High-yield cut-offs, targets and formulas, grouped by topic – with why each number matters.
| Parameter | Number | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Fasting plasma glucose | ≥ 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) | Diabetes (fast ≥ 8 h) |
| 2-h glucose, 75 g OGTT | ≥ 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) | Diabetes |
| HbA1c | ≥ 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) | Diabetes (NGSP-certified lab) |
| Random glucose + classic symptoms | ≥ 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) | Diabetes on one test, no repeat needed |
| Impaired fasting glucose | 100–125 mg/dL (5.6–6.9 mmol/L) | Prediabetes |
| Impaired glucose tolerance | 2-h 140–199 mg/dL (7.8–11.0 mmol/L) | Prediabetes |
| HbA1c prediabetes | 5.7–6.4% (39–47 mmol/mol) | Lifestyle ± metformin |
| Parameter | Number | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| HbA1c (most non-pregnant adults) | < 7% (53 mmol/mol) | Reduces microvascular disease |
| HbA1c (frail, elderly, limited life expectancy) | < 8.0% (64 mmol/mol) | Avoid hypoglycaemia |
| Pre-prandial capillary glucose | 80–130 mg/dL (4.4–7.2 mmol/L) | Self-monitoring target |
| Peak post-prandial glucose | < 180 mg/dL (10.0 mmol/L) | 1–2 h after meal |
| CGM time in range (70–180 mg/dL) | > 70% | With time below range < 4% |
| Blood pressure | < 130/80 mmHg | ACEi/ARB first if albuminuria |
| Hypoglycaemia level 1 / level 2 | < 70 mg/dL (3.9) / < 54 mg/dL (3.0 mmol/L) | Level 3 = needs another person's help |
| Treat hypoglycaemia (conscious) | 15–20 g glucose, recheck in 15 min | Repeat until glucose normal |
| Parameter | Number | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| DKA glucose | ≥ 250 mg/dL classic (2024 consensus: ≥ 200 mg/dL [11.1 mmol/L] or known diabetes) | Euglycaemic DKA exists (SGLT2i, pregnancy) |
| DKA acidosis | pH < 7.30 and/or HCO3 < 18 mmol/L | Plus ketonaemia |
| DKA ketones | β-hydroxybutyrate ≥ 3.0 mmol/L | Preferred over urine ketones |
| Anion gap | > 10–12 mmol/L | High anion gap metabolic acidosis |
| DKA severity (ADA 2009) | Mild pH 7.25–7.30; moderate 7.00–7.24; severe < 7.00 | HCO3 15–18 / 10–15 / < 10 |
| HHS glucose | ≥ 600 mg/dL (33.3 mmol/L) | Older type 2 patients |
| HHS osmolality | Effective osmolality > 320 mOsm/kg (2024 consensus: effective > 300 or total > 320) | Mental status correlates with osmolality |
| HHS acid–base | pH > 7.30, HCO3 ≥ 15–18, ketones small | No significant ketoacidosis |