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.
Ashfaq
Hi Dr how are you I like your channel I am very confused dr sometime my fasting sugar level is 85 and 97 .103. 115. And my Hba1c level is 6.0 .aftar eating 2hours level 100 .97 .145 and one time 170 so please tell me I am diabetic and non diabetic My age is 35
Jedha
Hi Ashfaq – firstly, we are not doctors, but dietitians and nutritionists.
It is normal for blood sugar levels to fluctuate because they are influenced by the foods we eat and other things like exercise, sleep, stress hormones etc. Fasting levels is best under 100, and after eating is best under 140 – these are normal levels. If you’re beginning to see numbers above this regularly, you may be prediabetic. Consult your doctor to order blood tests and help confirm a diagnosis.
Carol
I was wondering if fasting would be beneficial in my case. My fasting ranges between 440 and 480 I’m on 90 units of troujeo twice a day I’m highly allergic to other insulin and/or meds normally used to control diabetes. I don’t eat anything with sugar added. No processed foods. Extremely limited on foods I can eat due to gastroparesis. Eat only small portions around 1/2 cup of food which sometimes need to puree to get down. I am drinking cleavers tea to bring down cholesterol my triglycerides (driven high i assume by diabetes) were almost 3000 drinking just one cup a week dropped it within 10 points of normal. I have limited mobility due to stroke. Some days lucky to walk 25-30 feet in a day. I guess what I need to know is fasting safe and will it help.
Jedha
Sorry to hear of your struggles Carol. Are you working with an endocrinologist on your health as well? Given your high levels, it may be something to consider. As for fasting, you may find this info helpful.
Brian
I am a 28 yr old male. I was Diagnosed pre diabetic about two yes ago. I have not been on Any type if medication. I decided to test my levels tonight about three hrs after eating and I was at 165 on my glucose meter I was wondering if this is considered diabetic or pre diabetic. I have been noticing the veins in my legs and feet are pretty large so I am trying to figure this out. I also felt like I had a mini stroke last night. Any ideas????
Jedha
The criteria for random blood glucose test that may indicate diabetes, is generally over 200. Your “mini stroke” sounds pretty scary and if I were you I’d make an appointment to see the doctor to discuss your concerns.
ravinder
iam 17 years my sugar level fasting is 86 and pp is 170 pls advise am I in the normal range or some medicine is required.
Jedha
Have you been diagnosed prediabetic or type 2 diabetic? If not, the best course of action is to visit a doctor and have a blood test as well. Fasting level is normal. PP is a little high, 140 is ideal. Though if you have tye 2, under 180 is considered acceptable.
Anand
i am 34 and found type 2 diabetes in one months that time first time fasting 125 and after 2 hours of breakfast it was 196 but i do not take any medicine i did simply exercise and balance diet it fall down in 10 days and it was 105 and 127 but after 15-16 days i was again diagnose it is 137 in fasting of 12 hour and after 2 hours of breakfast it was 142 i can’t understand this reading kindly suggest me.
Jedha
This information here will help explain why morning levels can be higher.
srinivasan
My Age is 56 years , since 3 months i am having pain a type of burning
in both leg Palms.
Bp 145/100
Blood sugar 110/225
pl let me have your valuable advice .
srinivasan
Nagaram
Telangana
Jedha
Hello Srinivasan, the symptoms you describe sound like neuropathy. One supplement that has some promising research for helping neuropathy is alpha lipoic acid. You should discuss these symptoms, along with treatment options with your doctor.
JANARTHANAM M (India)
Dear cordial Jedha mam lot thanks for ur suitable response. Now I am walking 3kms in morning, 3kms in evening getting lot of swetting and fell tiredness for halfen hour. After take one glass of luck warm lemon juice in empty stomach. Now I feel fresh one. My RBS down to 105 mg dl from 400mg dl, cholesterol down to180 from 256,BP down to 140 hg mm from 180 hg mm. Avoid all type of oil, fat substances. And eat simple veg diet. Madam please Advice /guide me can I get reverse diabetic in future with life style change with simple doses of MF 500mg, telmisatran 40mg,glimprid tablets for lifetime. Well. Lot of thanks. And respect ur reply. By JANARTHANAM M from India.
Jedha: Nutritionist (MNutr)
Hi Janarthanam M, it sounds like you’re motivated to keep yourself well/ healthy and if you continue to do that, the chances of keeping your diabetes well controlled over the long term are very high.
JANARTHANAM M (India)
I’M 65 age male, BMI 24.5,my father 95,mother88 living with me without DMT2,hailing in a village, I, am a former and no works due to rain failed. On 10 September 2017, local have some giddiness and shown to doctor, and checked bp 170hg mm, RBS 400 mg dl, cholesterol 205,Dr guide me to cold turkey drink, eat veg fiber items, daily walking, with mess M F 500mg,statin 40 mg, glimda 10mg. For 15 days. I have strictly followed the advice and report to Dr after 15days.Now he measured as bp 140/95mm hg, RBS 105 mm dl, cholesterol 180 mg, heart rate 78 put, ECG normal, Dr reduced mess in half dose report after 15days.Madam I want to known how the DMT2 symtems reduced /reversed. Will it again raised to become dmt2 in the future. How it turns in the short span. Dr also appreciate me. I expect ur suitable guide lines and advice reply soon please. Well. Cardial thanks. Avidly awaiting for ur reply.
Jedha: Nutritionist (MNutr)
Blood sugar levels are influenced by what you eat (predominantly carbs – the more carbs, the higher your blood sugar) and the amount of exercise you do (improves your insulin sensitivity). And levels can be helped by meds too. Because blood sugar levels are influenced by diet and exercise, they can turn around very quickly. But, Yes, they can become raised again, so you will need to continue eating well and doing exercise. You can find more info on diet and lifestyle here.
