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.
I just test my sugar and my reading is 29.6 after breakfeast I am very worry and this is after INJECTING 60 units of
Humulin RU 500 , WHAT DO YOU THING
I thank you
Always consult your doctor or physician ASAP for any abnormal readings. After contacting your doctor, they may recommend some of the things found in this article.
I am concerned about my fasting blood sugar levels. Upon rising, I measure my blood sugar. Some days it is normal and other days it isn’t. For example, my blood sugar was 113. An hour later, it has risen to 155 even though I had not eaten or drank anything. This has been occurring periodically for the last two months. Please help me understand what is happening to my body.
Good question! A rise like that could be that your blood sugar is starting to drop after an overnight fast, and your body is smart enough to release hormones that raise blood sugar to prevent a low blood sugar. If that’s the case, eating a little protein and healthy fat (like eggs) may be the perfect solution to your problem. Are you checking your blood sugar any other times during the day? Ultimately, I suggest working with your doctor who will be able to look at your data in conjunction with your medical history to determine if further action is needed.
Hi Emily. Thanks for promptly answering my question. As a follow up to your response, this is the answer I received from the doctor I see for my diabetes. Disregard the exercise comment:
After intense exercise, often decrease due to increased insulin sensitivity related to he exercise, but sometimes actually increases related to the increase in adrenalin associated with the exercise. But please continue to exercise. Eventually, glucose levels go down related to the weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity.
doctor said I have diabetes it’s confusing is 94 high or is it normal on a ha1c test ??? On line it looks normal
I think you should definitely check with your doctor for clarification! There are two main ways we measure blood sugar levels 1) finger stick prick and 2) HbA1c% taken during lab work. The first, a finger stick, is usually done at home with your personal meter – having a number under 100mg/dL is great. I am going to guess that your ’94 level’ was taken this way. The second measure, HbA1c%, is done at a lab – typically the number is somewhere between 5-10% — staying as close to 5% as possible is going to be best for your overall health. Your doctor may have noticed an elevated HbA1c% (say, anything over 6%) and that would warrant a diagnosis of diabetes. This article might help clarify some of the differences and what your goals are for each measurement.
Hi Jedha,
I am turning 54 later this month and was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes 2 months back. Since then I have started 45 minutes walking workout each day and cut down on carbs and sweet. Checking my fasting and post lunch glucose levels once a week. Do you have any suggestions for achieving healthy glucose levels.
I have also subscribed for your news letter.
Thanks
Sounds like you’re doing a lot of the right things – lowering carb intake and increase exercise and/or physical activity are huge for blood sugar control. Both are blog and newsletter contain a wealth of information on how you can fine tune your diabetes management, so keep reading and reach out with any questions. Remember, your goal is to be around 100mg/dL fasting and under 140mg/dL post meals.
7.5 Hb1c..type1 ..9yrs age ..pls suggest full day diet plan. And exercise kind , duration and type..
Our information is most relevant to Type 2 diabetes. While lots of the information is still applicable to someone with Type 1 Diabetes, it is important to remember a Type 1 is at a much higher risk of hypoglycemia (very low blood sugar.) When you make any changes (diet or exercise), do so slowly so you can see how the body reacts and prevent unsafe blood sugar levels. Your best bet will be to seek a referral to a pediatric dietitian to customize something for you.
I am turning 70 this summer. Recently I measured my HbA1C and the result of 7,3% has kind of discouraged me. I hoped for lower as my recent BG readings were fairly good. Then I browzed thru Internet and found out that people over 65 yrs of age are tolerated up to 7,5% A1C result?!
Is this true? Please advice me.
Thank you,
Ondrej
Regardless of age, it is good to aim for under 7.0% (good goal), under 6.0% if you can achieve it.
This information will take a few read through. It is a ‘whole package program,’ not pick and chose that which you like. Great thanks to you Jedha and your team.
Raani
You’re welcome Raani, glad the info is useful and yes, it can be normal to take sometime to digest it all.
This is beginning to make sense. My A1C levels are normally 6.2 or 6.3. My daily blood levels run high. I have gotten off track with diet and am now planning on working to lower all of above. Thanks for help.
