It’s critical to understand the importance of blood sugar levels and their impact on your health. So here you’ll find a comprehensive guide, which includes our podcast about normal blood sugar levels and goals for type 2 diabetes and prediabetes, grab a free downloadable printable diabetes blood sugar levels chart, and find many common questions that get asked about blood sugar levels.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST
PODCAST CHAPTERS
2:28 Blood sugar across the globe
4:15 Normal blood sugar levels
6:48 HbA1c defined and normal levels
9:31 A1c vs blood sugar
11:10 Goal levels for blood sugar and A1c
15:38 One key tip for better results
17:06 The benefits of glucose monitoring
The Importance of Good Blood Sugar Levels
Before sharing the diabetes blood sugar levels chart, we want to OVER EMPHASIZE the importance of you gaining the best control of your blood sugar levels as you possibly can. Just taking medication and doing nothing else is really not enough.
You see, people are often not fully informed about why it is so crucial to do, because if you already have a diabetes diagnosis, then you are already at high risk for heart disease and other vascular problems. Even during your pre-diabetic period, there is a lot of damage that is already done to the vascular system. This occurs due to the higher-than-normal blood sugar, that’s what causes the damage.
Regardless of whether your diagnosis is type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, you want to prevent any of the nasty complications by gaining good control over your levels.
Truly, ask anyone having to live with diabetes complications and they’ll tell you it’s the pits!
You DO NOT want it to happen to you if you can avoid it.
While medications may be needed, just taking medication alone and doing nothing is really not enough! Medication can be helpful and sometimes necessary, medication has a limited effect on lowering A1c. And if you need to take more and more medication, your diabetes is getting worse, not better.
If you empower yourself with the right nutrition and lifestyle and put scientifically proven strategies into practice, then you can eliminate or minimize medications, and prevent your health from declining. In many cases, people are even putting their diabetes into full remission – meaning their body is functioning as normal – it is possible, in many.
Leisa lowered blood sugar from 300s to normal in just 30 days!
“Not only are my readings now within normal range, I’m also down over 20 pounds and feeling so much better. Thank you.”
Now that you understand just how important this is, let’s get down to blood sugar numbers and target ranges. And at the bottom of this page, you can download printable blood sugar levels charts and daily logs.
Blood Sugar/Blood Glucose = Same/Same
You might see some charts or read some articles that say ‘blood sugar chart’ and others that say ‘blood glucose levels chart.’
Just in case you are confused, these both mean the same thing. The words ‘sugar’ and ‘glucose’ are often used interchangeably.
Let’s Crunch Some Numbers
Below we give these numbers in a written, chart, and visual format because it will make sense to you depending how you read it.
Depending where you live in the world, numbers can vary slightly. And your numbers will either be mg/dl or mmol/l. You’ll find the numbers for both of these readings below.
Normal Blood Sugar Levels
Fasting glucose – 70-99 mg/dl or 4-6 mmol/l (Note: there is some debate about the normal range in mmol/l, ranging from 5.5 to 6 mmol/l)
2 hours post meal glucose – Less than 140 mg/dl or less than 7.8 mmol/l
Pre-diabetes diagnostic ranges – also called impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance
Fasting glucose – 100-125 mg/dl or 6.1-6.9 mmol/l
2 hours post meal glucose level – 140-199 mg/ dl or 7.8-11 mmol/l
Type 2 Diabetes diagnostic ranges
Fasting glucose – More than 126 mg/dl or more than 7.0 mmol/l
2 hours glucose level – More than 200 mg/dl or more than 11.1 mmol/l
Blood Sugar Levels Chart
The above chart and the one below are exactly the same, in different formats.
Category | Fasting value | Post prandial / aka post meal | |
Minimum | Maximum | 2 hours after meal | |
Normal | 70 mg/dl | 99 mg/dl | Less than 140 mg/dl |
4 mmol/l | 6 mmol/l | Less than 7.8 mmol/l | |
Pre-diabetes | 100 mg/dl | 125 mg/dl | 140-199 mg/dl |
6.1 mmol/l | 6.9 mmol/l | 7.8-11 mmol/l | |
Diabetes | More than 126 mg/dl | More than 200 | |
More than 7 mmol/l | More than 11.1 mmol/l |
These are the diagnostic ranges. As you can see, the “normal” range for fasting glucose is under 100 mg/dl or 6 mmol/l. Though just to note, there is some debate about the normal range in mmol/l, ranging from 5.5 to 6 mmol/l. So depending what chart you look at, you may see either of those numbers.
