Your blood sugar levels are a critical part of your overall health and your body’s ability to function properly on a daily basis. For those of us with diabetes, striving to achieve “normal” blood sugar levels is a constant, hour-by-hour pursuit. And it isn’t easy.
In this article, we’ll look at “normal” blood sugar levels and goal ranges for a non-diabetic’s body, and realistic blood sugar goals for people with prediabetes, type 1, and type 2 diabetes.
Table of Contents
Normal blood sugar ranges in healthy non-diabetics
For a person without any type of diabetes, blood sugar levels are generally between 70 to 130 mg/dL depending on the time of day and the last time they ate a meal. Newer theories about non-diabetic blood sugar levels have included post-meal blood sugar levels as high as 140 mg/dL.
(If you live outside the US and are used to measures in mmol/L, just divide all numbers by 18)
Here are the normal blood sugar ranges for a person without diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association:
- Fasting blood sugar (in the morning, before eating): under 100 mg/dL
- 1 hour after a meal: 90 to 130 mg/dL
- 2 hours after a meal: 90 to 110 mg/dL
- 5 or more hours after eating: 70 to 90 mg/dL
Diagnosing prediabetes, type 2, and type 1 diabetes
Depending on which country or medical organization you ask, the qualifying numbers for “normal” versus “prediabetes” versus diagnosed type 1 or type 2 diabetes can vary slightly. The following blood sugar and A1c the general results are used to diagnosed prediabetes and diabetes according to sources including the American Diabetes Association and Diabetes UK:
Prediabetes
- HbA1c: 5.7 to 6.4 percent
- Fasting: 100 to 125 mg/dL
- 2 hours after a meal: 140 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL
Type 1 or 2 diabetes
- HbA1c: 6.5 percent or higher
- Fasting: 126 mg/dL or higher
- 2 hours after a meal: 200 mg/dL or higher
Please note: Type 1 diabetes tends to develop very quickly which means that by the time symptoms are felt, blood sugar levels are generally well above 200 mg/dL all the time. For many, symptoms come on so quickly they are dismissed as the lingering flu or another seemingly ordinary virus.
By the time blood sugar levels are tested, many newly diagnosed type 1 patients will see levels above 400 mg/dL or higher. If you do suspect that you or a loved-one has type 1 diabetes, visit your primary care or urgent care immediately and ask for a urine test to measure ketones in addition to testing blood sugar levels and A1c.
Read more about ketones at diagnosis in Diabetes Strong’s Diabetic Ketoacidosis Guide.
Your A1c and blood sugar goals
Managing any type of diabetes is far more complicated than giving a patient some insulin and telling them to keep their blood sugars within X and X. If you’ve lived with diabetes for more than a few days, you probably already know this.
What is A1c?
“A1c, hemoglobin A1c, HbA1c or glycohemoglobin test (all different names for the same thing) is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar over the last 2-3 months,” explains Christel Oerum in DiabetesStrong’s guide to lowering your A1c.
The prior two weeks of blood sugar levels before your blood is tested for your A1c have the largest impact on your results, but the amount of glucose attached to hemoglobin (the protein in your red blood cells) in your body from the prior 3 months. The more glucose there is in your bloodstream from high blood sugar levels, the more glucose there is to attach to hemoglobin.
Translating your A1c to a blood sugar level
Using this easy calculator from the ADA, you can translate your most recent A1C result to an “eAG” or “estimate average glucose level.”
You can also use this translation when working to improve your A1c and achieving closer to normal blood sugar levels. If you know an A1c of 6.5 is an average blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or a range of 100 to 152 mg/dL, then you can look at your current blood sugar results on your CGM and meter and pinpoint which time of day you’re frequently higher than this range.