That’s great Allyn! If your numbers are in range more, the A1c will come down. 🙂
Please feel free to leave any questions for the 21 day challenge that you may have.
I cannot find my postings. Started fbg= 260. Today 1/14 fbg=191. Slowly but surely. Gettin Libre Freedom 2 continuous glucose monitoring system soon.
You can check back on previous days check ins for all your comments and the replies, I’ll make sure we have a list of these in tomorrows email so you can check back. That will be good Will, the CGMs can really make a difference so you’ll have to let us know how you go with it.
Trying to help my sister with her Diabetes. Please send all info to my email below.
7/10/2021
Jane, Click here to subscribe to our newsletter
Dear Jedha,
Thank you for your excellent advices! I love in Serbia, long ways.
I have a problem. I am Type2 diabetic do not eat much of the carbs, just mostly meat and veggies. But I also exercise hard on threadmil (winter) or work hard around the house (summer lawn mowing) and that is when my sugar count goes skyrocketing up! I do not understand. I am expecting low counts and it goes other way! Why? What to do? Is my liver delivering too much glucose into system which demands energy, even though I take metformin? Then Glipizide before the meals? None seems to help, though sometimes it works. Should I take more carbs to counteract this contrary effect? Please advice me!
Thankful in advance,
Ondrej
Hi Ondrej, exercise can make blood sugar levels rise so this is normal, however they should come down again to normal range and are often nothing to be concerned about. It is more important to check patterns for blood sugar and test after meal and fasting. Refer to this info on exercise and this info on blood sugar levels.
Hi Jedha 🙂
Having type 2 diabetes, I know how important nutrition is. And of course exercise is as well. I find your article very informative and beneficial as far as diabetes meal plans go.
It’s just critical to control your blood sugars in order to keep diabetes in check.
I have brought my A1c down from 11.4 to 7.2 and still keep working at it.
Thank you for your excellent article about blood sugar levels and diabetes meal plans.
Check in day 4 Blood Sugar 164 kind of high for me. I am working on snacking.
Thanks for checking in Norma!
Doing well since reversing my type 2 diabetes. Blood work in Oct showed my A1C down from 5.2 in June to 4.9 now. I’m maintaining a healthy lifestyle including a weight loss of 145 pounds over the last year and a half. I’m no longer on Metformin or any other diabetic medication.
Diligence and determination got me where I am today and it’s been worth every step along the way.
That’s fantastic Lynn – an inspiration to others 😀
This is great information. I went for my physical and my doctor immediately diagnosed me with diabetes. My number have never been over 120 so from that i think I’m pre-diabetic which to me is good. I do like that I have something I can go to her with and try to figure things out. Thanks for the numbers.
Welcome Rebecca. Thanks for checking in!
I do not have diabetes but my husband does. He takes blood sugar readings twice per day faithfully and I give him long term insulin shots 2X per day, and short term insulin shots according to his readings. He eats sweets and carbs like crazy, just figuring he will take more insulin. He is in a later stage of COPD and I fear he is eating himself to death.
I’m trying to find out info on what happens to diabetics who take this approach to “the medicine will take care of high blood sugar”. This is the ONLY site I’ve found in the last hour that even touches on this. Did I miss something? I’m reading that he will need to take more and more insulin over time. More medicine to do the same job.
That doesn’t seem to be phasing him much, and it doesn’t sound that bad to other people I’ve asked today, either.
There has to be something more drastic down the pike. Patients don’t seem to be afraid of taking more medicine. Not enough to make such huge changes in their life like their diets.
Hi Shari,
Medication can only go so far. I will tell you taking the approach of relying on more medication is not encouraged since improved diet and other lifestyle habits can drastically reduce the amount of medication one needs and reduce the risk of diabetes complications.
Wow. Shari, you need to inform your husband that he is on a fast train to doom with his attitude. He needs to stop his refined carb intake immediately. All of it. No more sweets. Ever. No more pasta et. al. Ever. What is he thinking? Then again, some men don’t really want to live past their mid life, maybe that’s it. Is he an American? That might be part of it too.