We love answering reader questions about blood sugar levels, so if you ever have one yourself, please leave a comment below.
Today’s question:
I was wondering if a 120 blood sugar level is too high?
For those monitoring blood sugar in mmol (eg: Canada, UK and Australia), 120 mg/dL is equal to 6.7 mmol/L. These are the same thing, it is just measured by a different value number, depending where you live in the world.
Let’s explore this question by diving into blood sugar charts, target levels, and the importance of keeping blood sugar in an optimal range.
Understanding Blood Sugar Levels
Blood sugar, or blood glucose (same thing), is the body’s preferred source of energy.
When you eat, your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which enters the bloodstream. The pancreas releases insulin to help cells absorb this glucose for energy or storage.
When blood sugar levels rise too high, particularly for prolonged periods, it can cause damage to the body and increase the risk of diabetes complications, especially in people with prediabetes or diabetes.
Diabetes Blood Sugar Level Goals
To evaluate whether a blood sugar level of 120 (6.7 mmol/L) is “too high,” it helps to understand how blood sugar levels fluctuate throughout the day.
Let’s take a closer look at some general blood sugar goals:
| Timing | Target mg/dL | Target mmol/L |
|---|---|---|
| Fasting (morning) | Under 100 (ideal, normal level) Under 110 (good) Under 130 (okay) | Under 5.6 (ideal, normal level) Under 6.1 (good) Under 7.2 (okay) |
| 2 hours after a meal | Under 140 (ideal) Under 180 (okay) | Under 7.8 (ideal) Under 10.0 (okay) |
| Before bed | 100–140 | 5.6–7.8 |
Based on these ranges, a level of 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L) may be within acceptable limits, depending on the time of day.
120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L): When Is It Okay?
- Fasting (Morning Levels): A morning blood sugar level of 120 (6.7 mmol/L) is above the ideal range of under 99 and slightly above the good range of under 110 mg/dL (6.1 mmol/L). This could indicate early signs of insulin resistance or dawn phenomenon, a common occurrence where blood sugar levels rise in the early morning due to natural hormonal changes. While not alarming (a level up to 130 is considered okay in people with type 2 diabetes), this is an area worth addressing to optimize diabetes metabolism.
- Two Hours After a Meal: A reading of 120 (6.7 mmol/L) two hours post-meal is excellent! It’s well below the upper limit of 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) and suggests that your body is efficiently processing glucose from your meal.
- Before Bed: A pre-bedtime reading of 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L) falls in the middle of the target range and is perfectly acceptable. Keeping blood sugar levels stable overnight helps prevent spikes or drops that can interfere with restful sleep.
The Danger Zone: Above 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L)
One of the most important numbers to remember is 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L).
Blood sugar levels above this threshold can start to cause harm. While some organizations suggest that 180 mg/dL (10.0) mmol/L is the diabetes goal, these levels are too high as a long-term goal.
When glucose remains elevated, it can lead to:
- Damage to blood vessels
- Increased inflammation
- Higher risk of complications like neuropathy, retinopathy, and kidney damage
Research shows us that when levels are kept in the normal range, 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L), this reduces risk of complications, and that’s what you want.
If your blood sugar frequently exceeds this level, it’s a clear sign that intervention is needed to prevent long-term complications.
What Is Optimal Blood Sugar Control?
While 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L) is not “too high,” working toward tighter control can help you maintain better overall health and lower your risk of complications.
Here are some ideal blood sugar goals to aim for:
| Timing | Optimal Range mg/dL | Optimal Range mmol/L |
|---|---|---|
| Fasting (morning) | 90–100 | 5.0–5.5 |
| 2 hours after a meal | 120–140 | 6.7–7.8 |
| Before bed | 100–120 | 5.5–6.7 |
Achieving these levels may take some time, but it’s worth the effort for long-term health benefits.
How to Improve Blood Sugar Levels
- Follow a Healthy Diet:
- Focus on low carb, nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, healthy fats, and proteins.