After a meal, the maximum reading you ideally want to see is 140 mg/dl or 7.8 mmol/l.
If you’re getting readings above this, you would be diagnosed with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, as shown in the charts above.
Diabetes Blood Sugar Level Goals
Upon waking before breakfast (Fasting)
- 70-130 (Ideal under 110) mg/dl
- 4-7.2 (Ideal under under 6.1) mmol/l
Two hours after meals
- Under 180 (Ideal is under 140) mg/dl
- Under 10 (Ideal is under 7.8) mmol/l
Bedtime
- 90-150 mg/dl
- 5-8.3 mmol/l
The above levels, for people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, are the general goals set by the American Diabetes Association and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.
As suggested earlier, there is some variation in the blood sugar levels goals set by different organizations. And additionally, your physician or healthcare team may set your goals at a more stringent level.
For instance, fasting levels:
- Between 70-100 mg/dL or 4-5.6 mmol/l (optimal)
- 70-110 mg/dL or 4-6 mmol/l (still good control)
- 70-130 mg/dL or 4-7.2 mmol/l (more liberal, but realistic for many)
Once you have a type 2 diabetes diagnosis, the overall goals you should aim for is to get your blood sugar levels as close to “normal” “optimal” levels as you possibly can.
BUT, as suggested above, often goals are set with higher targets initially. For instance, if you have a high reading of 250 or 300 (13 or 17), your physician or health practitioner may recommend 200 (11.1) be an initial goal, then 180 (10), before gradually working toward 140 (7.8) and lower.
The reason this is often recommended is you can experience symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if you bring your levels down very quickly. So working toward tighter and tighter control does take some time.
You should work with your healthcare team on this. But overall the most optimal targets to work toward are a fasting glucose under 100 mg/dl or 6 mmol/l. And an after-meal reading below 140 or 7.8.
The Visual Version
Please pin, tweet or share this chart to help others – thanks!
Commonly Asked Questions About Blood Sugar Levels
What is the difference between blood sugar and A1c?
Blood sugar is a daily reading while A1c is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar from the previous 3 month period.
You can read more about the difference between the two over here.
Will weight loss help with my diabetes management?
Yes, by default weight loss helps because it reduces inflammation in your body and improves insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic function.
I’ve been prescribed Metformin, will that help with my blood glucose levels?
Yes, Metformin is one of the most commonly prescribed diabetes medications worldwide. It belongs to a class of medications known as “Biguanides,” which lower blood glucose by decreasing the amount of sugar put out by the liver. And it is one of the medications that does not increase weight gain.
We have detailed information about Metformin here.
Why does high blood sugar cause complications like neuropathy?
The body is designed to have a blood sugar level within a certain range, with a maximum of 140 (7.8) after meals. Levels above normal for extended periods promote inflammation in the blood vessels throughout the body, along with damage to cells – simply because the body isn’t designed to operate with levels above normal.
Diabetic neuropathy is damage to the nerve vessels resulting from chronically high blood sugar – meaning long-term, not a few high readings now and then. Other types of diabetes complications (nephropathy, retinopathy, etc) are also caused by the same factors.
What type of diet helps to lower blood sugar levels?
The T2Diet can help you get amazing results in as little as 16 weeks!
The T2Diet Program is a one of the most effective ways to improve blood sugar, A1c, weight, cholesterol and other factors.
The T2Diet helps you discover an eating plan that’s natural and sustainable for you by including the right type of carbohydrates in the right amounts at the right time, and through eating lots of other delicious foods that help to improve your overall metabolism.
Is there a different blood sugar levels chart by age?
No. The human body was designed to have blood sugar levels within a ‘normal’ range, regardless of your age.
