Many people wonder, what is the normal range for blood sugar? Having a good understanding of this range is crucial for maintaining overall health and preventing various health complications.
People who have diabetes need this test regularly to see if their levels are staying within range. Use of this website and any information contained herein is governed by the Healthgrades User Agreement. Individual needs can differ, and a doctor will set goals at the start of treatment. For a person without diabetes, a healthy A1C level is below 5.7%.
Your doctor should be aware of your medical history to ensure an accurate HbA1c. Read more about age-based glucose levels as well as what clinical guidelines say about blood sugar levels after eating and at other times. Make sure to discuss with a diabetes and healthcare team any personal goals or preferences that you may have.
Normal Blood Sugar Levels
The normal range for blood sugar levels can vary depending on whether the blood sample was taken after fasting or after a meal. In general, normal fasting blood sugar levels typically fall between 70 and 100 mg/dL. After eating, blood sugar levels may rise temporarily, with normal postprandial levels typically below 140 mg/dL.
Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels
Those living with diabetes usually check their blood sugar levels several times a day, including before meals and snacks and two hours after eating. The NICE recommended target blood glucose levels are stated below for adults with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and children with type 1 diabetes. Recommended blood glucose levels have a degree of interpretation for every individual and you should discuss this with your healthcare team. This article will explain fasting blood sugars, why they’re important, and what clinical guidelines say about these glucose levels for people with and without diabetes.
In any case, your healthcare provider will let you know if you need to follow any special instructions. Your provider will also order a blood glucose test if you have symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). You can use a small, portable device called a blood sugar meter (glucometer) to monitor your blood sugar at home. There are many kinds of meters, or monitors, and you can buy them in a variety of places, including online and at your nearest pharmacy. They often work the same way and include a lancing (pricking) device called a lancet. You’ll need to buy more lancets, as well as test strips, so you have a supply.
If you’re in good health, you may be able to manage diabetes as if you were younger. If you have other health problems, less strict management can help you to avoid hypoglycemia. Researchers say hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is likely underreported in adults over 65. NIDDK conducts and supports clinical trials in many diseases and conditions, including diabetes.
It is important to regularly monitor your blood sugar levels, especially if you have diabetes or are at risk for developing the condition. By keeping track of your levels, you can make necessary adjustments to your diet, exercise, and medication to keep your blood sugar within the normal range.
You can also get information from your health care professionals. To have a healthy lifestyle, take steps now to plan healthy meals and snacks, do physical activities, get enough sleep, and quit smoking or using tobacco products. Talk to your healthcare provider if you think you might have a hemoglobin variant that could affect your A1C results. Studies have shown that people with diabetes may be able to reduce the risk of diabetes complications by consistently keeping their A1C levels below 7%. People with prediabetes are at increased risk of developing diabetes.
Sports drinks often have a lot of sugar and calories, and you don’t need them for most moderate physical activities. People with diabetes can be active, even if they take insulin or use technology such as insulin pumps. Eating several smaller meals throughout the day rather than two or three big meals may help. Type 2 diabetes can often develop slowly, which might make initial symptoms difficult to detect. You may also need the test more often if your diabetes plan changes or if you start a new medicine. You’ll probably get tested once a year if you have prediabetes, which means you have a strong chance of developing diabetes.
Overall, understanding the normal range for blood sugar is essential for maintaining good health and preventing complications related to high or low blood sugar levels. If you have any concerns about your blood sugar levels, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional for guidance and support.
