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.
Maybe you’ve been better informed by your doctor but many people we come across haven’t. So if that’s you, it’s important to know that 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.
So now that you have type 2 diabetes, 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!
Why is it not enough even if your blood sugars seem reasonably under control?
Well, one common research observation in people with diabetes, is there is a slow and declining progression of blood sugar control and symptoms. Meaning, over time your ability to regulate sugars and keep healthy gets harder. If you take medication you will likely have to take more and more.
BUT, 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 this gradual decline. 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 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?
Scientific research indicates that a low carb diet is a one of the most effective ways to improve blood sugar, A1c, weight, cholesterol and other factors.
Carbohydrates are the main nutrient that influences your blood sugar levels. The type is important, but the amount has the greatest impact on both daily blood glucose and A1c measurements.
Read this info on starting your diet plan. You’ll also find these 15 carbohydrate questions and answers useful.
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.
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.
Heart disease runs in my family so I thought I was doing all the right things, exercise, food, etc. to prevent heart disease. Well I was really surprised when I was told that I was diabetic, 6 years ago. Why bother now eating healthy now, since it did NOTHING to prevent diabetes. I want my cake and eat it too.
Hi Bob,
Eating healthy now is very important since you have diabetes. Controlling your diabetes will help prevent complications! I know it sometimes is frustrating when you feel you did all the right things but take that as an opportunity re-evaluate your lifestyle habits. Know it is never too late to turn your health around!
Good advice
Thank you
Can you recommend a good and reliable blood glucose meter? I currently use the Bayer Next but lately the readings seem erratic. There has been no change in my healthy eating or anything else.
Every meter I look seriously at has lots of negative reviews, I’m so frustrated, please help.
We did a write up on this recently Lynn. View this info here: https://diabetesmealplans.com/16667/best-blood-sugar-monitors-most-accurate/
Hi Jeda,
One thing that has really helped me maintain lower A1c and Glucose levels is Bilberry Extract with Cinnamon. I take 15 drops of it twice daily. My A1c is less than 5.4 and Glucose usually between 81-100. My Primary Doctor and Endocrine both are amazed. I do use Metformin or Lantus. Metformin caused me stomach issues. The Bilberry extract with cinnamon is all natural and inexpensive supplement to use with your treatment. Feel great and maintain good levels this way. some of my co workers are also seeing same results.
Saw my PCP yesterday for blood work results. In one year I have lost 113 pounds by eating healthy and maintaining good blood sugar levels. My A1C was 11.5 when I started my healthy journey and yesterday it was 5.2 with a 95 FBS.
I cut out sugar, salt, unhealthy carbs and started eating more protein and vegetables along with portion control. This has brought me to where I am today – healthy and off of my diabetic medication Metformin.
Fantastic Lynn – thanks for sharing. Yes – diet alone can improve and maintain healthy blood sugar levels!
I decided to stay with the Bayer Next EZ meter I’ve been using over the last year. Its reviews are as good as anything out there and I’m comfortable with it. Even though I have reversed my diabetes I still test every morning to make sure I’m staying on track – old habits die hard I guess.
Hi Lynn,
Glad that is working out for you!
I have noticed each meters will give you different numbers. I was using the Freestyle but when I had blood work done my numbers were off by 20 points higher. I now use Contour next but again if I check my middle finger, compared to my ring finger. The number will vary higher 10-15. So I don’t think these meters are much of good use.
Good day
My fbg this a.m. was 6.8 but went to 11.
after shovelling snow very early this morning , for an hour and a half of shovelling, then after a boiled egg and cheese stick and tea…I thought for sure level would be lower…I only had tea with cream before going out…more snowfalling continually until tommorrow a.m. ..so I will be very active continually to keep up…I thought being active helps lower glucose levels???
I am gaining alot of positive insight from the challenge and making changes also, thank you everyone
Ginger
It helps average blood sugar levels go down but it can cause a temporary spike, especially when it’s things you might not normally do. Good luck with snow shovelling. Thanks for checking in!
This morning reading was 128. I’m a bit discouraged because I think I’m eating better. But this is a bit new for me and I’m only in the pre diabetic stages. But I appreciate all the helpful information! Pushing onward!!
Don’t be discouraged Kelly, this is useful information. What about your post-meal levels? How are they tracking?
This site is very nice made very simple for me to understand, I am
Pre diabetes got a friend to measure after dinner 165. Ate Two burgers from my grill. Saw my nephew die from this. Took both feet and both kidneys and got a transplant. He refused to cut the sugars out. I’m going to cut the carbs out, will eat some.
Try to stick with foods from this list, Alfredo!
Age…80 years.
Type 2 diabetic from 30 years.
Taking 30/70 insulin injections 40 units before b’fast, and 20 units before dinner.
Eating 120 carbs vegiterian diet.
My fbg varies from 55 mg/dl to 127 mg/dl.
My ppbg varies from 143 mg/dl to 283 mg/dl.
The ppbg value gets reduced to 80 to 123 mg/dl in 6 to 14 hours.
My latest lab results: fbg…105 mg/dl, ppbg…143 mg/dl, HbA1c…6.1%.
I have no diabetes complications till now.
