Argentine doctor Jorge Tartaglione explains the fasting, post-meal and HbA1c readings that should prompt lifestyle changes and medical follow-up.
Keeping blood glucose under control is central to metabolic health, and Argentine doctor Jorge Tartaglione used a recent appearance on LN+ to spell out the key numbers people should know. He said fasting glucose should stay below 100 mg/dL and warned that readings between 100 and 125 mg/dL suggest that “something is not working properly”. In that range, doctors generally describe the condition as prediabetes, a warning sign that deserves attention before diabetes develops.
Tartaglione also pointed to glycated haemoglobin, or HbA1c, as one of the most useful tests for understanding how blood sugar has behaved over time. The Mayo Clinic says HbA1c reflects average glucose levels over the previous two to three months, which is why it can reveal a pattern that a single reading may miss. Tartaglione told viewers that the test does not require an extra blood draw beyond standard analysis, and the Mayo Clinic notes that values from 5.7% to 6.4% are consistent with prediabetes.
The doctor said the same warning applies after meals. If glucose remains between 140 and 200 mg/dL two hours after eating, he described that as another sign of prediabetes. That is important because, as Mayo Clinic guidance makes clear, early detection gives patients a chance to intervene with lifestyle changes before the condition progresses to type 2 diabetes. Tartaglione said that without treatment, between 5% and 10% of people with prediabetes may progress to diabetes each year, while around 70% may develop it during their lifetime.
His advice focused on straightforward measures rather than dramatic interventions. He said physical activity is the main way to improve the body’s response to insulin, the hormone that allows glucose to enter cells, and he also stressed weight loss, balanced eating and regular medical follow-up. Abbott’s FreeStyle Libre guidance likewise emphasises ongoing glucose monitoring as a practical tool for adjusting treatment, whether through finger-prick testing or continuous glucose monitoring. Tartaglione said some patients may need medication such as metformin, while newer drugs including tirzepatide are also being used in treatment. His bottom line was simple: do not be alarmed, but do get tested at least once a year and know your numbers.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
