For many individuals, maintaining a healthy blood sugar level is crucial in preventing various health complications. The question of whether 100 is the ideal blood sugar level often arises in discussions surrounding diabetes and overall wellness. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, medical professionals generally consider a blood sugar level of 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) to be within the normal range.
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels
Glucose is precious fuel for all the cells in your body when it’s present at normal levels. Blood sugar levels can be affected by many factors, including food intake, stress, medication, exercise, and more. Know what your individual symptoms are so you can catch low blood sugar early and treat it. If you think you may have low blood sugar, check it even if you don’t have symptoms.
Exercising at least 150 minutes a week and losing about 7% of your body weight may prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. If your blood sugar levels frequently spike too high or drop too low, talk with a healthcare professional about making a change to your diabetes management plan. Those living with diabetes usually check their blood sugar levels several times a day, including before meals and snacks and two hours after eating. As a result, many diabetes professionals have moved away from considering the A1C the sole ‘gold standard’ for someone’s diabetes management.
Levels that are higher than normal, but not reaching the point of diabetes, are called prediabetes. The following ranges are guidelines provided by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) but each individual’s target range should be agreed by their doctor or diabetic consultant. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Insulin levels may fall for a variety of reasons and may be attributed to insulin pumps providing too little basal (background) insulin overnight or taking too low of a dose of long-acting insulin. Waning insulin may also occur if individuals inject long-lasting insulin too early. High blood sugar levels in the morning may result from the dawn phenomenon, waning insulin and the Somogyi effect. Fasting and non-fasting blood sugar tests are used to screen individuals for diabetes and prediabetes.
Instead, they use that A1C in addition to time in range (TIR) figures, showing how often your glucose levels are in your individualized target range. Your glucose levels should be around 140 to 180 mg/dL after eating, according to the consensus of clinical guidance from diabetes experts and other medical professionals. But blood sugars can rise higher depending on many other factors, including the type of food or drink you’ve consumed. It’s likely that your healthcare provider will monitor your hemoglobin A1C levels, often just called A1C. This blood test shows your average blood sugar over the last few months, rather than at a fixed point in time. Check your blood glucose level before, during, and right after physical activity.
Blood sugar levels can fluctuate depending on the time of the day due to a number of reasons. What we eat, how active we are, any medications we take, and even stress can all affect our blood sugar levels. Children and teenagers may have different post-prandial goals compared to a nonpregnant adult, whereas someone older who deals with hypoglycemia may also have varying targets after eating. You should consult with your diabetes and healthcare team to discuss your preferred post-prandial blood sugars and what may be best for you.
Blood sugar levels fluctuate throughout the day based on factors such as diet, physical activity, and stress levels. A fasting blood sugar level below 100 mg/dL is typically considered normal, while levels between 100-125 mg/dL may indicate prediabetes. Blood sugar levels above 126 mg/dL on two separate tests may suggest diabetes.
Maintaining Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
While 100 may be considered a healthy blood sugar level for many individuals, it’s important to remember that optimal blood sugar levels can vary from person to person. Factors such as age, weight, and overall health should be taken into account when determining what is ideal for each individual. Maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, and monitoring blood sugar levels regularly are key steps in managing blood sugar levels and overall health.
