Normal Blood Sugar Levels: A Complete Chart for Adults and Children

17 Sep 2025 By Dana M. Harris, M.D.

Normal Blood Sugar Levels: A Complete Chart for Adults and Children

Maintaining normal blood sugar levels is crucial for overall health and well-being. Whether you're managing diabetes, concerned about your risk, or simply curious, understanding the ideal ranges for blood sugar can empower you to make informed decisions about your diet and lifestyle. This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on normal blood sugar levels for both adults and children, helping you navigate this essential health metric.

Why Monitoring Blood Sugar Matters

Blood sugar, or glucose, is the primary source of energy for our bodies. It comes from the food we eat. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps glucose enter cells to be used for energy. When this process is disrupted—either due to insufficient insulin production or the body's inability to use insulin effectively—blood sugar levels can become dangerously high or low, leading to various health complications.

Diabetes: A chronic condition characterized by elevated blood sugar levels.
Hyperglycemia: High blood sugar levels.
Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels.

Understanding and maintaining normal blood sugar levels helps prevent these issues.

Normal Blood Sugar Levels Chart: Adults

For adults, normal blood sugar levels vary depending on factors such as whether you have diabetes, when you last ate, and your overall health. The following table provides a general guideline:

Key Terms:

Fasting Blood Sugar: Blood sugar level measured after at least 8 hours of fasting (no food or drinks except water).
2 Hours After Eating (Postprandial): Blood sugar level measured two hours after starting a meal.
HbA1c: Glycated hemoglobin test that reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.

Important Note: These ranges are general guidelines. Your healthcare provider may recommend different target ranges based on your individual health status.

Real-World Example:

Consider a 45-year-old woman named Sarah. Sarah does not have diabetes. Her fasting blood sugar is consistently around 85 mg/dL, and her blood sugar two hours after meals is around 120 mg/dL. Her HbA1c is 5.2%. According to the chart, Sarah's blood sugar levels are within the normal range.

Normal Blood Sugar Levels Chart: Children

Children's blood sugar levels may slightly differ from those of adults. Maintaining normal levels is equally crucial for their growth and development. Here’s a chart tailored for children:

Note: These are general guidelines, and a pediatrician should provide individual recommendations.

Factors Affecting Blood Sugar in Children:

Age: Younger children may have slightly lower target ranges.
Activity Level: Exercise can significantly impact blood sugar levels.
Illness: Infections can temporarily raise blood sugar.

Real-World Example:

Eight-year-old Michael, who does not have diabetes, has a fasting blood sugar of 90 mg/dL and a post-meal blood sugar of 130 mg/dL. His HbA1c is 5.4%. Michael's blood sugar levels are considered normal for his age.

What to Do if Your Blood Sugar is Out of Range

If your blood sugar levels consistently fall outside the normal ranges, it's essential to take appropriate action. Here’s a breakdown of steps to consider:

1. Consult a Healthcare Professional

The first step is always to seek guidance from your doctor or a certified diabetes educator. They can provide personalized advice based on your health history, lifestyle, and other relevant factors.

Schedule an Appointment: Discuss your blood sugar readings and any symptoms you're experiencing.
Diagnostic Tests: Your doctor may order additional tests, such as an oral glucose tolerance test, to assess your body’s response to glucose.

2. Dietary Adjustments

Making changes to your diet can have a significant impact on blood sugar levels. Here are some dietary strategies to consider:

Reduce Processed Foods: Limit intake of sugary drinks, pastries, and processed snacks.
Increase Fiber Intake: Incorporate foods rich in fiber, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, which help slow down glucose absorption.
Balance Macronutrients: Ensure a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats in your meals.
- Example: A balanced meal could include grilled chicken breast, steamed broccoli, and a small portion of brown rice.

3. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity helps improve insulin sensitivity, allowing your cells to use glucose more effectively.

Aim for Moderate-Intensity Exercise: Engage in activities like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
Monitor Blood Sugar Before and After Exercise: This helps you understand how your body responds to physical activity and adjust your diet or medication accordingly.

4. Medication Management

For individuals with diabetes, medication is often a critical component of managing blood sugar levels.

Adhere to Prescribed Medications: Take your medications as directed by your healthcare provider.
Monitor Blood Sugar Regularly: Use a blood glucose meter to track your blood sugar levels and adjust your medication dosage as needed, under medical supervision.
Insulin Therapy: For those requiring insulin, learn how to administer it correctly and understand the different types of insulin.

5. Stress Management

Stress can significantly impact blood sugar levels. Employing effective stress management techniques can help maintain more stable blood sugar levels. The Connection Between Insulin Glucose And Your Blood Sugar Simplified

Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices like deep breathing exercises and meditation can help reduce stress hormones that affect blood sugar.
Regular Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to regulate hormones related to glucose metabolism.
Engage in Relaxing Activities: Hobbies and activities that you find enjoyable can help alleviate stress and promote overall well-being.

