The Ultimate Blood Sugar Chart for Adults (With and Without Diabetes)
Understanding blood sugar levels is crucial for everyone, not just those with diabetes. Monitoring your blood glucose can help you identify potential health issues early on, make informed dietary decisions, and maintain overall well-being. Whether you're managing diabetes or simply curious about your health, this ultimate guide provides a comprehensive blood sugar chart for adults, detailing normal ranges, targets, and what to do if your numbers are out of range.
Why Blood Sugar Matters
Blood sugar, or glucose, is your body's primary source of energy. It comes from the food you eat, and its levels are tightly regulated by hormones like insulin, which is produced by the pancreas. When you eat, your blood sugar levels rise, and insulin helps move that glucose from your blood into your cells, where it can be used for energy. In people with diabetes, this system either doesn't work properly (Type 1 diabetes) or doesn't work efficiently (Type 2 diabetes), leading to elevated blood sugar levels.
Uncontrolled high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can lead to serious health complications over time, including:
- Heart disease
- Kidney disease
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Eye damage (retinopathy)
- Increased risk of infections
Conversely, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can cause symptoms like shakiness, confusion, and even loss of consciousness if left untreated.
Understanding and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is, therefore, vital for preventing these complications and living a healthier life.
Blood Sugar Chart for Adults: A Comprehensive Guide
This section provides a detailed blood sugar chart outlining target ranges for adults, both with and without diabetes. These numbers are general guidelines and may vary depending on individual circumstances, treatment plans, and the specific advice of your healthcare provider. Always consult your doctor to determine the most appropriate targets for you.
Normal Blood Sugar Levels for Adults Without Diabetes
For adults without diabetes, the typical blood sugar ranges are as follows:
| Measurement | Normal Range | | -------------------- | ------------------------------ | | Fasting Blood Sugar | 70-99 mg/dL (3.9-5.5 mmol/L) | | 2 Hours After Eating | Less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) | The 10 Best Foods To Lower Blood Sugar And Improve Your A1C
- Fasting Blood Sugar: This is the blood sugar level measured after at least eight hours of fasting (no food or drink).
- 2 Hours After Eating: This measurement reflects how your body processes sugar from a meal.
Blood Sugar Targets for Adults With Diabetes
For adults with diabetes, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) generally recommends the following targets:
| Measurement | Target Range | | -------------------- | ------------------------------- | | Fasting Blood Sugar | 80-130 mg/dL (4.4-7.2 mmol/L) | | 2 Hours After Eating | Less than 180 mg/dL (10.0 mmol/L) | | A1C | Less than 7.0% |
- Fasting Blood Sugar: The goal is to keep this within the specified range before meals.
- 2 Hours After Eating: Monitoring post-meal blood sugar helps in adjusting diet and medication.
- A1C: This test provides an average of your blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.
Important Considerations:
- Individualization: These targets may need to be adjusted based on age, overall health, risk of hypoglycemia, and other factors.
- Hypoglycemia Awareness: It's important for individuals with diabetes to be aware of the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and how to treat it promptly.
Understanding Blood Sugar Readings
| Blood Sugar Level Category | Non-Diabetic (mg/dL) | Diabetic (mg/dL) | Notes | |---|---|---|---| | Fasting | | | | | Normal | 70-99 | 80-130 | Target range may vary based on individual needs. | | Prediabetes | 100-125 | N/A | Increased risk of developing diabetes. | | Diabetes | 126 or higher | 130 or higher | Requires medical management. | | 2 Hours After Eating | | | | | Normal | Less than 140 | Less than 180 | Aim for this range after meals. | | Diabetes | 140 or higher | 180 or higher | Indicate need for adjustments to medication or diet. | | A1C | | | | | Normal | Less than 5.7% | Less than 7.0% | A1C measures average blood sugar over 2-3 months. | | Prediabetes | 5.7% - 6.4% | N/A | Increased risk of developing diabetes. | | Diabetes | 6.5% or higher | 7.0% or higher | Requires medical management. | How To Use Diet To Stabilize Blood Sugar Levels All Day Long
Practical Implications
Using this chart, here's what a few scenarios might look like:
-
Scenario 1: Healthy Individual.
