After an 8-to-12-hour fast, a nondiabetic patient's glucose typically falls to what range?

For a nondiabetic patient, it is normal for blood glucose levels to fall to approximately 80-90 mg/dL after an 8-to-12-hour fast. This range indicates a healthy baseline following an overnight fast, where the body has utilized available glucose and is fairly stable, preparing for the next meal.

While several ranges provided in the options include plausible values, the 80-90 mg/dL range is considered optimal for nondiabetic individuals, reflecting effective glucose homeostasis. Levels below this range could suggest an inadequate energy supply, while levels above could indicate early signs of impaired glucose metabolism, although still within the upper limits of normal. This physiological response is crucial for medical professionals to recognize when assessing patients in various health situations.