However, different blood sugar level goals are set for each individual person, particularly children and the elderly.
The diabetes organization in my country lists different levels, why are these different?
It can make it confusing when different organizations list different values. And unfortunately, there is no one recognized value at this point, although there should be.
Here are the organization listings for some parts of the globe:
List the normal range between 70-99 mg/dl (3.9-5.6 mmol/l).
They suggest blood glucose goals for people with type 2 diabetes are:
- 80-130 mg/dl before meals (4.4-7.2 mg/dl)
- Less than 180 mg/dl after meals (10 mmol/l)
List the normal range between 4.0-7.8 mmol/l.
They suggest blood glucose goals for people with type 2 diabetes are:
- 6-8 mmol/l before meals (108-144 mg/dl)
- 6-10 mmol after meals / 108-180 mg/dl
List the normal range between 4-6 mmol/l (72-108 mg/dl) when fasting. And up to 7.8 mmol/l (140 mg/dl) 2 hours after eating.
They suggest blood glucose goals for people with type 2 diabetes are:
- 4-7 mmol/l before meals (72-126 mg/dl)
- Under 8.5 mmol/l after meals (153 mg/dl)
Like Diabetes UK, they suggest blood glucose goals for people with type 2 diabetes are 4-7 mmol/l before meals (72-126 mg/dl).
5-10 mmol/l after meals (90-180 mg/dl), or if A1c goals are not being met, it should be reduced to 5-8 mmol/l (90-144 mg/dl).
Hopefully we will see organizations worldwide list the same glucose readings in future so there is not such a confusion.
Is there a relationship between blood sugar numbers and A1c?
Yes, especially your after-meal (postprandial) blood sugar level. As you can see in the chart below, if your blood sugar is up at 180 (10.0) your A1c is going to be around 7.5-7.99.
If you focus on an after-meal level lower than 140 (7.8) you will be able to achieve a normal A1c levels.
Can these charts be used as a pre diabetes blood sugar levels chart?
Yes. The charts contain the numbers for prediabetes as well. And you can use the charts to track your food intake and daily numbers, along with exercise or other notes you want to include.
Is daily blood glucose monitoring recommended?
If you have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, daily self-monitoring using a blood glucose meter (which involves a simple finger-prick test), can be a great way to understand what is happening in your body so you can bring your levels under control.
How often should I take a blood sugar sample?
There is wide variability on how often to monitor, depending on the state of your diabetes and treatment. But, most people monitor 1-2 times daily – fasting (first thing in the morning) and 2 hours after the biggest meal. For your after-meal (postprandial) blood sample, time from your first bite of food.
If you’re newly diagnosed or trying to gain better control, it can be helpful to monitor more frequently so you can assess your progress and work on changing diet and lifestyle habits to support your goals.
One thing that is helpful with mealtimes is “monitoring in pairs.” To monitor in pairs you check your levels before, then 2 hours after a meal. It’s a great way to get an indication of the effect of foods and the amount of carbs you’re consuming. If you log your numbers and your daily food intake and lifestyle habits, you will soon see patterns emerging and then you can make the necessary adjustments to your dietary routine.
Well there you have it. Hope you find this information helpful and if you do please pin it and share it around to help others. Thanks!
While you’re here, grab a printable copy of the blood sugar charts – just enter your email below and we’ll send it to your inbox.
References
American Diabetes Association. (2017). Standards of Medical Care in Clinical Practice 2017.
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. Type 2 diabetes glucose management goals.
Diabetes.org. (2017). Glucose calculator.
Diabetes.org. (2017). Checking blood glucose.
Diabetes.co.uk. (2017). Prediabetes,
Diabetes.co.uk. (2017). Blood sugar converter.
Diabetes.co.uk. (2017). Postprandial glucose test.
Diabetesaustralia.com.au. (2017). Prediabetes.
Diabetesaustralia.com.au. (2017). Blood glucose monitoring.
Diabetes.co.uk. (2017). Blood sugar level ranges.
The royal australian college of general practitioners. (2017). HbA1c and monitoring glycemia.
Diabetes.org. (2017). Diagnosis.
Diabetes.ca. (2017). Managing your blood sugars.