As you can see from the charts above, your latest lab results are fairly good Achyut. If you maintain healthy levels you will prevent complications. But you may wish to keep a food diary so you can identify the foods causing the high levels so you can prevent the highs (283 m/dL) and keep closer to or under 140.
How do you get these levels with veg meal , what is your protein
Thank you your help
Hello, Nirmala,
Vegetarian protein sources can come from eggs, cheese, dairy, and nuts. Small amounts of protein even come from non starchy veggies! Some vegetarian protein sources such as beans contain a more significant amount of carbohydrates but can still be incorporated in moderation in a low carbohydrate diet.
Thank you for very insightful responses. God bless you.
You’re welcome, Josiah.
Hi my name is Gloria I have been diabetic for a while like 14 years. Lately i following low carb diet and still my fasting numbers are between 150 and after 2 hours meal 180 and 207. Taking Metformin twice a day and Trajenta. My question is. Why still my numbers are too high?
It can be due to a number of factors, Gloria. A few things to rule out first: are you really sticking to a low carb diet, or have you been “sneaking” bites here and there? are you living a very sedentary life? are you drinking alcohol frequently? Think of diabetes as a game, you need to tweak small things to find the perfect treatment combination for you.
Additionally, there are a few things you can do specifically to improve morning blood sugar numbers. One of the most effective tips is to take some apple cider vinegar prior to bed which seems to help many. Find out more in this article.
I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes this week. I have been lethargic and sick all week. I used my glucometer for the first time this evening and got a reading of 274. what can I do to get my readings down?
Hi Bobby,
There are a number of strategies you can use. Check out our tips to lower blood sugar article for ideas. Good luck to you!
My diabities type 2 h1ac 10.6pat few years.
I take metformin and other tabletd.my sonography aroud pancreas normal. Eco cardio normal
Still so high.
Have you tried a low carb diet? Many of our members are able to see huge improvements in their sugar just by ditching carbs.
I was diagnosed with diabetes in May 2018 after taking Prednisone tapering for six days for Sciatica. Blood work showed a fasting blood sugar of 579 and an A1C of 11.4. After a month of healthy eating and Metformin (with dinner) my FBS was down to 46 and my A1C down to 6.9. Due to unforeseen health issues I haven’t had blood work done since June but have an Appt with my PCP soon.
I normally test my BS x2 daily, once in the morning and then prior to bedtime. My morning reading is always in the low 100’s regardless of how carefully I watch my diet. Throughout the remainder of the day I’m always within the normal range, not prediabetic range but normal range, well below 125. I feel like I have the “dawn phenonmen” and wonder if I am indeed a diabetic.
I will be discussing this with my PCP soon. BTW, in changing my eating habits I have lost 91 pounds in ten months.
Quite possibly, Lynn. If you’d like some more information about the dawn phenomenon then definitely check out the hyperlinked article. Overall it sounds like you’ve made some very positive changes and are on the right track to good health.
What is sugar levels for number 2
As indicated in the article, your goal is to maintain sugar levels as close to “normal” as possible: Fasting glucose – 70-99 mg/dl and 2 hours post meal glucose – Less than 140 mg/dl.
I have tried everything to get my numbers to “70-99 mg/dl and 2 hours post meal glucose ” and nothing.
Hi Bob,
What types of strategies have you tried? Diet? Exercise? Meds? Consistency is really important as well as it may take some time before your numbers start to go down.
Thanks for the information about diabetes,,I’m Also very worried, last week I took a blood test from finger prick,it was, three hours after meals,in the morning, and it was 15•2,idecided to eat very little carbs and more fruits and vegetables,,, I decided to take the sample on fasting early in the morning,, and the levels have not impressed me much,,,8•6 what should I do please,, Anne
Continue to stay away from the carbs, Anne. Also know that fruit is a relatively high carb food too, so try to pick more vegetables than fruit. This food list should help give you a little insight to the best foods you should be eating.
BS this morning 114
in late July,2018 i was examined and results indicates that iam diabetic.
Seeking your continued guidance regarding management of diabetes.
We do not provide medical advice to individuals; work with your doctor for specific recommendations.
If you’re interested in learning more about a low carb diet, and how it may help improve your sugar levels, then give this article a read and check out this food list for ideas to get started. Let us know what other questions you may have!
I have Diabetes, but I also have CKD & I am on Dislysis 3 x a week. Do you have meal plans for Renal patients?
Hello Maureen,
We do not have meal plans for those with diabetes and receiving dialysis. Nutrition needs are usually based off your specific lab values with dialysis so it is usually best to discuss this with a nutritionist/dietitian.
I was diagnosed about a month and a half ago with type 2 diabetes. I had gestational diabetes with my second pregnancy 7 years ago. I cannot get my morning readings to be below 6mol/mil. It is always around 9mol/mil. I am eating as healthy as I can but really need help. I was taking basalgar 30 units at night and then moved over to Byetta the higher dose twice a day with 60mg of diagluside MR in the morning. Can someone send me a meal plan what can I do to fix my morning sugars. PLEASE HELP I AM DESPERATE.
How are your average daily levels Cindy? If they are also high, then starting on improving those is recommended. You might also find these tips on lowering morning levels helpful. And you could consider joining as a member for weekly meal plans and additional help.