Is this blood sugar normal?

[HoneyBumbleBee]

Is 3 a low blood sugar for someone without diabetes, or just expected if the test was taken at a time they had skipped a meal and/or eaten lightly? I know it’s low, but is it just a little bit low or potentially a problem?

i found out by accident that my blood sugar was 3 when unwell with something unrelated. The test was around the time of my having missed a meal so obviously from that. I had some glucose and it went up and was absolutely fine afterwards. Just wasn’t sure if 3 is low but acceptable or low but serious- I’ve looked it up online and read mixed things!

I’m going to try to lose a bit of weight (I’m not fat but could do with getting into shape) and whilst I’m not planning on skipping meals, I obviously don’t want to end up having low blood sugar by dieting too much, but wasn’t sure if 3 was low but fine/normal or if it was too low.

Bumping this post, hoping someone who knows more about this than me will see it.

The fact you were unwell and hadn’t eaten could definitely lower your blood sugar. Your body acted correctly upon receiving food..

4 is the floor - 3 is too low. Are you worried this means you have diabetes? It's very unlikely but speak to your GP if you are worried. If you were just generally wondering, a low GI diet with regular meals should help to stabilise your blood sugar.

I'm not a diabetic, but I do have occasional issues with low blood sugar on an empty stomach. Unless you're showing signs of Type 1 onset, which is an emergency, I believe it's high blood sugar that you're supposed to be concerned about.

Usually causes issues for me when asked to fast for an op, so if that's also you, be aware that guidelines have changed over time, and you may able to negotiate an alteration to the standard "no food or drink after midnight" - eg clear fluids up until a sooner time, or an earlier spot on the list.

One thing I forgot to say - if you're getting symptoms, and you're at all concerned, please do discuss it with your doctor - don't take medical advice from a mumsnetter.

In my case it runs in my family, so we're confident it's just a minor variation of "normal" - which is a different situation from yours.