Geneva
If my blood sugar drops too 39 – 59 what should I take to bring it up to a normal level
Jedha
Find some great info on hypoglycemia over here.
Abdiaziz
My blood sugar level is at 7.0 before breakfast?? Am i diabetic??
Jedha
Levels of 7.0 can indicate diabetes. It is recommended you visit a physician for a diagnosis.
Basavaraj
Dear Sir
I am aged 65, diagnosed as Type 2 diabetese since 10 years. I have been taking Metformin tablets to control my blood glucose level which used to be very much under control. Of late I stopped taking medicine since my diet consists of Millets preparation, which are low on glycimex index, I just wanted to monitor my glucose level without taking any medicine for the past two weeks. Surprisingly, I am getting my fasting glucose level more than 120mg/dl and PPBS level less than 110mg/dl. I checked several time over the past two weeks and noted my PPBS level to be atleast 10mg below my fasting glucose level.My fasting glucose level varies from 120 to 140mg/dl. I am quite perflexed by these readinngs. Please advise me whether I could continue without taking Metformin or not.
Jedha
We don’t advise anyone on medication Basavajav. The best person to speak to is your physician. As for higher fasting numbers, it can be normal, it’s called the Dawn Phenomenon – your liver still produces glucose even when you don’t eat.
Robert Redmond
Hello my wife is type 2 diabetes , and we rarely ever see good numbers at all. Usually over 200+/- I realize that is bad for her , how can I get her to safer numbers? Also she has C.M.T. , and is a partial leg amputee , not that that means anything. Thank you
Jedha
Hi Robert, does your wife monitor carb intake? If not, that is your first place to start as carbohydrates are the main nutrient that influences blood sugar and A1c levels. Once you know her daily averages you may realize that she needs to lower her carb intake substantially. Also, is she able to do any exercise – swimming? resistance training? Any exercise will help. I’d recommend you read this and this.
Zafar iqbal kiani
Hi, I highly appreciate you you doing very good job for human being .I’m zafar kiani from Pakistan
Mahesh Halankar
My mom suffering thogh high level of diebtes more then 370-460 what meal diet u suggest
Jedha
Those levels are very high Mahesh. She really should consult with a physician or healthcare team, as levels this high can cause serious complications. As for diet and lifestyle, start with these top 10 essentials. But again, with levels this high, any intervention should have the guidance of a healthcare team.
Lia
Hi
Diagnosed in Oct 2016. A1c was 9.4. Was 301lbs now 248lbs. Last A1c was 6.4. Take 2.5 glipizide.
Overnight Fasting is around 90-100
2 hrs (sometimes 1.5 hrs) after 1st meal is between 60-85
Breakfast is usually half cinnamon-raisin bagel with light cream cheese, 4 johnsonville pork sausage links, cup of unsweeten apple sause and 8-10 oz of orange juice OR Cocoa Pebbles and 2% milk.
Is this good? Maybe because of the weight loss? My Dr retired and Im getting transferred to a new obe and will have my A1c as soon as I get an appointment.
What do you think?
Thanks
Jedha
Hi Lia, are you asking if your levels are good or your food? Your levels seem okay but your breakfast is not the kind we’d recommend here. We encourage a low carb diet because research shows it’s very effective. Your breakfast contains A LOT of carbs – bagel, juice, etc. If it’s working for you that’s fine, but if your next A1c is high you know it could be diet. Always check with your doctor before lowering carbs too much, in case you meds need to be changed.
Lia
Thanks for the reply.
Im doing a lot of changes with my diet. Trying to find what works.
I wanted to know if it is “normal” for blood glucose to drop so low after a meal especially one with a lot of carbs.
I didnt get much education before my doctor retired.
shaikh nassrin
Hi jedha
I’m nassrin age 33 weight 80 my sugar level is 112 is it normal range and bring down level o ne hour walking will be enough in morning
Jedha
Hi Shaikh, have you been diagnosed prediabetic or type 2 diabetic? And is that you fasting number — 112?
shaikh nassrin
No I am non diabetic person just I have check my blood sugar o and i got 112 fasting just a precaution
Jedha
Normal range is up to 100, 101-125 is prediabetic. If it continues to be higher than 100 it would be a good idea to visit the doctor.
