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Blood Test Markers Explained
A plain-language explainer of a few common blood-test markers, each with a widely-accepted reference range cited to an authoritative medical source. Ranges vary by laboratory, age and sex — always read your result against the range on your own report.
Glucose (blood sugar)
Glucose is the main sugar in your blood and your body's primary energy source. A fasting test is taken after not eating for several hours.
| Category | Fasting value |
|---|---|
| Normal | 70–99 mg/dL (3.9–5.5 mmol/L) |
| Prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose) | 100–125 mg/dL (5.6–6.9 mmol/L) |
Source: MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine — Blood Glucose Test / Blood sugar test.
Cholesterol & lipids
A lipid panel reports several fats in your blood. LDL is often called "bad" cholesterol and HDL "good" cholesterol, though what matters for you depends on your overall cardiovascular risk.
| Marker | Widely-used reference |
|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | Desirable: below 200 mg/dL |
| LDL cholesterol | Optimal: below 100 mg/dL |
| HDL cholesterol | Protective: 60 mg/dL or higher |
| Triglycerides | Normal: below 150 mg/dL |
Source: MedlinePlus — Cholesterol Levels and Cholesterol testing and results. Optimal/target values depend on individual risk and are set by your clinician.
Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. It is reported on a complete blood count (CBC). Typical adult ranges differ by sex.
| Group | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Adult men | ~14.0–17.5 g/dL |
| Adult women | ~12.3–15.3 g/dL |
Source: MedlinePlus — Hemoglobin Test. MedlinePlus notes the range varies by laboratory, age, race and sex.
HbA1c (A1C)
HbA1c reflects your average blood glucose over roughly the previous three months. It is reported as a percentage.
| Category | A1C |
|---|---|
| Normal | Below 5.7% |
| Prediabetes | 5.7%–6.4% |
| Diabetes | 6.5% or higher |
Source: U.S. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK/NIH) — The A1C Test & Diabetes; see also MedlinePlus — Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) Test. A diabetes diagnosis is made by a clinician, usually with repeat testing.
Reading these numbers wisely
These are general references, not personal targets. A value slightly outside a range is often not a problem, and a result is only meaningful when a clinician interprets it alongside your symptoms, history and other tests. For how reference ranges and "out of range" work in more depth, see our companion guide.