Bring your record of results with you to checkups with your healthcare professional. Ask what steps to take if you often get results that don’t fall within the range of your target goals. You might not need to test your blood sugar every day if you manage type 2 diabetes with medicines that are not insulin. You also might not need to test daily if you manage the condition with diet and exercise alone. If you’re experiencing concerning symptoms of low blood sugar or high blood sugar, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. If your blood glucose test is part of a basic or comprehensive metabolic panel, you may also need to fast for several hours before your blood draw.
But keep in mind that some health conditions and other factors can affect its accuracy. You may need to use additional means, such as a continuous glucose monitor, to keep close track of your blood sugar level from day to day. Your goal is to keep your blood sugar level in your desired range as much as possible. Your ‘time in range’ numbers provide a better picture of how well you manage your diabetes day to day and week to week. For that, you need a continuous glucose monitor, which tracks your glucose level 24/7.
High blood sugar levels in the morning may result from the dawn phenomenon, waning insulin and the Somogyi effect. Fasting and non-fasting blood sugar tests are used to screen individuals for diabetes and prediabetes. One important note to consider about one’s A1C number is that it may be affected by other medical conditions such as anemia, which could result in an inaccurate reading.
There’s very little risk to having either type of glucose blood test. You may have slight tenderness or a bruise at the site of the blood draw or finger prick, but this usually resolves quickly. 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.
The following chart outlines what blood sugar levels should be in the hours following a meal, as well as when levels are either too high or too low. Generally, blood sugar should be checked before meals and at bedtime. Your healthcare provider may want you to check more or less often.
Monitoring blood sugar levels is essential for maintaining good health, especially as we age. But what exactly is considered a normal sugar level for different age groups?
Children and Teenagers
Approximately 1 in 20 healthy people will have results outside of the normal range. Your healthcare provider will let you know if you need to undergo further tests to determine the cause of the abnormal level. Additionally, fasting glucose levels are important criteria for anyone going to get lab or bloodwork performed. High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) is a fasting blood glucose level between 100 and 125 mg/dL. Anything over 126 mg/dL qualifies as diabetes and can increase your risk of heart disease or stroke. As a result, many diabetes professionals have moved away from considering the A1C the sole “gold standard” for someone’s diabetes management.
For children and teenagers, the normal blood sugar range is typically between 70 and 100 mg/dL before meals. After eating, blood sugar levels may rise temporarily, but they should return to this range within a few hours. It is important for parents to monitor their child’s sugar levels, especially if there is a family history of diabetes.
People with diabetes, especially those who use insulin, will need to monitor blood sugar much more frequently than those with prediabetes or normal blood sugar. People with normal blood sugar may only require periodic testing, for example, once yearly, at their physical examination. Maintaining blood sugar in the target range is important in preventing long-term complications. Know that having a high or low glucose level doesn’t necessarily mean you have a medical condition and need treatment.
Adults
For adults, a fasting blood sugar level of less than 100 mg/dL is generally considered normal. After eating, blood sugar levels may rise up to 140 mg/dL, but should return to normal within two hours. Consistently high blood sugar levels can indicate prediabetes or diabetes, so it is important for adults to get regular check-ups.
Elderly Individuals
As we age, our bodies may become less efficient at regulating blood sugar levels. For elderly individuals, a slightly higher fasting blood sugar level of up to 110 mg/dL may be considered normal. However, any significant deviations from this range should be discussed with a healthcare provider to rule out diabetes or other health issues.
Overall, understanding what is considered a normal blood sugar level for your age group is crucial for maintaining good health and preventing chronic conditions like diabetes. By monitoring your sugar levels regularly and making healthy lifestyle choices, you can help prevent complications and live a long, healthy life.
