Why I Talk So Much About Your Lab Work (And Why a Single Glucose Point Matters)

If you’ve got your annual physical coming up—or you’re squeezing it in before the end of the year—you might be thinking about your lab results.
Same.
And apparently… so is the entire internet.

One of my most viewed videos of all time (over 200k views) was a simple clip of me sharing my fasting glucose level. My result was 99 mg/dL. My doctor skimmed the chart, smiled, and said:

“Everything looks great! See you next year.”

And I remember thinking… I’m not a math genius, but if 100 is considered “prediabetic,” how different is 99?

That one question set off a firestorm—especially in the TikTok comments.

Listen to Episode #27 of The Glucose Glow Up Show on Apple or Spotify!

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Why I Made the Video in the First Place

I didn’t create the video to scare anyone. I made it because my own health journey forced me to start looking closer at “normal” labs that didn’t feel normal to me.

When I was trying to get pregnant, I kept asking my doctors about my glucose creeping up. I was brushed off more than once:

“It has nothing to do with fertility.”
“That’s not impacting anything.”
“You’re still in the normal range.”

But something in my gut told me to keep digging.
I know what it feels like to ask questions, get dismissed, and leave feeling confused about who to trust.

That’s actually why I now work with a naturopath. One thing about integrative care is that you take a more active role in requesting certain labs and understanding the bigger picture—not just what’s flagged red on the printout.

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The Problem With “Normal” Lab Ranges

According to conventional lab ranges, my 99 mg/dL result was totally fine.

But according to newer research and organizations like Levels Health, “optimal” fasting glucose looks a bit different:

• Optimal fasting glucose: 72–85 mg/dL
• Optimal post-meal peak: 110 mg/dL or lower
• Return to baseline: Within 2 hours

So yes, 99 may still fall into the normal category, but it’s definitely on the upper edge. And hovering at the upper edge matters if you’re trying to prevent insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.

Just to be clear:
I’m talking about type 2 diabetes here, which is strongly influenced by diet, stress, sleep, movement, and lifestyle, not type 1, which is autoimmune and completely unrelated to lifestyle choices.

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The TikTok Comments: The Internet Has Thoughts

My comments section turned into a mini case study in public health. Here’s a taste of what people said, plus some context where needed.

TikTok Video

“99 with a 4.7 A1c is not pre-diabetic.”

Totally true. This comment is correct.
A fasting number alone doesn’t diagnose metabolic dysfunction, A1c, insulin levels, symptoms, family history, and patterns matter too.

“As a mom of a type 1 diabetic, 100 is completely normal.”

Yes, type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disorder, not the same as type 2 diabetes.

“Same happened to me… now I’m prediabetic with a fasting of 116. Advocate for yourself!”

YES. This is why conversations like this matter.
You can be “fine” one year and at 116 the next. Declines happen gradually… until they don’t.

“Your blood sugar can shift quickly. Stress, fear of needles, and appointment anxiety can raise fasting glucose.”

Correct. Fasting glucose is a snapshot, not a full movie.
But repeated high-normal numbers? Worth watching.

“My doctor said 117 was fine. I don’t believe him.”

Trust your intuition.
If something feels off, push for more testing or a second opinion.

“Mine was 100 and they said it’s fine.”

Many people said this.
And this is exactly why so many are blindsided years later with insulin resistance.

“Where do you expect them to draw the line? A1c is better anyway.”

Sure, there needs to be a line, but there also needs to be a conversation when you get close to suboptimal levels.

The Real Point of the Video

This wasn’t about:

❌ fear

❌ diagnosing anyone on TikTok

❌ arguing about rules someone else wrote

It was about getting people to pause and ask better questions:

• Why is my number creeping upward?
• What patterns am I seeing year over year?
• What lifestyle habits might help me improve this?
• Is there a better “optimal” range than the outdated “normal” range?
• Am I being dismissed when I bring up concerns?

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Why Advocating for Yourself Matters

I share this because so many women—and especially women trying to conceive—get brushed off with vague answers like “That has nothing to do with anything.”

But metabolic health impacts:

• energy
• hormones
• fertility
• inflammation
• mood
• long-term disease risk

And we deserve better than a 10-second “normal” stamp from the doctor’s office.

Your labs are data.

Data you can use to make empowered choices.

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Final Thoughts

I’m not telling you to panic if your fasting glucose is 99.

I’m also not telling you to ignore it.

I’m telling you what I wish someone had told me years ago:

“Normal” doesn’t always mean optimal.

And your body often whispers before it screams.

Keep asking questions.

Keep advocating.

And don’t let a single number—high or low—define your entire health story.