12% = 298 mg/dL or range of 240 – 347
11% = 269 mg/dL or range of 217 – 314
10% = 240 mg/dL or range of 193 – 282
9% = 212 mg/dL or range of 170 –249
8% = 183 mg/dL or range of 147 – 217
7% = 154 mg/dL or range of 123 – 185
6% = 126 mg/dL or range of 100 – 152
5% = 97 mg/dL or range of 76 – 120
“Normal blood sugar levels” in a person without diabetes can result in an A1c as low as 4.6 or 4.7 percent and as high as 5.6 percent.
Just a decade or two ago, it was rare for a person with type 1 diabetes to achieve an A1c result below 6 percent. Thanks to new and improved insulin and better technology like continuous glucose monitors and smarter insulin pumps, more people with diabetes are able to safely achieve A1c levels in the higher 5 percent range.
Why your A1c matters
In a nutshell: your A1c is one of the clearest indicators of your risk for developing diabetes complications like neuropathy (nerve damage in your hands and feet), retinopathy (nerve damage in your eyes, risking blindness), nephropathy (nerve damage in your kidneys), and severe infection in any part of your body that requires healing.
For instance, a small cut on your toe could become infected due to high blood sugars, struggle to heal, and become severe enough that the infection could lead to an amputation.
The general guidelines from the American Diabetes Association recommend an A1c at or below 7.0 percent for the best prevention of diabetes complications. Your risk of developing a diabetes complication continues to drop as your A1c drops closer to 6 percent.
Some people with diabetes aim for A1c levels in the 5s and lower — especially those who follow strict low-carb diets like the ketogenic diet and the Bernstein diet. However, this hasn’t been proven in research as especially necessary, nor is it reasonably achievable for the larger population of people with diabetes.
It’s also important to remember that your blood sugar levels and your A1c are just information that tells you whether your body needs more or less of factors like insulin, other diabetes medications, changes in your nutrition, and changes in your exercise.
If you don’t like the number you’re seeing on your glucose meter or your A1c results, use that number as motivation to make changes (with the support of your diabetes healthcare team) in how you safely manage your diabetes in order to get different results.
Determining the right A1c goal for you
Just because a normal blood sugar range of 70 to 130 mg/dL is considered the healthiest doesn’t necessarily mean that’s the appropriate goal range for you — especially if you have type 1 diabetes, or take insulin as a person with type 2 diabetes.
The reason this may not be the right goal for you is that extremely tight blood sugar management in people taking insulin can potentially lead to frequent low blood sugars — which can be dangerous.
Achieving extremely tight blood sugar management, like a range of 70 to 130 mg/dL, also often requires a strict nutrition plan, more frequent than usual blood sugar monitoring, precise medication management, and most importantly, years of experience studying your own blood sugar levels.
A1c goals should be individualized
“A1c goals should be individualized based on the individual capabilities, risks, and prior experiences,” explains Gary Scheiner, MS, CDE, founder of Integrated Diabetes, and author of Think Like a Pancreas.
“For example, we generally aim for very tight A1c levels during pregnancy and more conservative targets in young children and the elderly.”
However, Scheiner highlights important factors that could justify aiming for a higher A1c, like “hypoglycemia unawareness,” which is described as when a person with diabetes no longer feels the oncoming warning signs of low blood sugar. This can put you at significant risk for severe low blood sugars resulting seizures or death. To reduce that risk, you would aim for higher target blood sugar ranges.
“Someone with significant hypoglycemia unawareness and a history of severe lows should target higher blood glucose levels than someone who can detect and manage their lows more effectively,” adds Scheiner. “And certainly, someone who has been running A1c’s in double digits [like 10 percent or higher] for quite some time should not be targeting an A1c of 6%… better to set modest, realistic, achievable goals.”
Learn how to lower your A1c in DiabetesStrong’s A1C Guide.
Your blood sugar isn’t just because of what you eat
Mainstream media would have you believe that your blood sugar levels are impacted only by what you eat and how much you exercise, but people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes who test their blood sugars frequently could tell you otherwise.
