In episode 129 of Diabetes Meal Plans, Dr Jedha emphasises the importance of approaching blood sugar control with precision, advocating for reaching and maintaining normal levels rather than settling for ‘near-normal’ readings post-meal, reshaping perceptions in prediabetes management.
Dr Jedha, the host of Diabetes Meal Plans, uses episode 129 to push back against a common belief in diabetes circles: that blood sugar levels near 180 mg/dL, or 10 mmol/L, after meals should be treated as “normal”. Her central argument is that people with prediabetes should not settle for staying in the grey zone; the goal, she says, is to return glucose readings to the normal range and keep them there. That message is consistent with guidance from the Mayo Clinic, which says prediabetes means blood sugar is higher than normal but not yet in the diabetes range, and that early action can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes.
The CDC says the A1C test, fasting glucose and oral glucose tolerance testing are the main tools used to distinguish normal blood sugar from prediabetes and diabetes. In that framework, A1C matters because it reflects average blood sugar over the previous two to three months, while fasting and post-meal readings show how the body is handling glucose in the moment. National Institutes of Health material similarly notes that A1C is useful but not perfect, because certain medical conditions and medicines can affect accuracy, which is one reason clinicians often interpret it alongside other tests.
The episode also tackles a recurring source of confusion: the difference between diagnostic thresholds and treatment targets. Dr Jedha argues that normal blood sugar does not change with age, even if doctors may set less aggressive targets for some older adults because of frailty, complex illness or the risk of hypoglycaemia. That distinction matters, because an A1C of 6% may be acceptable in some clinical contexts, but it still sits close to the prediabetes range in many guidelines. The CDC and Mayo Clinic both emphasise that results should be read in context, especially when other health conditions may affect interpretation.
For people trying to improve their numbers, the practical message is straightforward: work with a clinician, but do not assume that “good enough” is the same as optimal. The host says changes in food choices, portion size and physical activity can make a meaningful difference, particularly after meals. That advice aligns with Mayo Clinic and CDC guidance that lifestyle changes remain the first-line strategy for many people with prediabetes. The broader point is less about chasing a perfect score than about lowering long-term risk by bringing glucose as close to normal as safely possible.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
