Blood sugar levels are an essential indicator of overall health, and it's necessary to understand the best range for your age. Although the appropriate goals differ between people based on their age, health issues, and lifestyle factors, knowing the common ranges gives you insights into how your body functions.
It's nevertheless important to remember that the information provided is only guidelines. If you're concerned about your blood sugar levels, you must talk to your physician to conduct a thorough examination. There isn't a single “normal” blood sugar level. Your goal number will depend on the aspects of your health and lifestyle.
Below, learn the basics about your blood sugar levels, including how they affect your general health and the normal range and warning signs of abnormal levels.
What Is Blood Sugar?
Blood sugar, commonly known as glucose, is the main kind of sugar found in the body. It is made up of carbohydrates in food. Glucose is a vital ingredient as it provides energy for all cells in the body, including brain cells.
Your blood sugar levels fluctuate throughout the day, depending on your food intake, exercise, and rest. Stress and hormones also impact them. Patients with diabetes must monitor their blood sugar levels closely to ensure they are within the proper range, which a doctor often determines.
A blood sugar reading not within the required range can have serious health consequences. “When the levels of blood sugar are excessively either too high or too low, it could have severe health implications including kidney damage, nerve damage, and heart disease,” states Brenda Peralta, registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator at FeastGood.com.
A high level of blood sugar (hyperglycemia) could lead to issues like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases as well as strokes, the doctor says. A low level of blood sugar (hypoglycemia) could cause nervousness, anxiety, sweating, and vision issues. Blood sugar levels that are extremely low sugar can cause seizures and fainting.
Why Does Blood Sugar Matter With Diabetes?
Diabetes creates difficulties or even makes it impossible for the body's system to manage glucose levels by itself. If someone suffers from diabetes or a related condition, their body cannot produce enough insulin or create enough insulin. The hormone insulin assists the body in using glucose to fuel its cells. When insulin levels are low, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream and may damage organs and other tissues.
“Diabetes is when a person's body is unable to manage the amount of sugar consumed in our daily diets,” says Jennifer Meller, M.D., chief medical officer of Sweetch, a health technology company located in Tel Aviv, Israel. “Chronically increased sugar levels could result in small and large blood vessel changes.”
In time, changes in large vessels may result in an increased chance of having a heart attack or stroke. In addition, damage to small vessels may result in nerve damage, loss of vision, and kidney damage, says Meller. Meller.
For those with diabetes, maintaining a good blood sugar level is crucial in preventing serious health issues in the near future. This means understanding the target sugar levels for different age groups and making lifestyle adjustments in line with your blood sugar needs since it fluctuates up and down depending on the food you consume and when, in addition to other variables.
What Is an A1C Number?
The A1C test, or glycosylated hemoglobin, is a standard diagnostic tool for assessing a person's blood sugar levels over the last three months (90 days). It measures the degree to which blood sugar levels have been controlled.
“It's an essential element for controlling blood sugar in the case of diabetes since it gives a long-term assessment of blood sugar levels and can assist in predicting the risk of developing complications due to the disease,” explains Peralta.
The test utilizes a small blood sample to measure hemoglobin, a protein inside red blood cells. It is a carrier of oxygen and bonds to glucose molecules. The higher the level of glucose present in the bloodstream, the more hemoglobin will bind with it, which will be detected by the A1C test. A1C test. This test is typically performed by pricking your finger at the physician's office.
A1C is an acronym for “A1C” meaning “blood sugar level”. A1C value is expressed in percentages that are higher in percentages, which indicates more glucose levels are present in the blood. A healthy A1C reading for someone who does not have diabetes is between 4.4% and 5.7%. A reading between 5.7 percent and 6.4 percent is thought to be prediabetic. 6.5 percent and above is consistent with diabetes[1].
A crucial aspect to consider regarding one's A1C number is that it might be affected by medical conditions like anemia, which may cause an incorrect reading. This is the reason that it is generally suggested to examine other numbers, like the fasting glucose levels, along with the A1C number.
How Is Blood Sugar Tested?
It is commonly tested using a glucometer, which analyzes the levels of glucose present in the blood sample. A tiny drop of blood taken from the fingers or arm is put in a testing strip and then inserted in the glucometer. The results are displayed on the LCD screen of the glucometer within a couple of minutes.
Another way to measure blood sugar is through Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), which typically involves putting a disposable waterproof sensor on one's back, stomach, or arm. Depending on the model, the sensors can be read using a reader and last for between three and 14 days. Many CGM sensors can be used with smartphones, which gives individuals and other people (such as caretakers) the ability to track changes in glucose levels over the past eight hours.
Patients with diabetes generally test their blood sugar levels at least once daily, preferably before meals and snacks and 2 hours after eating.
In some instances, the doctor might also require other tests, such as fasting and oral glucose tolerance tests. These tests assess glucose levels in the blood at specific intervals (fasting and after eating).
