What Is a Normal Blood Sugar Level?

In order to prevent or delay more serious and life-altering health problems, it’s important to keep your blood sugar levels in your target range as much as possible. This will increase your energy and mood in the short-term, too. Keep reading for the answers to common questions about blood sugar, particularly for people with diabetes.

What is blood glucose, anyway?

Blood glucose, also known as sugar, is found in the blood (enough said!) from foods such as pasta, bread, and fruit that contain carbohydrates. In the cells of our bodies, glucose is the source of all energy; this is true in all of us, but the brain is the most important organ of our body and consumes a disproportionate amount of glucose in comparison to other cells.

What is a normal blood sugar level?

In answer to the question, what is a normal blood sugar level? Well, it varies depending on what time of day and the number of carbohydrates eaten.

Fasting normal blood sugar

Normal for person without diabetes: 70–99 mg/dl (3.9–5.5 mmol/L)

Official ADA recommendation for someone with diabetes: 80–130 mg/dl (4.4–7.2 mmol/L)

Normal blood sugar 2 hours after meals

Normal for person without diabetes: Less than 140 mg/dl (7.8 mmol/L)

Official ADA recommendation for someone with diabetes: Less than 180 mg/dl (10.0 mmol/L)

HbA1c

Normal for person without diabetes: Less than 5.7%

Official ADA recommendation for someone with diabetes: Less than 7.0%

Are high levels of blood sugar dangerous?

Yes, elevated blood sugar levels can be harmful. Although high blood sugar levels commonly produce symptoms of excessive urination, excessive thirst and hunger, and weight loss, over time these high blood sugar levels can cause: 

– You might have experienced a lower-extremity tingling sensation and a loss of feeling.

– Blurry vision

– There is a greater risk for infection

– Kidney and eye damage

– An increased risk of heart attack

– A higher risk of stroke

Persons with very high blood sugar levels will experience life-threatening consequences. Treatment for overly high blood sugar levels entails administering intravenous fluids and insulin.

Are low blood sugar levels dangerous?

Yes, the symptoms of low blood sugar can cause difficulties such as: 

– Severe hunger

– Unusually agitated, troubled or uneasy

– Perspiration

– Vertigo and confusion 

– If not treated, low blood sugar (also termed hypoglycemia) may lead to unconsciousness, convulsions, coma, or even death.

Low blood sugar levels begin at 70 mg/dL or less.

What can I do to help manage my blood sugar levels?

Controlling your blood sugar can be hard but it’s an important thing to do if you have diabetes. The key is to practice a variety of healthy habits to keep your blood sugar levels in a safe range.

One of the first steps to managing diabetes is understanding why blood sugar levels are increasing and decreasing, so you can make informed decisions to keep your levels stable.

Eating a nutritious diet, remaining at a healthy weight, and staying active can all assist in blood sugar management. For example, other tips might include:

1. Monitor your blood sugar levels so you can figure out what makes them change.

2. Ensure that you eat on a regular schedule and that you don’t miss meals.

3. Eating healthy means picking food items with lower calories, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar, and salt.

4. Track your food, drink, and physical activity.

5. When it comes to liquid intake, go for water instead of juice or soda.

6. Don’t drink any alcoholic beverages.

7. Choose fresh fruit to satisfy a sweet tooth

8. Control your food portions – If you want to control your portions and your calorie intake, you can employ the plate method. Start by filling half of your plate with vegetables (non-starchy, if possible).

They’re low in carbs and calories, but are high in nutrients and dietary fiber. Next, make sure to include a protein serving to your plate. This can be any type of meat, fish, tofu, or beans.