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Impaired Fasting Glucose

at Concierge Endocrinology of New Jersey

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Overview

Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) is a form of prediabetes where the blood sugar (glucose) level is higher than normal after fasting but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. It indicates that the body's process of using glucose for energy, with the help of insulin, is not working as efficiently as it should.

Having impaired fasting glucose increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. While IFG itself doesn't have symptoms, damage to blood vessels may already be occurring. A diagnosis should be seen as a critical opportunity to make positive health changes.

The good news is that losing extra weight and getting regular exercise can significantly reduce the chance of impaired fasting glucose progressing to type 2 diabetes.

Signs & Symptoms

Most people with impaired fasting glucose have no symptoms
The condition is typically discovered through routine blood testing
Darkened skin patches (acanthosis nigricans) may be present in some individuals

Causes & Risk Factors

Insulin resistance — the body's cells don't respond normally to insulin
Being overweight or obese
Being age 35 or older
Family history of diabetes (parent, sibling, or child)
Inactive lifestyle
Certain ethnicities (African American, Hispanic/Latin American, American Indian, Alaska Native, Pacific Islander, Asian-American)
High blood pressure
Low HDL cholesterol or high triglycerides
History of gestational diabetes
History of heart disease
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Conditions associated with insulin resistance

Diagnosis

Impaired fasting glucose is diagnosed through a fasting blood glucose test. A level of 100 to 125 mg/dL indicates impaired fasting glucose (prediabetes). Normal is 99 mg/dL or below, and diabetes is 126 mg/dL or above.

Additional tests may include an oral glucose tolerance test (a blood glucose level of 140 to 199 mg/dL 2 hours after consuming 75 grams of glucose indicates impaired glucose tolerance) and a hemoglobin A1C test (a level of 5.7% to 6.4% indicates prediabetes).

Treatment Options

Eating healthy foods — whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables; controlling portion sizes
Avoiding sweets, fried foods, and processed carbohydrates
Losing even a small amount of weight — around 7% of body weight can make a significant difference
Regular exercise — aim for 30 to 60 minutes of moderate activity at least 5 days a week
In some cases, medication such as metformin may be prescribed
Regular monitoring and follow-up blood tests

Important Facts

Impaired fasting glucose is a form of prediabetes that is detected through a fasting blood sugar test.

If your results show impaired fasting glucose, your provider may suggest retesting once each year.

If your results are normal, your provider may suggest getting retested every 3 years.

Lifestyle changes can prevent or delay the progression to type 2 diabetes.

Medical information adapted from MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine. Always consult with your physician for personalized medical advice.

Expert Impaired Fasting Glucose Care

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Request Appointment Call (609) 250-2766