Factors Influencing Blood Sugar Levels

Numerous factors can influence blood sugar levels, making it essential to understand these variables to effectively manage them.

1. Diet

The types and amounts of food you consume have a direct impact on your blood sugar levels.

Carbohydrate Intake: Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, so consuming large amounts of carbohydrates can lead to a spike in blood sugar.
Glycemic Index (GI): The glycemic index measures how quickly a food raises blood sugar levels. Foods with a high GI are rapidly digested and absorbed, causing a significant rise in blood sugar.
- Example: White bread has a high GI, while whole grains have a lower GI.
Portion Control: Eating appropriate portion sizes can prevent excessive glucose intake.

2. Physical Activity

Exercise is a powerful tool for managing blood sugar levels.

Increased Insulin Sensitivity: Exercise enhances the body's sensitivity to insulin, allowing glucose to enter cells more efficiently.
Glucose Utilization: During exercise, muscles use glucose for energy, which helps lower blood sugar levels.
Types of Exercise: Both aerobic exercise (e.g., running, swimming) and resistance training (e.g., weightlifting) can improve blood sugar control.

3. Medications

Certain medications can affect blood sugar levels, either increasing or decreasing them.

Diabetes Medications: Insulin and oral diabetes medications are designed to lower blood sugar.
Corticosteroids: These medications can raise blood sugar levels by decreasing insulin sensitivity.
Diuretics: Some diuretics can also increase blood sugar levels.

4. Stress

Stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, can raise blood sugar levels.

Fight-or-Flight Response: When stressed, the body releases glucose to provide energy for a quick response, which can elevate blood sugar levels.
Chronic Stress: Prolonged stress can lead to insulin resistance and sustained high blood sugar levels.

5. Illness

Infections and other illnesses can impact blood sugar levels.

Hormonal Changes: Illnesses often trigger hormonal changes that can affect glucose metabolism.
Reduced Activity: When sick, individuals may be less active, which can lead to higher blood sugar levels.
Dehydration: Dehydration can also affect blood sugar levels, as it concentrates the glucose in the blood.

6. Sleep

Lack of sleep can disrupt hormonal balance and increase insulin resistance.

Hormone Regulation: Sleep deprivation affects hormones like cortisol and growth hormone, which play a role in blood sugar control.
Increased Appetite: Poor sleep can lead to increased appetite and cravings for high-carbohydrate foods, which can elevate blood sugar levels.

Advanced Monitoring and Technology

Advancements in technology have provided several tools to monitor and manage blood sugar levels more effectively.

1. Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Systems

CGM systems track blood sugar levels in real-time, providing continuous data throughout the day and night.

How it Works: A small sensor is inserted under the skin to measure glucose levels in the interstitial fluid.
Benefits: CGMs can alert users to trends and patterns in their blood sugar levels, allowing for proactive adjustments to diet, exercise, or medication.
Examples: Popular CGM systems include Dexcom, Abbott FreeStyle Libre, and Medtronic Guardian.

2. Blood Glucose Meters (Glucometers)

Traditional glucometers require a finger prick to obtain a blood sample for testing.

How it Works: A drop of blood is placed on a test strip, which is inserted into the meter to provide a blood sugar reading.
Benefits: Glucometers are relatively inexpensive and provide immediate blood sugar readings.
Accuracy: Regular calibration and proper use are essential for accurate results.

3. Insulin Pumps

Insulin pumps deliver a continuous and precise dose of insulin throughout the day.

How it Works: A small device is connected to the body via a catheter, delivering insulin based on programmed settings.
Benefits: Insulin pumps can help mimic the body’s natural insulin release and provide more flexible meal timing and exercise schedules.
Closed-Loop Systems: Some advanced insulin pumps are integrated with CGM systems to automatically adjust insulin delivery based on real-time blood sugar levels, known as closed-loop or artificial pancreas systems.

4. Mobile Apps and Digital Health Platforms

Various mobile apps and digital health platforms can help track and manage blood sugar levels. Take Control A Day In The Life Guide To Stable Blood Sugar Levels

Features: These apps often allow users to log meals, track exercise, record blood sugar readings, and set reminders for medication.
Data Integration: Some apps can integrate with CGM systems and insulin pumps for seamless data tracking and analysis.
Remote Monitoring: Some platforms allow healthcare providers to remotely monitor patients’ blood sugar levels and provide timely feedback and support.

Conclusion

Understanding and maintaining normal blood sugar levels is essential for preventing and managing diabetes and other health complications. By following the guidelines and charts provided, making necessary lifestyle adjustments, and utilizing advanced monitoring technologies, you can effectively manage your blood sugar and improve your overall health. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment plans tailored to your individual needs.