According to the ADA, it is recommended to maintain a blood sugar level below 140 mg/dL.
Normal blood sugar levels chart
This particular blood sugar reading can be taken at any point during the day, regardless of your most recent meal.
Healthcare providers establish target blood sugar goals for individuals with diabetes based on their personal health factors to help manage the condition and prevent complications. These goals typically include:
Fasting plasma glucose: Between 80-130 mg/dL before meals.
Postprandial / 2-hour plasma glucose: Below 180 mg/dL after eating.
Target blood sugar ranges for non-pregnant people with diabetes: Around 90-150 mg/dL before bedtime.
Factors that can affect blood sugar levels
Several factors can influence blood sugar levels, including:
- Diet and food choices
- Physical activity
- Illness or infection
- Stress levels
- Medications
- Alcohol consumption
High blood sugar: hidden dangers
High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can lead to serious long-term complications if not managed properly. These complications may involve:
- Heart disease
- Kidney damage
- Nerve damage
- Vision problems
- Foot problems
Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and following the advice of healthcare providers can help prevent high blood sugar and its associated complications.
In addition to the mentioned complications, high blood sugar can also increase the risk of stroke, cognitive impairment, and other cardiovascular diseases. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, to help keep blood sugar levels in check.
Low blood sugar: what to watch out for
Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can be hazardous and requires immediate attention. Symptoms of low blood sugar include:
- Weakness or fatigue
- Trembling
- Sweating
- Feeling hungry
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Blurred vision
- Rapid heartbeat
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Pale skin
- Headache
Early detection and appropriate treatment of low blood sugar are crucial to prevent severe complications.
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Understanding blood sugar levels is vital for managing diabetes and overall well-being. By monitoring and controlling blood sugar levels, individuals can reduce the risk of complications and enhance their quality of life.
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It is recommended to consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance on maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and effectively managing diabetes.
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Stay educated about your blood sugar levels and collaborate closely with your healthcare team to achieve optimal health outcomes.
- ADA recommendation: Blood glucose level below 140 mg/dL.
This test measures the amount of glucose bound to hemoglobin, a component of red blood cells, over a period of approximately 3 months, without regard to meal times.
- CDC recommendation: Less than 5.7%.
Normal blood sugar levels chart
| Fasting plasma glucose | 2 hours after a meal | A1C |
| Below 100 mg/dL | Below 140 mg/dL | Less than 5.7% |
| It’s important to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and make necessary adjustments to maintain optimal health. Consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and support in managing your blood glucose levels. | ||
Additional tips for managing blood sugar levels:
- Consistently monitor blood sugar levels to identify patterns and make necessary adjustments.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Engage in regular physical activity to help control blood sugar levels and improve overall health.
- Take medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
- Avoid sugary beverages and high-sugar foods that can cause blood sugar spikes.
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Get regular check-ups with your healthcare team to track your progress and make any necessary changes to your treatment plan.
By following these tips and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can better manage your blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes.
Factors that can affect blood sugar levels
If you have prediabetes or diabetes, you may experience insulin resistance or an inability to produce sufficient insulin. Maintaining normal blood sugar levels might be challenging for your body.
Factors that can lead to fluctuations in blood glucose levels include consuming more carbohydrates than usual, adjusting insulin or medication doses, reduced physical activity, illness, stress, dehydration, and side effects from medications.
Why your blood sugar level may be high
If your blood sugar level is above 180 mg/dL two hours after eating, it exceeds the normal range. Various factors like diet, medication, activity levels, illness, dehydration, and medication side effects can contribute to high blood sugar.
Why your blood sugar level may be low
If blood sugar drops below 70 mg/dL, it is considered low. Reasons for low blood sugar include skipping meals, reducing carbohydrate intake, consuming alcohol, taking excessive medication, increased physical activity, and medication side effects.
It is important to keep your blood glucose meter and fast-acting glucose sources close by in case of low blood sugar, especially if you experience hypoglycemia unawareness.
Eating balanced meals and snacks can help maintain normal blood sugar levels in your body.
High blood sugar: hidden dangers
High blood sugar levels can lead to symptoms like excessive thirst, dehydration, skin problems, and infections. Prolonged high blood sugar can result in cognitive issues, visual disturbances, gum disease, heart complications, kidney problems, nerve damage, and sexual dysfunction.
Regularly monitoring blood sugar levels and taking appropriate action when necessary can lower the risk of complications.
High blood sugar chart and action plan
Elevated blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) can occur when the body lacks insulin or has insulin resistance. Hyperglycemic values should be addressed promptly to normalize levels.
Factors contributing to high blood sugar levels may include large meals, illness, stress, sedentary behavior, or insulin malfunctions. Contact your healthcare provider for further treatment instructions.
Low blood sugar: what to watch out for
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) might be caused by excess medication, delayed meals, increased physical activity, or alcohol consumption.
Symptoms of low blood sugar include weakness, sweating, confusion, hunger, and irritability. Severe hypoglycemia can lead to unconsciousness, seizures, coma, or even death, especially if it occurs at night. The unpredictability of hypoglycemia can be challenging, affecting various aspects of daily life. It can disrupt normal activities and may require hospitalization or missed work. Episodes can occur during social functions, work meetings, or while driving, posing a significant risk if confusion or loss of consciousness occurs behind the wheel. Regularly checking blood sugar levels before driving is essential for safety. Monitoring blood sugar frequently and promptly addressing low levels can help prevent severe episodes and maintain overall health. Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, requires immediate action to raise levels back to normal. If an individual is unresponsive, administering glucagon and seeking emergency medical assistance may be necessary. Avoid offering food or drink to an unconscious person. Treating low blood sugar symptoms with 15 grams of quick-acting carbohydrates followed by re-testing in 15 minutes is recommended. If symptoms continue despite blood sugar readings, repeat the test as signs of high and low blood sugar may overlap. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help establish personalized blood sugar targets and action plans. Regular monitoring is crucial for managing blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of complications. Downloading a helpful chart on blood sugar guidelines can provide valuable information on managing high and low blood sugar levels.