- Fasting Blood Sugar: 85 mg/dL
- 2 Hours After Eating: 120 mg/dL
- Interpretation: These levels are within the normal range, indicating healthy blood sugar control.
-
Scenario 2: Individual with Prediabetes.
- Fasting Blood Sugar: 110 mg/dL
- 2 Hours After Eating: 150 mg/dL
- Interpretation: The fasting blood sugar is elevated, suggesting prediabetes. Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise) and monitoring are recommended.
-
Scenario 3: Individual with Diabetes.
- Fasting Blood Sugar: 140 mg/dL
- 2 Hours After Eating: 200 mg/dL
- A1C: 7.5%
- Interpretation: These levels are above the target range, indicating a need for adjustments to diabetes management plan, including medication or diet.
What To Do If Your Blood Sugar Is Too High (Hyperglycemia)
If your blood sugar levels are consistently above the target range, it’s important to take action to bring them down.
Immediate Steps
- Check Your Blood Sugar: Use your blood glucose meter to confirm the high reading.
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to help flush out excess sugar.
- Medication: If you take insulin or oral diabetes medications, follow your doctor’s instructions for adjusting your dosage.
- Light Exercise: A short walk can help lower blood sugar levels. However, avoid strenuous exercise if your blood sugar is very high, as it could have the opposite effect.
Long-Term Strategies
-
Review Your Diet:
- Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks: Avoid soda, juice, candy, and processed snacks.
- Control Carbohydrate Intake: Work with a dietitian to determine the right amount of carbs for you.
- Focus on Fiber: Include plenty of non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in your diet.
-
Adjust Your Medication: Talk to your doctor about whether your current medication regimen needs adjusting.
-
Monitor Your Blood Sugar Regularly: Keep a log of your readings to identify patterns and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
-
Stay Active: Regular physical activity can help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
-
Manage Stress: Stress can raise blood sugar levels. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
When to Seek Medical Attention
- Very High Blood Sugar: If your blood sugar is consistently above 300 mg/dL (16.7 mmol/L), seek immediate medical attention.
- Symptoms of Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): This is a serious complication of diabetes that can occur when blood sugar levels are very high. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fruity-smelling breath, and confusion.
What To Do If Your Blood Sugar Is Too Low (Hypoglycemia)
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can be dangerous if left untreated. It's essential to recognize the symptoms and take swift action to raise your blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of Hypoglycemia
- Shakiness
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Hunger
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Loss of consciousness (in severe cases)
Immediate Steps
- Check Your Blood Sugar: If you suspect you have low blood sugar, use your blood glucose meter to confirm.
-
Treat with Fast-Acting Carbohydrates:
- The 15-15 Rule: If your blood sugar is below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, wait 15 minutes, and then recheck your blood sugar. Repeat if necessary.
- Examples of 15 Grams of Carbs:
- 3-4 glucose tablets
- 1 tube of glucose gel
- ½ cup (4 ounces) of juice or regular (non-diet) soda
- 1 tablespoon of honey or sugar
- 5-6 pieces of hard candy
-
Follow with a Protein and Complex Carbohydrate Snack: Once your blood sugar is back in the target range, eat a snack containing protein and complex carbohydrates to prevent another drop. Examples include: Achieving Better Blood Sugar Control A Step By Step Plan
- Peanut butter on whole-wheat crackers
- Cheese and crackers
- A handful of nuts and a piece of fruit
Long-Term Strategies
- Review Your Medication: Work with your doctor to adjust your medication dosage if you experience frequent episodes of hypoglycemia.
- Eat Regular Meals and Snacks: Skipping meals or waiting too long between meals can lead to low blood sugar.