It’s especially important to keep this mind when looking at your own blood sugars and your goals because there are certain variables and challenges that impact blood sugar levels that you can’t always control.
For example:
- Menstrual cycles: raises blood sugar and insulin needs
- Adrenaline rushes from competitive sports, heated arguments, rollercoaster rides: raises blood sugar and insulin needs
- The common cold and other illnesses: usually raises blood sugar and insulin needs
- Hormonal changes due to puberty and healthy growth in young adults: raises blood sugar and insulin needs
- An injury which raises overall inflammation levels: raises blood sugar and insulin needs
- Glucogenesis during anaerobic exercise: raises blood sugar
While you can’t necessarily prevent these factors that affect your blood sugar from occurring, you can work with your diabetes healthcare team to adjust your insulin, other diabetes medications, nutrition and activity levels to help compensate for them when they do occur.
For example, when engaging in anaerobic exercise — like weightlifting — many people with type 1 diabetes find it necessary to take a small bolus of insulin prior to or during their workout because anaerobic exercise can actually raise blood sugar.
Learn more about exercising with diabetes in DiabetesStrong’s Fit with Diabetes ebook.
Still frustrated with your blood sugar and A1c results?
Your blood sugars and your insulin or medication needs never stay in one place. If you gain weight or lose weight, your insulin and medication needs will change. If you become more active or less active, your needs will change. If you make drastic or even small changes to your nutrition, your needs will change!
Working with your diabetes healthcare team, and diabetes coaches who can teach you how to make changes in your overall diabetes management plan are essential. Diabetes is a lifelong learning process.
Take a deep breath and be patient. If you don’t like what you’re seeing on your glucose meter, don’t get mad…get studying! Take good notes and work with your team to make changes to reach your goals.
Read more about improving your A1c in DiabetesStrong’s guide, How to Lower Your A1c.
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My blood gul test 102. Am i diabectic ?my test have always been in normal range .This is the frist time its been like that.Iam so worried.
You have to see a doctor to get a proper diagnosis. One blood sugar reading at 102 mg/dL doesn’t tell you much. It could be an error or a single elevated blood sugar. If you’re worried see your doctor and ask for an A1c test
Hi: Your fasting glucose range for people without diabetes is accurate. But nowhere on the American Diabetes Association’s site are the other figures you list:
1 hour after a meal: 90 to 130 mg/dL
2 hours after a meal: 90 to 110 mg/dL
5 or more hours after eating: 70 to 90 mg/dL
Where did the above ranges come from? Their site only shows normal fasting glucose (<100) and the level it should be two hours after taking an oral glucose tolerance test (<140).
HI Eric!
You’re right — the ADA seems to have completely changed the numbers on their site originally listed. They’ve made many updates to their entire site since this article was written. I’ve found a couple older links and other sites as resources to demonstrate the source of this information. Unfortunately, every medical organization and country seems to have slightly different numbers that vary just slightly, even by 3 points!
My fasting glucose was 100. After breakfast (2 whole grain toast with raw almond butter , banana, peach, and 1/2 cup of blueberries) I checked my glucose 30 minutes after and it was 191. An hour after was 150 and 2 hours after eating my breakfast it was 85. am I a diabetic since my sugar went up to 191? I was told that my glucose should not pass 180 any time.
Not necessarily, your body is clearly reducing your blood sugar nicely on its own. For an actual diagnosis, you’ll to see a doctor. You can ask for an A1c test, that will clarify if your blood sugar has been elevated the last 3 months
Amy.
I would ask for a HBA1c, but you may want to ask your doctor for as glucose Toleration test to make sure blood sugar goes back down. In the mean time you might be better to eat more protein and fats, like cheese or hard boiled eggs that three serving of fruit.
You honestly don’t want you blood sugar to be going over 140 mg/dl if you can help it by diet and exercise.
Hi I am not a daibetic recently I had blood test done after 3hrs of my break fast It was 101 is this normal.
