Which assessment finding would most likely indicate diabetes mellitus?

A fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher is a definitive indicator of diabetes mellitus. According to the diagnostic criteria established by organizations such as the American Diabetes Association, a fasting blood glucose level in this range signifies that the individual has diabetes. This threshold is used because elevated glucose levels indicate the body's inability to properly manage blood sugar, which is a hallmark of diabetes.

In contrast, a fasting blood glucose level of 110 mg/dL is considered to be in the prediabetes range rather than definitive diabetes. A blood pressure reading of 130/85 mmHg, while it may indicate hypertension, does not specifically diagnose diabetes. Similarly, a cholesterol level of 200 mg/dL does not directly correlate with diabetes diagnosis, as it pertains to lipid levels rather than glucose metabolism. Thus, the second option clearly identifies a condition that meets the diagnostic criteria for diabetes mellitus, making it the most accurate choice among the provided options.