# Fasting glucose

Fasting glucose is the plasma blood-sugar concentration after at least eight hours without caloric intake. It reflects baseline glucose homeostasis driven by hepatic glucose output, β-cell insulin secretion, peripheral insulin sensitivity, and counter-regulatory hormones such as glucagon, with renal glucose handling as a further contributor. Persistently elevated values indicate impaired fasting glucose, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes, and Mendelian randomization supports a causal effect of higher fasting glucose on coronary disease. Even within the upper-normal range, rising fasting glucose tracks with increased risk, so stable lower-normal values are generally favorable.

## Sources

- Stratton IM, Adler AI, Neil HA, Matthews DR, Manley SE, Cull CA, et al.. (2000). Association of glycaemia with macrovascular and microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes (UKPDS 35): prospective observational study. BMJ. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.321.7258.405

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_Canonical: https://longevity-germany.com/en/glossary/fasting-glucose · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-01-15_