A single blood sugar test isn’t going to tell you much. But in isolation, I wouldn’t be too worried about a 101 mg/dl measurement. However, if you’re concerned I’d recommend seeing a doctor for an A1c test
I just tested my blood sugar almost an hour after eating my breakfast. I work out at 4:30am and I ate breakfast at 7:15am-7:30. Today I tested my blood sugar at 8:20am and it was 80. I use a preworkout at 4:30, and a BCAA after my workout. So I thought I would have a higher blood sugar.
I can’t give you a good answer to why your blood sugar is what it is, too many unknown variables. If you live with type 1 diabetes it simply means that you most likely had the right amount of insulin on board for your workout
Today my blood sugar was 88 before breakfast at 7:15 and 30 minutes after breakfast it was 132. (Normally it is around 110-117) Is that because my body didn’t like what I was eating?
Could be, but there can also be a lot of other reasons. One data point is rarely enough to make any conclusions. If you really enjoy the meal, try again and see what happens
Im prediabetic and 23 years both my parents have diabetic some times I get headaches when ever I drink soft drinks so Im just curious are headaches related to diabetic? I tested my random blood sugar after an hour eating my meal the reslult was 138 . do you think Im diabetic? . Is 138 random blood sugar is normal ? Kindly reply plz
You need to see a doctor and get blood work done to get a diagnosis. If both your parents live with diabetes and your blood sugars tend to run high you could be living with diabetes or maybe pre-diabetes. Early diagnosis is important, as pre-diabetes for many won’t become type 2 diabetes if you intervene.
As for the headaches, it could, but it could also be so many other things. Please go see a doctor
I have been experiencing off and on excessive thirst and frequent urination, a friend recommenced I test blood sugar, The first was 272 and 258.. in the mornings I run about 110ish (normal?) and some
Days I stay within normal range. (Never below 100) and evenings after dinner I’m usually 130’s to 160’s. So went to dr. And A1c was 5.1, glucose slight elevated and high levels in protein.. said we would re check in 3 months and to watch carbs. Any suggestions? I’m trying to understand something I have no idea about. I have urgency to urinate all the time. No uti
Most people will experience blood sugar fluctuations throughout the day. That combined with your very low A1c is probably why your doctor decided to monitor what happens over the next 3 months.
I’d suggest you follow your doctor’s guidance and reduce the number of refined carbohydrates you eat and potentially your overall carbohydrate intake. This is a great resource on carbohydrates (https://www.diabetes.org/nutrition/understanding-carbs).
Increasing your activity level can also be a great way to help to manage your blood sugars
With the symptoms you have I would do see an endocrinologist. You should not have blood sugar in the 200’s. I would have the HbA1C repeated. And ask for a fasting blood sugar and a fasting insulin. Yes, in the mean time I would eat low carb. Are you hungry often, I was, and yes did, need to urninate especially at night.
I was diagnosed as a diabetic type 2 in July 2017. I was placed on insulin for 26 days and went and saw an Diabetic Specialist and I was told I didn’t need insulin and my test results such as pep and the other things they look for was normal except my alc level. Metformin 500 mg I took twice a day until March 22 2018 and I was taken off metformin. I recently did an annual check up and my alc level is still 5.2 with no meds, am I considered as half remission or something of remission?? Doctor didn’t tell me much, but my blood sugar is good!
Linda!!!
Congratulations — it does sound like your blood sugars have come down into a non-diabetic range. Just keep in mind that your lifestyle habits will play a huge central role in keeping you in that non-diabetic range. That doesn’t mean you need to be perfect in everything you eat, but it does mean you’ll want to strive to eat a mostly whole-foods diet with lots of vegetables and….get plenty of daily exercise. Walking every day or something more intense if you’re up for it — but walking is an awesome, awesome, awesome thing for the body and for keeping blood sugars healthy.