- Limit processed carbohydrates and added sugars to reduce blood sugar spikes.
- Incorporate high-fiber foods, such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole vegetables, to slow the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream.
- Regular Exercise: Physical activity helps improve insulin sensitivity, enabling your cells to use glucose more effectively. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, like brisk walking, five days a week.
- Monitor Your Blood Sugar: Regular blood sugar testing helps identify patterns and determine how your body responds to specific foods and activities. Adjustments can be made based on these insights.
- Manage Stress: Chronic stress increases cortisol, a hormone that can raise blood sugar levels. Mindfulness practices, deep breathing, or yoga can help keep stress in check.
- Get Quality Sleep: Poor sleep disrupts glucose metabolism and increases insulin resistance. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night.
It’s simple changes that can make all the difference, but the most important factor is what you eat. You must eat to treat diabetes!
Key Takeaways
- A blood sugar level of 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L) is generally acceptable, depending on the time of day.
- Strive to keep fasting levels below 110 mg/dL (6.1 mmol/L) and post-meal levels under 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L).
- Regular monitoring, healthy eating, exercise, and stress management are essential for maintaining optimal blood sugar levels.
If you’re struggling with blood sugar levels, take one of our programs—we’ll help you achieve normal levels, in as little as 16 weeks!
Hello, I am 53 years old weight approximately 65kg. Early morning (woke-up) is approximately 2.1 to 2.4mmol. Is this too low?
Yes Tham, below 4.o is HYPOglycemia (low blood sugar) and can be dangerous. Read more about it here. If this continues to occur, it may be wise to visit your doctor.
Hi,
I’m 33 years old and came to know I have pre-diabetes 2 months back. I’m doing exercise and losing a weight. Is it possible to come to normal again?
Thanks
Absolutely with a proper diet, exercise, and weight loss you can achieve normal sugar levels. Diabetes (or prediabetes) isn’t reversible from a diagnostic standpoint, meaning once you have it you have it, but by taking control of your prediabetes now you can prevent it from progressing into full blown diabetes. Check out this article for a little more insight into this.
Hi, I’m 53 and began a Ketogenic life style. I was 350 pounds 6/28/18, bg’s ranged 145-220 and I was taking 250 units slow and quick insulin each day. I was eating a 2000 calorie a day diet w/45-55 carbs per meal. 9/28/18 I am at 300 pounds, bg’s are 89 fasting and max 120 2 hrs after meals. I haven’t used insulin since 7/20/18. I now eat 70% fat, 25% Protein and 5% carbs that include 3-4 cups of no or low starch veggie.
I am glad you have found something that works so well for you, Mike. Our meal plans are not keto, we encourage a low carb lifestyle and many of our members find eating 50-80 grams of carbs daily results in optimal results.
In our experience, members are getting the same results without needing to be so strict with cutting carbs. Sometimes having more variety helps people sustain a good eating plan long term. We also believe more vegetables in the diet is important, and it can be hard to follow a true keto diet and eat adequate veggies at the same time. Just things to consider, but again, I am glad what you’re doing is working for you!
Mike Emily, I have done both Keto (below 30) and low carb (50-75). I did keto for 2 years and it by far was the fastest way to lower my BS. It was also the most healthiest. I ate a lot more vegetables with that diet then I do now with low carb. I could feel all the nutrition I was getting in my body compared to now at low carb. The only reason i switched to low carb is so I can have sweets. I am a sugar addict and hard to completely cut them out, so I increased my carbs an extra 30 grams a day so I can enjoy some dark chocolate. I have noticed more inflammation in my body just by increasing that little of carbs and it of course knocked me out of ketosis.
Hi Amanda, you should be able to eat plenty of vegetables on a low carb diet (just as many, if not MORE than on a keto diet.) Check out this list for some vegetable suggestions that are especially low in carbs.
