasting blood sugar level of 170 to 216 be a normal range for a person?

September 22, 2009

By Jessica Gibbons, Certified Diabetes Educator and Registered Dietitian

Can a fasting blood sugar level of 170 to 216 be a normal range for a person or is that too high? I'm thinking way too high! But I’ve been adjusting my insulin (Lantus) by 2 cc's every 4 days. I started at 25 twice a day. It's now 32 twice a day. So I’m wondering if a range somewhat higher than what is considered normal be a good range for certain people?

Our fasting blood sugar should be 70-130 mg/dL before a meal per the American Diabetes Association. There are very few exceptions to this rule. Titrating your insulin dose per your doctor’s recommendations is the right thing to do to tighten your blood sugar control. If a person has high blood sugars for a long period of time, they may start to feel “normal” with a high blood sugar. Our bodies will get used to being high and we may actually feel low with a normal blood sugar. Over time, and if it is adjusted gradually, your body will get used to being 70-130 mg/dL before breakfast. Keep working towards that goal!