And of course, every now and then, check-in and see how your A1c is doing!
Congrats! Keep us posted!
-Ginger
Hello my sugar drops doctor told me I have hypoglycemia but didn’t give me any medication or anything just told me to monitor today I felt like it had dropped so I ate a hot dog with water and a couple slices of watermelon and i checked it and was at 176 I’m not diabetic I’m freaking out I have severe depression and anxiety
I would call your doctor and ask what he/she would recommend you do when your blood sugar runs high/low. An occasional blood sugar of 176 is probably nothing to be concerned about but your doctor knows your medical history and should be able to guide you.
As for treating low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), I’d recommend a fast-acting carbohydrate such as 15 grams of carbs from glucose tabs or a glass of juice
Hi I recently got my sugar levels dropping to 3.8 my hba1c is normal 5.4 my fasting glucose ranges from 4.9 to 5.7 doctors saying I’m not diabetic tested OGTT came back at 2.8 got tested again OGTT came back at 6 now when I’m hungry my sugar is around 4.1 during day at times I feel lost or confused or brain fogged when hungry am I diabetic or not
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)is not just related to diabetes and can be a sign of other underlying conditions. You can read more HERE. I suggest discussing the issue with your doctor and try to identify why you’re having hypos
Hi: Would you clarify where your glucose numbers come from? You cite the American Diabetes Association, but the link to their site states that any fasting glucose under 100 is normal. But you list the normal range as 70-90.
Tina! You’re absolutely right! Thank you for catching this mistake. I’ve updated the article.
My blood sugar in the morning and sometimes about 110-108 and then later on about 3 or 4 hours after you eat is about 88 what is going on is that good or I don’t understand anything they did send my A1C about six months ago or maybe more than that was at 6.1
88 mg/dL is considered a “normal” blood sugar, so that’s great. The elevated morning blood sugar and A1c could be pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes but your doctor has to give you that diagnosis. If they just sent you an A1c of 6.1% with no explanation I would suggest you call and ask for one as well as a plan of action
What is the best way to lower your blood sugar I don’t want to be on medication I already had open heart surgery that I don’t want no that kind of medication anything natural that I can use
There are no Herbal cures for diabetes. Some can lower their blood sugars through exercise and diest (read more HERE) and others have to go on medication.
Has cinnamon a lowering effect o blood sugars ?
No, it does not
I checked my A1c and it’s 7.0, I also checked my random blood sugar and it is 139.. after 2hrs of lunch the reading was 135.. fasting for 10hrs the reading was 123.. am I diabetic?
With blood sugar reading at that level I’d suggest you quickly see a medical professional to receive a proper diagnosis. A lot can be done if you catch it early
Can I reduce my A1c without medications.. I am not on medications currently.. but have been drinking bitter gourd juice and fenugreek seeds water every morning on empty stomach..
First step is to see a medical professional and there is a chance he/she will tell you to first try and lower your blood sugars through diet and exercise. But you need a medical opinion. If you’re sent home with a “prescription” for exercise and diet, this article could be of help: https://diabetesstrong.com/how-to-lower-your-a1c/
I am 38years,diagnosed of type 2 Diabetes,I stopped taking drugs after one month of my diagnosis,because I was having low blood sugar level,for close to five months I have not taken any drugs and my blood sugar is within normal range both fasting blood sugar and 2hours post-meal,Is it possible to reverse it?,I am on diabetic meal plan and regular exercise.
That’s a great question and something that’s covered extensively in this article: https://diabetesstrong.com/is-type-2-diabetes-reversible/
Sounds like you are part of the approximately 50% of the type 2 population who can achieve “normal” blood sugars without medication
Recent A1C shows 7.6 and fasting glucose 4.6
Should I be concerned?
That high of an A1c does indicate type 2 diabetes. I’d suggest you book an appointment with a specialist and discuss your blood work. Your fasting glucose is nicely within the normal range, so the A1c could be an error
Hi
After 2 days of low carb diet and 12 hour fasting my glucose is 69 mg/dL .
