Yes, a blood sugar level of 135 mg/dL in the morning is generally considered elevated, especially if you’re not diagnosed with diabetes. A normal fasting blood sugar should typically be below 100 mg/dL. If your level falls between 100 and 125 mg/dL, it may indicate prediabetes. A fasting blood sugar of 126 mg/dL or higher suggests diabetes.
However, for individuals already diagnosed with diabetes, a morning blood sugar reading of 135 mg/dL can still be considered within the target range (usually 80–130 mg/dL). Still, it’s important to monitor your levels regularly and speak to a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.
Is 135 Blood Sugar High In The Morning?

Table of Contents
Recommended Reading: How Does Diabetes Impact Your Life?
What Is Considered a Normal Morning Blood Sugar?
According to medical guidelines:
- Normal fasting blood sugar: Less than 100 mg/dL
- Prediabetes: 100–125 mg/dL
- Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher (confirmed by multiple tests)
- Target range for diabetics: 80–130 mg/dL (as per ADA guidelines)
So, a 135 mg/dL result is:
- High for non-diabetics
- Slightly above target for diabetics
Causes of Elevated Morning Blood Sugar
If your morning blood sugar is high, it could be due to:
1. Dawn Phenomenon
- Your body releases hormones (like cortisol and growth hormone) in the early morning hours.
- These hormones can raise blood sugar levels, even if you didn’t eat anything overnight.
2. Insulin Resistance
- A condition where your body doesn’t respond properly to insulin.
- Common in people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
3. Late-Night Eating
- Eating high-carb meals or snacks late at night can spike your fasting glucose levels in the morning.
4. Incorrect Medication Dosage
- If you’re diabetic, your evening insulin or medication may need adjustment.
Tips to Manage High Morning Blood Sugar
If you see 135 mg/dL often in the morning, try these tips:
- 🍽️ Eat dinner earlier (by 7 PM if possible)
- 🚶 Add light evening exercise, like walking after dinner
- 🍲 Avoid high-carb snacks late at night
- 🛏️ Get enough sleep (6–8 hours per night)
- 💉 Check your meds – Talk to your doctor about dosage/timing
When to See a Doctor?
- If your morning blood sugar is consistently above 126 mg/dL
- If you’re not diabetic but your readings often fall in the prediabetic range
- If your current treatment plan isn’t working as expected
Early detection and timely management can prevent long-term complications like nerve damage, kidney issues, and heart disease.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is 135 blood sugar high after fasting for 8 hours?
Yes, 135 mg/dL is above the normal fasting range. If you’re not diabetic, this could indicate prediabetes or diabetes.
2. Can I reduce my fasting blood sugar naturally?
Yes. Regular exercise, a balanced low-carb diet, stress management, and avoiding late-night meals can help lower it.
3. Does morning blood sugar always indicate diabetes?
Not always. One high reading isn’t enough for diagnosis. Consistently high levels and a medical evaluation are needed.
4. What should be the blood sugar level after waking up?
Ideally, it should be between 70–100 mg/dL for non-diabetics, and 80–130 mg/dL for people with diabetes.
5. Is 135 a good blood sugar reading for a diabetic in the morning?
It’s slightly above the target range but not dangerously high. Still, consult your doctor if it happens frequently.
Final Thoughts
A 135 mg/dL morning blood sugar level is slightly high, especially if you’re not diagnosed with diabetes. It may signal prediabetes or the need for medical evaluation. For people with diabetes, it’s close to the acceptable range, but consistent monitoring and lifestyle changes are key.
If you’re concerned about your blood sugar levels, talk to a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.