Ranges of Blood Sugar Levels

This page provides information on normal blood sugar levels as well as the appropriate ranges for adults and children with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. It also includes information on blood sugar levels that can help determine if someone has diabetes.

For individuals with diabetes who have a meter and test strips for monitoring their blood glucose levels, it is crucial to understand the significance of the readings.

It's important to note that recommended blood glucose levels can vary for each individual. It's best to have a discussion with your healthcare team to determine the ideal levels for you.

During pregnancy, women may have specific blood sugar level targets that they need to meet.

The information on the table is meant to be a general guide. However, it's important to remember that your healthcare team will provide you with a specific target to aim for.

Diagnosing diabetes through blood sugar levels.

Here is a table outlining the criteria for diagnosing diabetes and prediabetes. The table consists of five rows and four columns and displays the blood sugar levels used in the diagnosis of diabetes.

The random plasma glucose test.

You can take a blood sample for a random plasma glucose test at any time. This test doesn't require much planning and is used to diagnose type 1 diabetes when time is crucial.

Fasting plasma glucose test

The fasting plasma glucose test is conducted after a minimum of eight hours of fasting and is usually done in the morning.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

To prepare for a glucose tolerance test, don't eat beforehand. They'll test your fasting blood sugar levels, then you'll drink a sugary drink and they'll monitor your levels for a few hours. Follow instructions to get accurate results.

After having this drink you need to stay at rest until a further blood sample is taken after 2 hours.

HbA1c test for diabetes diagnosis

The HbA1c test doesn't measure blood glucose levels directly, but rather reflects the average level over a span of 2 to 3 months. 

The outcome of the test is affected by whether your blood glucose levels have been high or low during that period.

The following conditions may indicate diabetes or prediabetes:

It is important to maintain good blood sugar levels to reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes. 

Prolonged high levels of glucose can negatively impact your health.

Health problems known as diabetes complications include:

• Kidney disease
• Nerve damage
• Retinal disease
• Heart disease 
• Stroke

Although this list of potential complications may appear daunting, it's important to recognize that managing your blood glucose levels effectively can greatly decrease your risk of experiencing these issues. Consistently striving for small improvements and maintaining them over time can have a significant impact on your health.