When to Test Blood Sugar
For many people with diabetes, the best time to check blood sugar levels is before meals and before bed. Based on their medical condition, a doctor could request that a patient take a blood test at least every two hours after eating and during the middle of the evening. The most effective method of determining the frequency of testing your blood sugar levels is consulting your physician, who can suggest times according to your health requirements.
Other scenarios where people might consider testing their blood sugar levels are:
- When you experience symptoms related to low blood sugar, like dizziness, sweating, or confusion
- After dining in an establishment or trying out new dishes
- When feeling sick
- If you are feeling stressed
- When drinking alcohol
- After and before exercising
- Before starting a new drug
- In the event of taking too high doses of insulin or diabetes medication
- Following the administration of diabetes medications incorrectly, you may be in a bind.
Normal Blood Sugar Levels By Age (Children, Adults, And Seniors)
Recognizing that normal blood sugar levels can vary based on lifestyle factors, age, and health concerns is essential.
The chart below draws inspiration from research studies, including those in collaboration with the American Diabetes Association (ADA), The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Johns Hopkins Medicine, to illustrate the generally recommended blood sugar levels at age 50. Dr. Meller studied the chart.
- Children and Adolescents
- Normal FASTING GLUCES (WITHOUT DIABETES) is less than 100mg/dL or less than
- FASTING GLUCES Level (CONSISTENT with DIABETES) More than or equivalent to 126 mg/dL
- TARGET GLUCOSE RANGE (BEFORE MEALS FOR THOSE WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES): 80 to 130mg/dL
- HBA1C (IN those who do not have diabetes) less than 5.7
- HBA1C (IN THOSE WITH POSSIBLE PREDIABETES): 5.7-6.4
- HBA1C (CONSISTENT WITH DIABETES) More than or equivalent to 6.5
- HBA1C (TARGET GOAL SET FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DIABETES) less than or greater than 7.0
- Adults
- Normal FASTING GLUCES (WITHOUT DIABETES) is less than 100 mg/dL or less than
- FASTING GLUCES LOCATION (CONSISTENT with DIABETES) More than or equivalent to 126 mg/dL
- TARGET GLUCOSE RANGE (BEFORE MEALS FOR THOSE WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES): 80 to 130mg/dL
- HBA1C (IN those who do not have diabetes) (less than 5.7
- HBA1C (IN THOSE WITH POSSIBLE PREDIABETES): 5.7-6.4
- HBA1C (CONSISTENT WITH DIABETES) greater than or equivalent to 6.5
- HBA1C (TARGET AIM FOR THOSE WITH DIABETES) HBA1C: less than or greater than 7.0
- Older adults
- Normal FASTING GLUCES (WITHOUT DIABETES) less than or equivalent to 100mg/dL
- FASTING GLUCES Level (CONSISTENT IN DIABETES) greater than or equivalent to 126 mg/dL
- TARGET GLUCOSE RANGE (BEFORE MEALS FOR THOSE WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES): 80 to 150 or 170mg/dL
- HBA1C (IN those who do not have diabetes) (less than 5.7
- HBA1C (IN THOSE WITH POSSIBLE PREDIABETES): 5.7-6.4
- HBA1C (CONSISTENT WITH DIABETES) More than or equivalent to 6.5
- HBA1C (TARGET GOAL OF THOSE WHO HAVE DIABETES) HBA1C: less of or equivalent to 7.5-8.0
Fasting vs. Non-Fasting Blood Sugar Levels
Non-fasting and fasting blood glucose tests can test patients for prediabetes and diabetes.
The tests for blood sugar levels during fasting are used to measure the blood sugar levels after having not eaten for eight hours. They are usually performed in the morning before breakfast. Blood sugar levels in the fasting period could be a sign that someone is diabetic or prediabetic according to the following levels.
- Normal 99 mg/dL and lower
- Prediabetes: 100 mg/dL to 125 mg/dL
- Diabetes: 126 mg/dL and higher
Blood sugar tests that aren't fasting don't need a person to refrain from eating before. The non-fasting blood sugar levels could suggest that a person has diabetes or prediabetes in the following intervals.
- Normal 140 mg/dL or less
- Prediabetes: 140 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL
- Diabetes Amount: 200 mg/dL and higher
Signs and Symptoms of Unbalanced Blood Sugar
If your blood sugar is always too low or high, there could be indicators and signs. Based on Peralta as well as Dr. Meller, the following are typical signs of imbalanced blood sugar levels:
The signs of high blood sugar can be seen in:
- More thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Vision blurred
- Slow-healing sores
- Weight loss
- Numerous infections
Signs for low blood sugar are:
- Hunger
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Headache
- Dizziness
- The difficulty in concentrating and confusion
What Level of Blood Sugar Is Dangerous?
Hypoglycemia occurs when a person's glucose levels drop below 70 mg/dL. Low blood sugar levels can be severe when they are below 54 mg/dL, and they can cause fainting. The condition is prevalent in people suffering from type 1 diabetes and needs treatment.