As far as keto vs low carb… both are very effective at lowering blood sugar and A1c levels. Keto tends to be a bit more restrictive, so most people find a low carb diet a more sustainable approach to managing their blood sugar; but for those that find keto more sustainable, then absolutely those people should do what works best for them! And as someone who also loves chocolate, I highly suggest giving this article a read too!
Blood suger after food 6.6 this any problem
No, the maximum 2-hours after eating should be 7.8
Hi
My father is 71 years he is diabetic when sugar level is 6.0 mml before bed time is the right range for diabetic person?
6.0 is a normal level before bed, the range can often be 5-8.3 mmol/l. Find more info on blood sugar levels here.
YOUR WEBSITE WAS VERY HELPFUL
Hi I’m new to all this having been diagnosed type 2 just a couple of months ago. I had breakfast of boiled egg and wholemeal toast and 2 hours later my blood sugar was 9.3 mmol/L is this really bad?
Terry, the ultimate goal is to maintain (near) normal levels, so the closer you can get to 7.8 mmol/L the better. While the egg is a great choice, wholemeal bread is not something we recommend; we encourage a lower carb diet for best blood sugar/A1c control. You may try adding some veggies or nuts to replace the bread… here are a few other breakfast ideas you might enjoy.
What is the the effect of having an 120sugar level on body ? Thankyou
It depends… is it a one time occurrence? After a meal? Is this based off an A1c check? Is this what you wake up to every morning? Ideally, you want to stay around 100mg/Dl, and under 120mg/Dl after meals. This article gives a great explanation of these differences!
Is 6.5 ok?
Are we referring to a fasting reading or post meal reading of 6.5 mmol/L. Your goal (regardless if you have or have not been formally diagnosed with diabetes/prediabetes) is to maintain blood sugar levels (near) normal.
If taken after fasting (in the morning, before food) then your goal is to maintain a level under 6.0 mmol/L.
If taken 2 hours after a meal, then your goal is to maintain a level under 7.8 mmol/L.
Dear Jedha,
I had fasting blood glucose checked last week and it was 5.7. My GP said not to worry about it and the symptoms which I had she said is due to anxiety. Today i had fasting finger prick and the reading was 6.6 and I’m concerning about it. In case to lose weight, i have already lost 5-6 kg. without exercising.
5.5-6 mmol/l is still considered the normal range in many cases, which is likely why your GP said not to worry. Here is some more info on normal levels. Anxiety/stress can raise blood sugar levels. One finger prick test cannot give you a definitive answer either, as it can be influenced by many things – the foods you ate yesterday, the amount of sleep you had, the level of anxiety you have when testing, etc. Keep testing and logging and speak to your doctor again if you’re still concerned.
I just had my fasted blood sugar checked and it was 6.6 after a 12 hour fast. How do I lose weight to fix this if this is messing with my metabolism. Have been trying to eat right for so long and just stay at the same weight. In fact I eat once a day and I know I am not taking in over 2200 calories. Which isn’t much for someone who is 235 lbs
Although under 6.1 is ideal for fasting levels, anywhere between 4-7.2 is acceptable. Are you eating a low carb diet Bob? Take a look at this food list. And if you need help figuring out food, take the 30 Day Turnaround Program – people are getting great weight loss results with it when they apply what they learn. Read Leisa’s story – she recently took the program.
Hi , I m 25 years old .My sugar fasting is 120..Is it a serious.What should I do for it getting back to normal? Please suggest me.
101-125 is considered PRE-diabetes, which means there’s a lot you can do to prevent a diabetes diagnosis. Read this and this info.
I m 41 years old, I have suger for 10 years,. My legs are very painfull, I think I m sick with this decide, please, insuline and tab, also useing
I am 30 years old . I only have morning sugar till 170 rest of the day it is very normal. I am having dinner around 7 and used run 5kms once after that . But still my morning sugar is not getting reduced.do let me know what to do next
You might find this info and this info useful Madhu.