Is below 70 is considered hypoglycemia ?
Should i consult doctor?
Probably wouldn’t hurt. If you’re on medication your doctor might want to adjust it based on your low readings
Hello, I needa help trying to understand blood sugar testing. I don’t have diabetes. Runs very heavily on both sides if my family and I am super cautious. I also heard stabilizing blood sugars can help me loose a few pounds so I decided to buy a tester and see where I was at. I am finding that my 2 hour test after a meal is 97ish but my 3 hour test is 153?? Why is my 3 hour test SO much higher than the 2 hour test? Do I digest food that much slower? I’m confused and nervous.
If it’s a one-off reading of 153 mg/dl it might be an error. Make sure your hands are clean and dry. If you see it consistently it could be that you have some delayed digestion. Digestion can also be slowed down by the fat content in your food.
If you’re nervous or tend to see high readings, I’d recommend seeing your doctor and get an A1C blood test done
I have had gestational diabetes, but returned to normal after giving birth. Today I had a meal with 170 carbs. About 30 mins after eating (but still drinking my high sugar drink) my glucose was 228. An hour later it had come down to 183. This amount of carbs is obviously very high, but should my glucose be lower?
With that kind of response to carbohydrates, it’s worth having a conversation with your doctor. As you probably know, having had gestational diabetes puts you at increased risk of developing diabetes. It might however by nothing, but can’t hurt to consult with your medical team
I need a good diabetic diet, new o this, confused.
I don’t believe there is such a thing as a “diabetic diet”. However, you can reduce blood sugar fluctuations by selecting low/medium glycemic food and managing your carbohydrate portion sizes. Examples on what that can look like can be found in our selection of meal plans (HERE)
I have just been labeled diabetic, A1c 6.6, I have been over 6 for years, and 6.5 is a presumptive AO disease with the VA. I have been monitoring my blood sugar levels for 2 weeks, before and after meals. From all meals my average is 116-132, 118-121, 114-144. I guess I am a little confused by all this, because I have not done sugar in 25 years that is intentionally not in my drinks, I don’t do cereal or processed foods and I am a avid label reader, yes I do sweets in moderation not going to stop that, but never HFCS or even CS or added sugars to something that has sugars naturally and just Peanuts in my peanut butter, thank you very much. Do I like my whiskey, you bet, but I have backed way off on the beer and I don’t drink every day or even weekly. I have another test in May, so I guess we will see where I am then, Thanks for letting this scared Vietnam Vet vent.
I’m sorry that you are feeling like that and (it sounds like) not given a lot of information. It’s not just sugar that impacts blood sugar, everything you consume that breaks down into energy will end up in your bloodstream.
Carbohydrates are what will impact your blood sugar most drastically, so that’s usually what is recommended that you monitor and potentially cut back on. Most things have some level of carbohydrates (and you don’t have to cut it out completely) but try paying attention to what you eat most frequently, look up what’s in it and measure your blood sugar to see how that food impacts you. For example, you might really like (just examples) potatoes, oranges or something else that’s healthy but impacts your blood sugar more than you’d like, so you might want to cut back a little on that.
Another good read for you could also be this article: https://diabetesstrong.com/how-to-lower-your-a1c/
And hang in there, all you can do is your best
Very helpful articles. I am diabetic plz suggest if any new development in this area.
Very helpful article. I just started monitoring my blood sugar, and looks like it’s in normal range. I’m considered prediabetic, and trying to stay with low carb. If I keep working towards getting normal, how long it takes before knowing that I’m no longer prediabetic?
You’ll have to have that discussion with the medical professional who diagnosed you. And it will be something you’ll have to be mindful of for the rest of your life
Great article shared by you! As a new health blogger, I always eager to know about health problems and their solutions. Your post helped me to find new things.
Thanks for the post.