High blood sugar—or hyperglycemia—occurs when an individual's glucose levels rise to 240 mg/dL or higher. If not treated, hyperglycemia could cause ketoacidosis, which is commonly referred to as diabetic coma.
Ketones are a waste product produced as the body breaks down fats because of a lack of insulin. They are intolerant when they're large and are released through people's kidneys. If the body can't eliminate large quantities of ketones via urine, they could accumulate in the bloodstream, leading to high ketone levels. This can result in ketoacidosis. This is an emergency medical situation that occurs when ketones make blood more acidic and need immediate medical treatment.
What to Do When Blood Sugar Is Too High or Low
In the case of hypoglycemia sufferers, The treatment is comprised of the following choices:
- Consuming four glucose tablets
- Consuming 4 ounces or more of juice made from fruits like orange or apple juice
- Consuming 4 four ounces of soda
- Four portions of candy that are hard
Individuals should be tested for blood sugar levels a second time, 15 minutes after trying to increase their blood sugar levels to determine if sugar levels are at 70 mg/dL or more. If the glucose levels remain in the low range, follow any of the methods above until blood sugar levels have returned to normal.
People who are suffering from hyperglycemia should utilize an over-the-counter test kit to determine the levels of ketone within their urine. If ketone levels exceed 80 mg/dL, then seek medical attention immediately.
If the blood sugar levels are high, but the urine test shows normal levels of ketone, then these options could reduce blood sugar levels:
- Keep well-hydrated: Dehydration can increase blood sugar concentration, which can lead to increased glucose levels. A higher water intake helps regulate blood sugar levels by increasing the amount of water in your bloodstream.
- Exercise more: Physical activity makes your body more tolerant to insulin. It also lowers blood sugar for up to 24 hours following exercise. If you suffer from ketones, don't exercise. This could cause your blood sugar levels to climb even higher.
- Control stress: Life's stress can increase glucose levels. Finding healthy ways to deal with stress via therapeutic exercises (such as listening to music or taking walks) can help reduce high blood sugar levels.
- Make sure you get enough sleep. Studies show that poor-quality sleep negatively impacts the body's ability to manage the blood sugar level. Try to get between seven and eight hours of sleep each night. Talk to your physician should you suspect that you are suffering from an issue with sleep.
- Count carbohydrates. Carbohydrates can be broken into glucose through the process of digestion and may cause blood sugar levels to rise. The counting of carbs can help control blood sugar levels and assist people suffering from diabetes ensure that they're taking sufficient insulin.
When to Talk With a Doctor About Blood Sugar
It's a severe disease. It's crucial to speak with your doctor if you're concerned about your sugar level. Your doctor may order tests to confirm the diagnosis of prediabetes or diabetes and offer treatment suggestions. They might also suggest lifestyle modifications to keep your blood sugar levels within the range of your recommended goal.
Monitoring and controlling blood sugar levels is essential for maintaining health and avoiding the long-term repercussions of diabetes. If you take care of yourself and have regular checks, controlling your blood sugar levels is feasible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the average blood sugar level right after eating?
Normal blood sugar levels are between one and two hours after eating. According to the American Diabetes Association, the average is 180 mg/dL or less for non-pregnant women with diabetes and 140 mg/dL or less in pregnant women suffering from diabetes.
What is the average blood sugar level in the early morning?
Healthy blood sugar levels in the morning before eating can range between 80 and 130 mg/dL.
What is the normal Blood sugar range for a woman who is pregnant?
The American Diabetes Association recommends the following range of target values for women who are pregnant and checking their levels of blood sugar:
- Fasting: 95 mg/dL or less
- After eating for one hour, an Amount of 140 mg/dL or less
- 2 hours after eating at least 120 mg/dL.
Do I have to worry about my blood sugar if I do not have diabetes?
For those who do not have diabetes, the blood sugar test is generally not necessary. Suppose you do have certain risks for prediabetes, for example, being overweight or excess body weight, older than 45, or having a close family member suffering from Type 2 diabetes. In that case, you should consult your physician to determine if it is necessary to check your blood sugar levels.
Why do my blood sugar levels rise in the morning but not for the rest of the day?
Blood sugar levels are high in the early morning, which can be due to this dawn-like phenomenon of decreasing insulin levels and the Somogyi effect.
In the early morning, the liver enhances glucose production to provide the body with enough energy to get up, which triggers the pancreas to release insulin to keep blood sugar levels under control. However, people with diabetes might not be able to produce enough insulin to combat the rise in blood sugar levels. This is referred to as the dawn phenomenon. It affects most patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Waning of insulin happens when the levels of insulin in an individual are too low throughout a night, which causes the blood sugar level to increase. The levels of insulin can fall for many reasons. One reason could be that insulin pumps deliver too little base (background) insulin throughout the night or that people take too small of an amount of long-acting insulin. It is also possible to see a decrease in insulin if people inject long-lasting insulin too soon.
The Somogyi effect refers to an individual's blood sugar levels dropping too low during the night. The body can produce additional glucose to compensate, increasing blood sugar levels by the morning.