Chart For Blood Sugar Levels
Glucose is our body's primary source of energy. During digestion, the carbohydrate-rich food items get converted into glucose, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream. The levels of blood glucose or blood sugar are regulated with the help of insulin. Insulin, which is a hormone that is secreted by the pancreas, facilitates the absorption of glucose by the cells and tissues of the body. Glucose is also stored by the liver or muscle cells as glycogen. It is normal for the sugar level to fluctuate throughout the day. Glucose levels are the lowest in the mornings, and mostly tend to rise for a couple of hours after meals, depending on the volume of carbohydrates consumed. The normal range of the blood sugar in the morning is about 70 to 100 mg/dL. Our body has an excellent mechanism to regulate blood sugar levels. Glucose that is stored in the liver as glycogen, gets reabsorbed in the bloodstream, when the sugar levels drop. Reference Range for Blood Sugar Normally, the blood sugar levels are tested on an empty stomach, usually after a gap of six to eight hours after having the last meal. This test is known as the fasting blood glucose test. The following chart provides the normal range for fasting blood sugar levels. Fasting Blood Sugar Levels Normal 70-100 mg/dL Prediabetes 101-125 mg/dL Diabetes 125 mg/dL and above The following table provides the average blood sugar levels of a normal healthy adult, 2 hours after eating a meal. Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels Normal 70-140 mg/dL Prediabetes 141-200 mg/dL Diabetes 200 mg/dL and above Note: As per the American Diabetes Association, for people with type 2 diabetes, the normal fasting blood sugar range is 70-130 mg/dL, whereas blood sugar levels after meals should be less than 180 mg/dL Blood Sugar Levels in Pregnant Wo Continue reading >>
Diabetes: Blood Sugar Levels
Topic Overview Keeping your blood sugar in a target range reduces your risk of problems such as diabetic eye disease (retinopathy), kidney disease (nephropathy), and nerve disease (neuropathy). Some people can work toward lower numbers, and some people may need higher goals. For example, some children and adolescents with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, people who have severe complications from diabetes, people who may not live much longer, or people who have trouble recognizing the symptoms of low blood sugar may have a higher target range. And some people, such as those who are newly diagnosed with diabetes or who don't have any complications from diabetes, may do better with a lower target range. Work with your doctor to set your own target blood sugar range. This will help you achieve the best control possible without having a high risk of hypoglycemia. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggest the following A1c and blood glucose ranges as a general guide.1, 2, 3, 4 Children of any age with type 2 diabetes and most adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes (non-pregnant) A1c: Lower than 7.0% Before meals: 80 to 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) 1 to 2 hours after meals: Lower than 180 mg/dL Youth (younger than 18 years old) with type 1 diabetes A1c: Lower than 7.5% Before meals: 90 to 130 mg/dL Bedtime and overnight: 90 to 150 mg/dL Women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who become pregnant A1c: 6.0% to 6.5% Before meals: 95 mg/dL or lower 1 to 2 hours after meals: 120 to 140 mg/dL or lower Women who have gestational diabetes Before meals: 95 mg/dL or lower 1 to 2 hours after meals: 120 to 140 mg/dL or lower Continue reading >>
