This blood sugar chart shows normal blood glucose levels before and after meals and the recommended HbA1c levels for people with and without diabetes. For people with type 1 diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recommends that blood sugar goals be based on the person's needs and goals. Read on to learn what's “normal”, then check out some blood sugar tables to learn more about the typical target range of blood glucose levels based on your age. People with prediabetes have higher than normal blood sugar levels, but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
The HbA1c result is presented as a percentage; the higher the percentage, the higher the blood sugar level. When you wake up in the morning, your fasting blood sugar level is usually at its lowest level because you haven't eaten food for about eight hours. If your blood sugar level is low, you may start to feel some of the first signs of hypoglycemia, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or sweating. Getting professional medical advice from a healthcare provider, such as an endocrinologist, is the best way to know if your blood sugar levels are where they should be.
Blood glucose levels that fall outside the ranges mentioned above are classified as high or low blood sugar levels. Your healthcare provider will tell you when and how to measure blood sugar, and when and how to treat low blood sugar levels. You should also keep glucagon handy, which you can take with you everywhere, such as the Baqsimi nasal spray, in case of an emergency due to low blood sugar. If your blood sugar level is low (or if you don't have access to these tools and you start to feel symptoms of low blood sugar), a general rule of thumb is to consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates (such as Smarties, apple juice, or glucose tablets) to increase blood sugar levels and prevent further symptoms, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA).
A meal with lots of carbohydrates (for example, cereal and waffles) will increase blood sugar faster than a meal that contains carbohydrates, proteins, and fats (for example, a hamburger and French fries). If you ask a healthcare provider about your blood sugar levels, be prepared to answer questions about risk factors, such as what you eat, how much you exercise you do, and your family history. Normal blood sugar levels for people with diabetes will vary depending on the person's age and time of day. It's important for people with diabetes to talk to their healthcare provider about their blood sugar goals.
For people with type 2 diabetes, the American Diabetes Association also recommends that blood sugar levels be individualized.
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