- Blood Sugar Levels Chart
- What are normal blood sugar levels in adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes?
- Normal Sugar Levels
- What are normal blood sugar levels before and after eating?
- High Sugar Levels
- Are high levels of blood sugar dangerous?
- Low Sugar Levels
- Are low blood sugar levels dangerous?
- Management Tips
- What can you do to manage your blood glucose levels?
- FAQs
- Frequently asked questions
What are normal blood sugar levels in adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes?
Chart Showing Target Blood Sugar Levels for Diabetes
Diabetes is defined as a disease in which the body has an impaired ability to either produce or respond to the hormone insulin. People with type 1 diabetes have a pancreas that does not make insulin. People with type 2 diabetes have cells in the body that are resistant to insulin or have a pancreas that slows or stops producing adequate insulin levels Both types of diabetes can result in abnormal glucose levels.
Normal blood levels may range slightly depending on what blood tests are used, but the variances are small. In addition, the “normal” ranges for non-diabetics are not the same for people with diabetes; it is generally accepted that target blood sugar measurements for people with diabetes will be slightly higher than for those without diabetes.
- A person with normal blood sugar levels has a normal glucose range of 72-99 mg/dL while fasting and up to 140 mg/dL about 2 hours after eating.
- People with diabetes who have well-controlled glucose levels with medications have a different target glucose range. These people may have a fasting blood sugar range of about 100 mg/dL or less and 180 mg/dL about 2 hours after eating.
- If a person’s diabetes is not well controlled, the person may have much higher glucose ranges (for example, 200-400 mg/dL; however, some people with diabetes have blood sugar levels that are much higher).
What are normal blood sugar levels before and after eating?
The normal ranges for blood sugar levels in adults who do not have diabetes while fasting are 72-99 mg/dL. These ranges may increase to 80-130 mg/dL for those being treated for diabetes.
According to the American Diabetes Association, people with diabetes should have
- blood sugar levels of 80-130 mg/dL before eating a meal (fasting), and
- less than 180 mg/dL about 1-2 hours after eating a meal
High blood sugar ranges for people who don’t have diabetes begin at 140 mg/dL, while those being treated for diabetes have a high range beginning at 180 mg/dL.
Are high levels of blood sugar dangerous?
Yes, high blood sugar levels can be dangerous. Although high blood sugar symptoms commonly include excessive urination, excessive thirst, hunger, weight loss, fatigue, and headaches, over time these high blood sugar levels can cause the following:
- Lower-extremity paresthesias (“pins and needles” sensations) and/or loss of feeling
- Blurry vision
- A higher risk for infections
- Kidney and eye damage
- A higher risk of heart attack
- A higher risk of stroke
Very high blood sugar levels (for example, 1000 or more mg/dL) can cause diabetic ketoacidosis, which can lead to loss of consciousness and is life-threatening. The treatment for excessively high blood sugar involves IV fluids and insulin.
Are low blood sugar levels dangerous?
Yes, low blood sugar symptoms can cause problems such as:
- Hunger
- Nervousness
- Perspiration
- Dizziness and even confusion
- If untreated, low blood sugar (also termed hypoglycemia) may result in:
- Unconsciousness
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
Low blood sugar levels begin at 70 mg/dL or less.
- People with diabetes who take too much medication (insulin) or take their usual amount but then eat less or exercise more than usual can develop hypoglycemia. Although much rarer, hypoglycemia may develop in some people without diabetes when they take someone else’s medication, have excessive alcohol consumption, or have hepatitis or a rare tumor of the pancreas (insulinoma).
- The treatment for hypoglycemia is oral glucose intake (15.0 grams of sugar, for example, 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, corn syrup, or IV fluids containing glucose. Rechecking your blood sugar levels in about 15 minutes after the treatment is advised.
What can you do to manage your blood glucose levels?
You can manage your blood glucose levels with the following tips:
- Diet modification is a major step in your management of diabetes.
- Don't eat foods high in carbohydrates and sugar such as buttered potatoes, fatty foods, candy, and sugary desserts like cake with frosting.
- Use a blood sugar logbook or app that records the date, time, and values to help you manage your type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, and
- Use a blood glucose home test kit to get glucose test results.