- Monitor Your Blood Sugar: Keep a log of your readings to identify patterns and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
- Carry a Hypoglycemia Kit: Always carry fast-acting carbohydrates with you, especially when exercising or traveling.
When to Seek Medical Attention
- Severe Hypoglycemia: If you are unable to treat your hypoglycemia yourself or if you lose consciousness, call for emergency medical assistance immediately.
- Frequent Episodes of Hypoglycemia: If you experience frequent episodes of low blood sugar, talk to your doctor about adjusting your treatment plan.
Tools for Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels

Effective blood sugar management relies on accurate and consistent monitoring. Here are some essential tools that can help:
Blood Glucose Meters
- Accuracy: Choose a meter that meets international standards for accuracy (ISO 15197).
- Ease of Use: Look for a meter with a large display, simple navigation, and easy-to-handle test strips.
- Features: Consider features like data storage, Bluetooth connectivity for syncing with smartphones or computers, and the ability to calculate averages.
Some popular brands include:
- Accu-Chek
- OneTouch
- Contour
- FreeStyle
Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)
CGMs are devices that continuously monitor blood sugar levels throughout the day and night. They consist of a small sensor inserted under the skin that measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid.
-
Benefits:
- Real-time glucose readings
- Trend arrows indicating whether glucose levels are rising, falling, or stable
- Alarms for high and low glucose levels
- Data sharing with healthcare providers
-
Popular CGMs:
- Dexcom G6
- Abbott FreeStyle Libre
- Medtronic Guardian Connect
Mobile Apps and Software
Many blood glucose meters and CGMs offer companion apps that can help you track your readings, identify patterns, and share data with your healthcare team.
- Key Features:
- Data logging
- Trend analysis
- Medication reminders
- Integration with other health and fitness apps
- Reporting and sharing capabilities
Choosing the Right Tools
When selecting blood sugar monitoring tools, consider the following:
- Your Individual Needs: Do you need a simple meter for occasional testing, or a CGM for continuous monitoring?
- Your Budget: Blood glucose meters and test strips can vary in price. CGMs typically require a prescription and may be more expensive.
- Your Preferences: Some people prefer the convenience of a CGM, while others find traditional meters more convenient.
Talk to your healthcare provider about which tools are right for you.
Lifestyle Factors That Impact Blood Sugar
Maintaining stable blood sugar levels involves more than just monitoring your glucose; several lifestyle factors play a significant role.
Diet
- Balanced Meals: Focus on meals that include a balance of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.
- Limit Processed Foods: Minimize intake of processed foods, sugary drinks, and refined grains, which can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar.
- Portion Control: Pay attention to portion sizes to avoid overeating, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
Exercise
- Regular Physical Activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week.
- Types of Exercise: Combine aerobic exercises like walking, running, or swimming with strength training exercises like lifting weights or doing bodyweight exercises.
- Timing of Exercise: Be mindful of how exercise affects your blood sugar levels and adjust your medication or food intake as needed.
Stress Management
- Stress Hormones: When you’re stressed, your body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can raise blood sugar levels.
- Stress-Reduction Techniques: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or tai chi to help manage stress.
- Adequate Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Lack of sleep can increase stress hormones and impair insulin sensitivity.
Hydration
- Water Intake: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent dehydration.
- Avoid Sugary Drinks: Steer clear of sugary drinks like soda, juice, and sweetened beverages, which can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar.
Alcohol Consumption
- Moderation: If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation (up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men).
- Food Pairing: Consume alcohol with food to help slow down the absorption of alcohol and prevent blood sugar from dropping too low.
- Monitor Blood Sugar: Check your blood sugar levels before and after drinking alcohol, especially if you take insulin or oral diabetes medications.
Conclusion
Managing blood sugar effectively is a lifelong journey that requires consistent monitoring, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and effective stress management. By understanding your target ranges and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, you can improve your blood sugar control, reduce your risk of diabetes-related complications, and live a healthier, more fulfilling life. Always consult with your healthcare provider to create a personalized management plan that meets your unique needs.