Hey thanks a lot. The article was good. Even after having medicine my morning levels are same. Could you tell me whether to continue my running in the morning or in the evening?
hi I was in a car accident reciently and was checked out by the paramedics they took a pin prick of blood and said i should see my Dr about a diabetes test . their test was 17.0 should I be worried. I am 55yrs thanks
Yes, you should definitely see your doctor for more tests. Normal fasting blood glucose range is 4-7.2 (ideal under 6.1). After-meal levels no higher than 10 (ideal under 7.8), so as you can see, 17 is VERY high!
i make GLUCm test i found the test is 6.6 mmol/L which remarks is high they wrote the normal between 3.9-6.1 mmol/L
i was fasting , kindly advice
4 to 6 is considered normal levels Ahmed. You can find blood sugar charts here.
I’m 59 years old I’m prediabetes I’m in the range of 6.6
Hi Jedha, I must say the team is doing a great job. I came across a site that talks about blood sugar level chart and the thing is I really need your help to understand how to use properly. I hope my question is clear. Thanks in advance and I am gonna bookmark this site to check in later for reply to my question.
Hi Clement, you can view our blood sugar charts here, along with lots of questions and answers. It is pretty easy to determine how to use them. Take your blood glucose reading and see which range you fall into – normal, prediabetes or diabetes. If you’re levels are above what’s considered normal, your goal is to take action steps to bring your numbers closer to normal, or within normal range if you can.
I’m 28yrs after meal my blood sugar levels showed 6.6 it is normal?
Under 7.8 post meal is ideal. Find the blood sugar chart here.
Normally age is above 40 years. what is the diabetes normal value before fasting.
Night taken dinner at 21.00. Early morning wake up at 6am check the blood sugar.
isn’t correct method of blood sugar test?
There is no normal age for type 2 diabetes these days, those risk does increase after age 40. You can view the normal blood sugar ranges over here.
hi, I’m 51 years old my fasting sugar is around 6.6 and evening after 3 k m walk my sugar levels comes on 90 is this okay
Do you mean 9.0 or 90 Zafar? If you mean 9.0, that is a higher than normal level. Exercise can temporarily raise blood sugar but the number is also influenced by what you eat during the day. Read this on blood sugar levels and this on exercise.
My age is 44years
My blood sugar readings 6.6 fasting
Is it a diabetes
6.1-6.9 is prediabetic range. Definitely time to make a few changes and catch it before you reach a diagnosis.
I need a meal plan. I’m at a 6.6 I don’t really know what the number means.
Hey Daryl – you can find our meal plans and memberships here https://diabetesmealplans.com/diabetic-diet-meal-plans/
As for 6.6 levels, maybe you need to read the post again. 6.6 is a pretty good number but if you can work on getting it lower 5-5.5 mmol/l fasting, and your 2 hour reading between 6.6-7.8 mmol/l, that would be even better.
Hi what about folks who don’t have full blown diabetes, but have prediabetes, abs trying to reverse? Should we have stricter guidelines to achieve this?
Hi Elizabeth, You should be aiming to get your levels in the normal range. The most important number to keep in mind is 140 (7.8). If you can get your fasting level between 70-100 mg/dl (4-5.5 mmol/l), and your 2 hour reading between 120-140 mg/dl (6.6-7.8 mmol/l) then that is optimal. See more about optimal levels over here.
I have nerve damage in my foot and it keeps me up all night and those pills Gabapentin 600mg does not work for me I told my doctor and he gave them to me anyways again. Is there any other medications that could work?
Hi Valerie, there are similar meds to the ones you’re on (Lyrica) and sometimes anti-depressants or pain meds are prescribed. Unfortunately we can’t advise on medications you should take as this is the realm of physicians who know your medical history. If you know the meds are not helping you do need to demand a different alternative, and if the doctor you’re seeing won’t help, there are other doctors to choose from.