Burra
Hi
I am type2 diabetic some times my bg 300 .it is dangerous.
Jedha
Hi Burra, If you are asking if 300 is a dangerous level, the answer is yes. Ideally your numbers should be no more than 140 (180 max) as this is the “safe” level. When you are higher it can put you at risk of serious health problems and complications.
Kacy
After dropping to 114 pounds at 67 inches in height, my attempt to gain weight with consuming tremendous quantities of candy and chocolate resulted in elevated 5.9 A1C levels. observing blood sugars now, my concern is that after fasting it is 92, then one (1) hour 82, and in two (2) hours is 95. over an hour is a decline significant, and also is it appropriate for only a 3 point gain after 2 hours?
Will an A1C change several months after replacing excessive and all candies with fresh vegetables?
Jedha
It does sound a little odd Kacy. Try calibrating your meter. With A1C, yes, it is a direct measure of the average glucose in your blood over a 3 month period so when altering diet it will take at least 3 months to see changes.
Michael
How do you feel about a ketogenic diet for a diabetic?
Jedha
Hi Michael, we encourage a low carb diet here at Diabetes Meal Plans because research shows it works. Ketogenic diets work too but for many people the diet is too restrictive and the great news is, it’s not necessary. Studies show even lowering carbs below 120 g/day has benefits. We’ve found the sweet spot is around 80 g/d and that’s where our members and subscribers are getting great results.
Rosie
Hi Jedha,Im Rosie I went to my Doctor in October of last year had lab work done ,I was told that I was pre diabete,I been checkling my sugar every morning it ranges from 86 to 89 but this morning I check it and it was 136 that really scared me does that mean I’m diabetic now,can you tell me why.thanks
Jedha
Hi Rosie, morning levels can rise sometimes, see this info here to explain why. If your levels continue to do that too frequently it would be wise to visit the doctor for another A1c blood test as it could indicate diabetes.
Uche
Hello, i have been checking my blood sugar lately and obzerved that my fasting blood sugar Flutuates between 89 – 100, and A1 6.3 though it dropped from 6.4, my meals often has a lot of vegetables but that does not seem to bring it down. Any iseas whybits not going down despite change in diet
Jedha
How long ago did you make diet changes Uche? It can take a while for levels to reflect in results. Also, what type of vegetables/ carbs are you eating – reducing carb intake is one of the easiest and most effective ways to lower levels. Other factors include sleep, stress, exercise, illness.
Karen
I have been on 5mg pills for my diabetic 2. Usually my fasting sugar reads below 7, often 5.9. Today in less than 1/2 hour after lunch, my sugar reads 9.2.
Question 1: am I diabetic? Or pra diabetic or non diabetic?
Q2: is my 5mg medication necessary?
Q3: is my 9.2 after meal reading very bad?
Thanks.
Jedha
Hi Karen, in answer of your questions: 1. Since you say you’re on pills for your type 2 diabetes, you must be diabetic, or you could be prediabetic and confused. Did your doctor diagnose you as type 2 diabetic or prediabetic? 2. You did not say what medication you’re referring to, and we can’t really answer the questions anyway as we do not know your medical history. 3. 9.2 isn’t too bad though it’s not great either. Ideally you want it to be under 7.8. If 9.2 is unusual, it’s likely you ate more carbs than your body can handle at one time.
If you’re confused about your medications or diagnosis, you really should talk to your doctor.
Garry
hi, I am on Dexamthazone and my blood sugars are constantly high ,
what level should I be concerned about, they have gone as high as 25
Jedha
Hi Garry, 10 is post meal max level goal but 7.8 is ideal because if your blood sugars are over 7.8 for prolonged periods of time it can cause complications. That’s why it’s recommended that people gain good blood sugar control as it’s the high levels that causes damage to vessels throughout the body. 25 is super high. Were your levels high before taking Dexamthazone? Have you talked to your doctor about this? Maybe there’s some middle ground you could find to help lower levels and address other health concerns at the same time.