Everything You Need to Know About Normal Blood Glucose Levels

TLDRNormal blood glucose levels range from 70 to 99 mg/dL or 3.9 to 5.5 mmol/L. High levels indicate diabetes or pre-diabetes. Fasting blood sugar should be less than 100 mg/dL or 5.5 mmol/L for non-diabetics. Post-meal blood sugar should be below 140 mg/dL or 7.7 mmol/L.

Key insights

💉Blood glucose levels are used to diagnose diabetes. Fasting blood sugar levels above 125 mg/dL indicate diabetes.

📈Diabetic blood glucose levels should be maintained between 80 to 120 mg/dL or 4.4 to 7.2 mmol/L.

🕒Post-meal blood sugar levels should be below 180 mg/dL or 9.99 mmol/L for diabetics.

🩹A1C test shows the three-month average blood glucose levels.

🩺A finger stick test is not enough to diagnose diabetes. It should be done in conjunction with A1C and fasting blood sugar tests.

Q&A

Can I use a finger stick test to diagnose myself with diabetes?

—No, a finger stick test is not enough to diagnose diabetes. It should be done in conjunction with A1C and fasting blood sugar tests.

What are the goals for blood sugar levels?

—For non-diabetics, fasting blood sugar should be less than 100 mg/dL or 5.5 mmol/L. Post-meal blood sugar should be below 140 mg/dL or 7.7 mmol/L. Diabetic blood sugar levels should be maintained between 80 to 120 mg/dL or 4.4 to 7.2 mmol/L.

What is the A1C test?

—The A1C test shows the three-month average blood glucose levels. It is done without fasting and is used to monitor diabetes treatment.

What is the glucose tolerance test?

—A glucose tolerance test involves fasting overnight and then consuming 75 grams of glucose. Blood sugar levels are checked two hours later. Normal levels are less than 140 mg/dL or 7.7 mmol/L for non-diabetics.

How often should I check my blood sugar levels?

—It is recommended to check blood sugar levels regularly, especially before and after meals. Your doctor will advise you on how often to check based on your specific condition.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Normal blood glucose levels range from 70 to 99 mg/dL or 3.9 to 5.5 mmol/L. Diabetes is diagnosed by measuring blood sugar levels.

05:00Fasting blood sugar levels should be less than 100 mg/dL or 5.5 mmol/L for non-diabetics. High levels indicate diabetes or pre-diabetes.

10:00Post-meal blood sugar levels should be below 140 mg/dL or 7.7 mmol/L for non-diabetics.

15:00Diabetic blood glucose levels should be maintained between 80 to 120 mg/dL or 4.4 to 7.2 mmol/L.

20:00The A1C test shows the three-month average blood glucose levels.

25:00A finger stick test is not enough to diagnose diabetes. It should be done in conjunction with A1C and fasting blood sugar tests.

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