- Additionally, log any change in symptoms over time. The logbook will enable you and your doctor to modify treatments (for example, the amount of insulin to take) and actions to obtain the best management of your diabetes.
Frequently asked questions
- How can I tell if my blood sugar is too low?Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can cause symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, dizziness, confusion, irritability, and rapid heartbeat. In more severe cases, it may lead to weakness, fainting, or difficulty speaking. If you notice these symptoms, it is crucial to check your blood sugar levels and take appropriate action immediately.
- What are the signs of high blood sugar levels?Signs of high blood sugar or hyperglycemia include excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. You may also experience dry mouth, headaches, slow healing of cuts, and unintentional weight loss. If these symptoms persist, it is important to monitor your blood sugar and consult a health care provider. Persistent high blood sugar requires medical attention to prevent complications.
- What should I do if my blood sugar levels are too high?To treat hyperglycemia, try exercising, which can help lower blood glucose levels. However, if your blood glucose exceeds 240 mg/dL, check for ketones in your urine. If ketones are present, avoid exercise, as it could worsen the situation. Additionally, reducing food intake, particularly carbohydrates, may help lower your blood sugar. It is important to work with your doctor or dietitian to make appropriate dietary adjustments. If these measures do not bring blood sugar levels down, your health care provider may need to adjust your medication or insulin regimen.
- How often should I check my blood sugar levels?The frequency of blood sugar checks depends on your treatment plan and health goals. If you are on insulin or have unstable blood sugar levels, you may need to check multiple times a day. However, those with well-controlled diabetes may only need to check a few times a week, as recommended by their health care provider.
- What are the causes of low blood sugar levels?Low blood sugar levels can be caused by factors such as taking too much insulin or diabetes medication, skipping or delaying meals, or not eating enough carbohydrates. Physical activity without adequate food intake or drinking alcohol without eating can also trigger hypoglycemia. Additionally, certain medical conditions and medications can contribute to low blood sugar.
- How can I manage normal blood sugar levels effectively?To effectively manage normal blood sugar levels, eat a balanced diet with controlled carbs, stay active, and monitor your blood sugar regularly. It’s also important to stay hydrated, get adequate rest, and manage stress levels. Your health care provider can help tailor a management plan, including medication if needed.
- What treatments are available for high blood sugar?Treatments for high blood sugar include lifestyle changes such as adjusting diet, increasing physical activity, and monitoring blood glucose levels. Medications such as insulin or oral drugs may be prescribed to help regulate blood sugar levels. In severe cases, or if lifestyle changes and medications are insufficient, your doctor may modify your treatment plan or introduce additional therapies.
- How can diet impact blood sugar levels?Diet significantly impacts blood sugar levels, as foods rich in refined sugars and carbohydrates can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose, while fiber and whole grains help regulate it. Consuming balanced meals with lean proteins, healthy fats, and low-glycemic-index foods can help maintain stable blood sugar levels. Limiting sugary foods and processed carbs is essential for better blood sugar control.
- What are the symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia? Symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) include shakiness, sweating, dizziness, confusion, and irritability. On the other hand, hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) can lead to excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. Both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia require timely attention to avoid complications.
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Medically Reviewed on 1/24/2025
References
Checking Your Blood Glucose. American Diabetes Association. Updated Oct 09, 2018.
http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/checking-your-blood-glucose.html
Khardori, R, MD, et al. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Medscape. Updated: Oct 22, 2018.
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/117739-overview
Khardori, R, MD, et al. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Medscape. Updated: Apr 05, 2018.
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/117739-overview
Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia). American Diabetes Association. Accessed December 27, 2024. https://diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/hypoglycemia-low-blood-glucose
Hyperglycemia (High Blood Glucose). American Diabetes Association. Accessed December 27, 2024. https://diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-care/hyperglycemia
Check Your Blood Glucose. American Diabetes Association. Accessed December 27, 2024. https://diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-care/checking-your-blood-sugar
Hypoglycemia. Mayo Clinic. Accessed December 27, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypoglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373685
Diabetes management: How lifestyle and daily routine affect blood sugar. Mayo Clinic. Accessed December 27, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-management/art-20047963
Diabetes. NIH. Accessed December 27, 2024. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes
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