Final answer:
Normal glucose values in whole blood vary depending on the timing of the measurement, with fasting levels between 60-90 mg/100 ml, post-prandial levels between 100-140 mg/100 ml, and random levels possibly being between 100-180 mg/100 ml. Hemoglobin A1c levels below 7% reflect normal glucose levels over a period, while the body works to regulate blood glucose concentrations between 70 to 110 mg/dL.
Step-by-step explanation:
Normal Glucose Values in Whole Blood
The normal glucose levels in whole blood vary depending on the time of measurement relative to meal times. A fasting blood glucose level (12-14 hours without eating) should range between 60-90 mg/100 ml. However, techniques involving reduction methods may indicate a range of 80-120 mg/100 ml.
After consuming a meal, the post-prandial glucose level (measured 1-2 hours after eating) typically ranges between 100-140 mg/100 ml. A random blood glucose level, which can be tested any time after a meal, may vary between 100-180 mg/100 ml.
Individuals with normal glucose metabolism will experience an increase in blood glucose after ingesting glucose, followed by a decrease due to insulin secretion, eventually returning to a normal level within approximately 2.5 hours. The terms hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia refer to blood glucose levels that are respectively above or below the normal range.
A fasting blood glucose below 100 is considered normal. Levels between 100 and 125 mg/dl indicate pre-diabetes, and levels above 125 mg/dl may lead to a diagnosis of diabetes.
It's also important to monitor hemoglobin A1c, which reflects the average blood glucose levels over the preceding months. A normal A1c level is below 7%, while levels above this indicate poorer diabetes control.
To maintain homeostasis, the body regulates blood glucose concentrations within a range of 70 to 110 mg/dL using hormones such as insulin and glucagon to correct deviations from this range.