Praxis Medical Insights

Est. 2024 • Clinical Guidelines Distilled

Made possible by volunteer editors from the University of Calgary & University of Alberta

Last Updated: 9/2/2025

Diagnostic Criteria for Impaired Fasting Glucose and Glucose Intolerance

Definitions and Diagnostic Criteria

  • Impaired Fasting Glucose (IFG) is defined as fasting plasma glucose levels between 100-125 mg/dL (5.6-6.9 mmol/L) after at least 8 hours of fasting, according to the American Diabetes Association 1, 2
  • Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) is defined as 2-hour plasma glucose levels between 140-199 mg/dL (7.8-11.0 mmol/L) during a 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), as recommended by the American Diabetes Association 1, 2

Screening and Prevention

  • The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening for abnormal blood glucose in adults aged 40-70 years who are overweight or obese 4

Practical Considerations

  • The American Diabetes Association recommends that the oral glucose tolerance test is more sensitive but less convenient than fasting glucose for identifying prediabetes 2, 5
  • Fasting plasma glucose testing requires at least 8 hours of no caloric intake, as stated by the American Diabetes Association 3