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Diabetes is a condition that can result in dangerously high blood sugar levels. If these levels are not under control, problems may arise. Diabetes patients must closely monitor their blood sugar levels to prevent any rises.
In some circumstances, modifying one’s lifestyle might help control blood glucose levels. But some people might need to take medicine.
The best blood sugar level will vary depending on the individual. Depending on whether the patient has recently woken up, eaten, or exercised, a doctor will work with each patient to establish appropriate amounts at various times of the day.
A general sense of acceptable blood sugar levels throughout the day is provided through the charts in this article. We emphasize the significance of adhering to a doctor’s recommended range as well.
Tests
It is crucial to measure blood glucose levels when controlling diabetes. The following are some tools for glycemic control, often known as blood glucose management or diabetes test strips:
- The A1C test, which displays changes in blood sugar over time
- Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), is a continuous procedure that monitors readings all day long
- With finger prick tests for blood glucose self-monitoring
However, the A1C values could alternatively be presented as a percentage. Doctors test blood sugar levels in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl). The percentage indicates how much blood glucose has been bonded to hemoglobin.
Blood sugar charts
The general target ranges for people with and without diabetes are shown in the following graphs.
Although these numbers are a generalization, each person’s specific requirements differ according to their age and other circumstances. A doctor will collaborate with a patient to determine their ideal blood sugar levels and assist them in maintaining proximity to their desired targets.
General target levels
General blood sugar target levels are as follows:
| People without diabetes | People with diabetes | |
| Before meals | 72–99 mg/dl | 80–130 mg/dl |
| 2 hours after a meal | less than 140 mg/dl | less than 180 mg/dl |
A1C values
The average blood sugar levels over the previous three months are measured by an A1C test. It can demonstrate whether long-term glucose management techniques are effective.
A person’s A1C values may be as follows, per the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)Trusted Source:
| A1C level | |
| A person without diabetes | below 5.7% |
| A person with prediabetes | 5.7–6.4% |
| A person with diabetes | 6.5% or over |
Unless a patient exhibits overt symptoms of the disease, a doctor will need to do two tests to determine whether they have diabetes.
Children’s blood sugar graphs
At different ages, different blood sugar levels are ideal. The following graph displays the optimal values for kids ages 0–10 and older based on information from the Nationwide Children’s Hospital. At different ages, different blood sugar levels are ideal. The following graph displays the optimal values for kids ages 0–10 and older based on information from the Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
| Blood sugar levels in mg/dl | |
| 0–5 years | 100–180 |
| 6–9 years | 80–140 |
| 10 years and over | 70–120 |
The following graph, which is based on data from Diabetes UK, provides a general indication of how a child’s blood sugar levels may change throughout the course of the day. They do not, however, make an age distinction. A doctor will offer recommendations for dosages that are right for the patient.
| Blood sugar levels in mg/dl | |
| On waking | 72–126 |
| Before meals | 72–126 |
| 2 hours after a meal | 90–162 |
According to experts, it’s not always ideal to strictly stick to complex blood sugar targets, especially for kids. If the advantages outweigh the hazards, parents may discover that a doctor offers more explicit recommendations for kids than for adults.
Teenage blood sugar chart
The following are typical teen guideline levels, although persons should consult a doctor for specific advice.
| Blood sugar levels in mg/dl | |
| Before meals | 72–108 |
| 2 hours after a meal | up to 180 |
Gestational diabetes patients
During pregnancy, gestational diabetes is a possibility. Although it frequently only lasts a short while, it can complicate pregnancy.
Although individual aims may differ, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) advises patients with a diagnosis of gestational diabetes to strive for blood sugar levels that are comparable to those of people without diabetes.
The following recommendations are provided by the ADA:
| Blood sugar level | |
| Before a meal | 95 mg/dl or less |
| 1 hour post meal | 140 mg/dl or less |
| 2 hour post meal | 120 mg/dl or less |
Guidelines
If blood sugar levels are out of range, a doctor will give the patient advice on what to do.
For a patient with diabetes, a doctor might suggest greater blood sugar objectives than for a patient without diabetes.
Target levels vary during the day. They peak an hour or so after meals and are typically lower just before and just after activity.
A doctor will consider specific aspects while determining a patient’s glucose goals, such as:
- life expectancy and age
- the existence of additional health issues, especially cardiovascular disease
- the duration of a person’s diabetes
- issues with the body’s tiniest arteries
- any recognized harm to the heart, brain, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, or kidneys
- lifestyle choices and individual behaviors
- how alert someone is to low blood sugar
- stress
Do check our Part II to know how you manage your blood sugar level. Contact us on 570-600-5040 to sell extra diabetic supplies.
Check out our Glucose Readings Off? Here’s What May Have Happened – Part II