Shubh
My fasting sugar level is 95 and after lunch is 173 and bedtime is 83 My age is 37 height is 5.11 and my weight is around 90 kg so what can you give me suggestions or advice
Jedha: Nutritionist (MNutr)
Your fasting and bedtime levels are fine Shubh, it’s just the after lunch number that is a little high (ideal is under 140). Take a look at what you’re eating. You’re probably eating too many carbs and this is the nutrient that has the greatest impact on blood sugar. If you don’t understand carbs, take the 30 Day Turnaround Program.
Wayne
Hi, I follow a.ketogenic diet and usually keep my carbs below 20g per day.
I had my first ever cholesterol test today and the dr. Was concerned about my glucose levels. They were 7.1 in a fasted state. My hdl was 2.46 and ldl 7.16.
Should I be concerned about these numbers I am fit and exercise daily I have a manual job and weigh 165lbs and I’m 1.73m tall. Any help would be appreciated.
Jedha: Nutritionist (MNutr)
Fasting numbers within 4-7.2 are often considered okay, though the ideal is under under 6.1. So your fasting levels are on the higher side, which could be a result of the Dawn Phenomenon. As for cholesterol, there are many factors that need to be considered, and additional tests that can contribute to the data – you might find this info on cholesterol helpful. You should always listen to the advice of your doctor Wayne, as they are the ones who know your health history etc. But keep in mind that numbers are just indicators that help you both make key decisions.
Syed Feroz
I am diabetic since last five years taking tablet istamet tm 50 mg/500 (sitagliptin phosphate & metformin hydrocloride tab.) My suger fasting level remains between 135 to 120 .hba1c is 6.2. creatinine level is 1.10/dl .l am walking regularly for 45.minutes.I am taking two boiled eggs with out yolk in the breakfast.I also suffer from constipation. Please suggest me properly about diet and medication.Thank you.
Jedha
Hi Syed, Though 110 in the morning is ideal, anywhere between 70-130 is acceptable, so really, your levels are pretty good. For constipation, try eating more fiber (vegetables, nuts and seeds), and additionally try magnesium powder and drinking lots of water. Read through this info on medications here and diet and blood sugar info here.
Moin Chaudhry
I need information about what is level start diabetes ? And I just check my blood sugar is 6.9 r this is alret for me r im in dangerous level? thanks!
Jedha
If you have a fasting level of more than 7, you have diabetes. 6.9 is the maximum prediabetic range, so you really need to take some action on lowering levels. There’s still a good change you could avoid a diabetes diagnosis.
Marilyn Botta
I am 65, active, vigorous exercise every day. I have NEVER had any high readings of blood sugar (always normal). About 5 months ago, I had a reading of 86 (normal for me), but suddenly last week, my blood work showed 114 (pre-diabetes). I was shocked and could not believe it. What is going on? Dr. asked if I had been eating lots of carbs and I said not that much at all–no more than usual. I know that I had been eating cake at birthday parties for a few weeks (but just one piece) and not tons of sweets or carbs at home. I am not overweight, but I have noticed that I have had an increased amount of belly fat recently. I am so upset about this reading. He said it could just be what I had to eat the night before. But this has never happened before. Do I need to worry or freak out or just start being extra vigilant about what I eat all the time.?
Jedha
I wouldn’t be concerned about one individual reading Marilyn. If you used a home monitor they can be off by as much as 20 and any number of things could influence the reading. And like your doctor said, it could be a one off for any number of reasons. If you have a monitor, take some daily samples to see if any trends emerge and if you really are in prediabetic range before you panic.
ashmita thakuri
I am 28 weeks pregnant and have Gestational diabetes and is my first pregnancy. I have been doing blood sugar level check at home 4 times a day. Yesterday I ate 1 cup of tea, 2 slices of seeded bread and medium cup of sweercorn for my breakfast and the result was 6.8 normal. Today for breakfast I had 1 cup of tea and 2 slices of seeded bread. But today the blood result was 12.4 after an hour test showed 12.4 I was very shocked and to be honest I couldn’t believe it. I have been doing blood test at home for 5 days now and 4 times a day. And so far, first day was normal, second day after lunch test was 8.2 other 3 test normal, third day after dinner test was 8.7 other 3 test was normal, on forth day all normal, today fifth day after breakfast 12.4 (after 2spoon of sweetcorn and some exercises it showed 9) and other 3 results are normal. I have no clue if it’s normal or its bad. I am a bit worried and I am definitely don’t want to take insulin and hope I don’t have to. Please can you comment on my result, so that I can understand what’s going on.
Many thanks
Ashmita
Jedha
Hi Ashmita, it is normal to have some fluctuation in blood glucose levels as the numbers will depend on several things – food, sleep, stress, hormones, exercise, etc. The ideal level 2 hours after food is 7.8 but 10 is often acceptable. It also depends what goals you have set with your healthcare team so please consult with them about your numbers and confusion. We mainly deal with type 2 diabetics here as you really need to work closely with your healthcare team when you have gestational diabetes.
ashmita thakuri
Thank you so much Jedha for taking your time to reply my queries. I will definitely speak with my doctor 🙂
Yoel
Hi there
My sugar level in the morning is 366-400
I dont feel any symptom
Im 43 years old
Jedha
You may not feel symptoms Yoel, in fact, many people don’t. But levels at almost 400 are dangerous and can cause serious complications. You need to consult your doctor for a diagnosis, if you haven’t already and then take steps to reduce your levels within a healthy range.