Understanding normal blood sugar levels is essential for maintaining optimal health and managing diabetes effectively. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information about blood glucose level ranges for different populations and medical conditions.
Detailed ranges for all populations and conditions
Evidence-based information from medical research
70-99 mg/dL (fasting)
Less than 140 mg/dL (2 hours after eating)
100-125 mg/dL (fasting)
140-199 mg/dL (2 hours after eating)
126+ mg/dL (fasting)
200+ mg/dL (2 hours after eating)
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Blood glucose levels are measured in two primary units depending on your location and are assessed through several different tests, each providing unique information about glucose metabolism.
Conversion: To convert mg/dL to mmol/L, divide by 18. To convert mmol/L to mg/dL, multiply by 18.
Measured after an overnight fast of at least 8 hours
Measured 1-2 hours after eating
Reflects average blood glucose over 2-3 months
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This calculator is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. If you have concerning readings, contact your doctor immediately.
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For healthy, non-diabetic adults, normal blood sugar levels fall within specific ranges that indicate proper glucose metabolism. These levels represent optimal health targets.
| Test Type | Normal Range (mg/dL) | Normal Range (mmol/L) | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Fasting Blood Glucose
|
70-99 | 3.9-5.5 | After 8+ hours fast |
|
Post-Meal Glucose
|
< 140 | < 7.8 | 2 hours after eating |
|
HbA1c Level
|
< 5.7% | < 42 mmol/mol | 2-3 month average |
These levels represent the body's baseline glucose concentration when no food has been consumed for several hours.
Blood glucose naturally rises after eating. This demonstrates the body's ability to effectively process glucose.
HbA1c provides valuable insight into long-term glucose control over the lifespan of red blood cells.
These ranges represent general guidelines for healthy individuals. Blood glucose levels can be influenced by factors such as food intake, physical activity, medications, age, and underlying health conditions. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized targets and interpretation of your blood sugar levels.
Prediabetes represents an intermediate state where blood glucose levels are elevated above normal but not yet high enough to diagnose diabetes. This condition serves as an important warning sign for potential type 2 diabetes development.
Prediabetes affects millions of people worldwide and represents a critical opportunity for intervention to prevent type 2 diabetes.
| Test Type | Prediabetes Range (mg/dL) | Prediabetes Range (mmol/L) | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Fasting Blood Glucose
|
100-125 | 5.6-6.9 | Moderate |
|
Oral Glucose Tolerance
|
140-199 | 7.8-11.0 | Moderate |
|
HbA1c Level
|
5.7-6.4% | 42-47 mmol/mol | Moderate |
Fasting: 70-99 mg/dL
Low Risk
Fasting: 100-125 mg/dL
Moderate Risk
Fasting: ≥126 mg/dL
High Risk
Fasting glucose 100-125 mg/dL: Research shows that a healthy fasting blood sugar level is below 100, whereas prediabetes falls between 100 and 126 mg/dL.
Diabetes threshold: Once levels have surpassed 126 mg/dL, it's classified as type 2 diabetes.
Global impact: Prediabetes affects millions of people worldwide and represents a critical opportunity for intervention.
Effective diabetes management requires specific blood glucose targets that minimize both short-term complications and long-term health risks. These targets vary by type of diabetes, age, and individual circumstances.
| Population | Fasting/Pre-meal (mg/dL) | Post-meal (mg/dL) | HbA1c Target |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Type 1 Diabetes (Adults)
|
80-130 | < 180 | < 7.0% |
|
Type 1 Diabetes (Children)
|
70-140 | 90+ min: < 180 | Individualized |
|
Type 2 Diabetes
|
80-130 | < 180 | 6.5-7.0% |
|
Gestational Diabetes
|
< 95 |
1hr: < 140 2hr: < 120 |
< 6.0% |
|
Elderly Adults (65+)
|
70-180 | Individualized | Individualized |
Children Note: Normal range is about 70-140 mg/dL, with different goal ranges for babies and small children requiring individualized management plans.
NICE Guidelines: Targets of 4-7 mmol/L before meals and under 8.5 mmol/L at least 90 minutes after meals.
Research Note: Normal blood glucose during pregnancy is regulated within 3.5 to 7.8 mmol/L. HbA1c target is ideally below 6.0% if achievable without significant hypoglycemia.
Important: Individual targets should be determined with healthcare professionals, considering overall health status, life expectancy, and comorbidities.
Different targets for children, adults, and elderly
Overall health and presence of complications
Ability to recognize low blood sugar symptoms
Length of time since diabetes diagnosis
Certain blood glucose levels require immediate medical attention regardless of diabetes status. Understanding these critical ranges can be life-saving and help prevent serious complications.
If you experience blood glucose levels in the dangerous ranges below, seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services.
| Condition | Blood Sugar Level | Ketone Level | Action Required |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
|
> 240 mg/dL (13.3 mmol/L) | > 3.0 mmol/L | Emergency |
|
High Risk DKA
|
> 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) | 1.6-3.0 mmol/L | Urgent Care |
|
Elevated Ketones
|
Variable | 0.6-1.5 mmol/L | Monitor |
|
Normal Ketones
|
Any Level | < 0.6 mmol/L | Normal |
Check blood glucose at least 4 times daily
Frequency varies based on treatment
Finger-prick testing with glucose meters
Real-time glucose readings and trends
Diabetic ketoacidosis usually occurs when blood glucose levels exceed 240 mg/dL (13.3 mmol/L), but can occur at lower levels in some cases.
Random blood sugar levels greater than 200 mg/dL at admission are reliable parameters to predict mortality in certain medical conditions.
Time of day affects blood glucose levels due to natural circadian rhythms influencing insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.
Physical activity, stress levels, illness, and medications can all impact blood glucose levels and may require temporary adjustments to target ranges.