The Complete Blood Sugar Levels Chart (mg/dL & mmol/L) by Age

Understanding your blood sugar levels is vital for maintaining good health, especially if you have diabetes or are at risk of developing it. This comprehensive guide provides a blood sugar levels chart that covers normal ranges, target levels for diabetics, and what to do if your numbers are out of range. We'll break it down by age group and explain the differences between mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) and mmol/L (millimoles per liter), the two most common units of measurement.

Why Monitor Blood Sugar Levels?

Monitoring blood glucose levels allows you to track how your body responds to food, exercise, and medications. For people with diabetes, regular monitoring is essential for managing the condition effectively and preventing complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, and heart disease. Even without diabetes, understanding your blood sugar levels can help you make informed lifestyle choices to promote overall well-being. The Step By Step Plan To Lowering Your A1C In 90 Days

Understanding Blood Sugar Measurements: mg/dL vs. mmol/L

Before diving into the charts, it's important to understand the two primary units used to measure blood sugar: Normal Fasting Blood Sugar What Your Morning Reading Means For Your Health

mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter): This is the standard unit used in the United States.
mmol/L (millimoles per liter): This is the standard unit used in most of the world, including Canada and Europe.

To convert from mg/dL to mmol/L, divide the mg/dL value by 18. For example, 100 mg/dL is approximately 5.5 mmol/L. You can easily find online converters to switch between these units. Fasting Blood Sugar Vs Postprandial What Your Test Results Mean

Blood Sugar Levels Chart by Age Group (mg/dL and mmol/L)

The following charts provide general guidelines. Individual target ranges may vary based on specific health conditions and should be determined in consultation with your healthcare provider.

Blood Sugar Levels for Adults (Non-Diabetic)

Measurement	Normal Range (mg/dL)	Normal Range (mmol/L)
Fasting Blood Sugar (Before Breakfast)	70-99 mg/dL	3.9-5.5 mmol/L
2 Hours After Eating	Less than 140 mg/dL	Less than 7.8 mmol/L

Blood Sugar Levels for Adults with Diabetes

Target blood sugar ranges for individuals with diabetes are typically different than those for non-diabetics. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) generally recommends the following targets:

Measurement	Target Range (mg/dL)	Target Range (mmol/L)
Fasting Blood Sugar (Before Breakfast)	80-130 mg/dL	4.4-7.2 mmol/L
2 Hours After Eating	Less than 180 mg/dL	Less than 10.0 mmol/L
HbA1c (Average over 2-3 months)	Less than 7%	(This is a percentage, not mg/dL or mmol/L)

Blood Sugar Levels for Children

Managing blood sugar levels in children with diabetes requires special attention. Consult with a pediatrician or pediatric endocrinologist to establish individualized target ranges. The general guidelines below can offer some perspective:

Measurement	Target Range for Children with Diabetes (mg/dL)	Target Range for Children with Diabetes (mmol/L)
Before Meals	90-130 mg/dL	5.0-7.2 mmol/L
Bedtime	90-150 mg/dL	5.0-8.3 mmol/L

Note: These are general ranges, and specific targets should be determined by your child’s doctor.

Blood Sugar Levels During Pregnancy (Gestational Diabetes)

Gestational diabetes requires very strict control of blood glucose. The following targets are commonly recommended:

Measurement	Target Range (mg/dL)	Target Range (mmol/L)
Fasting Blood Sugar	Less than 95 mg/dL	Less than 5.3 mmol/L
1 Hour After Eating	Less than 140 mg/dL	Less than 7.8 mmol/L
2 Hours After Eating	Less than 120 mg/dL	Less than 6.7 mmol/L

What to Do If Your Blood Sugar Levels Are High (Hyperglycemia)

If your blood sugar levels are consistently high, it’s important to take action. Here are some steps you can take:

Check Your Medication: If you have diabetes, ensure you're taking your medication as prescribed. Contact your doctor if you think your dosage needs adjusting.
Adjust Your Diet: Reduce your intake of sugary foods and refined carbohydrates. Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of fiber, lean protein, and healthy fats.
Increase Physical Activity: Exercise can help lower blood sugar levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help your kidneys flush out excess sugar.
Monitor Regularly: Continue to monitor your blood glucose levels and track any patterns.
Consult Your Doctor: If your blood sugar remains high despite these efforts, consult your doctor to discuss further treatment options. Uncontrolled hyperglycemia can lead to serious complications, including diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS).

What to Do If Your Blood Sugar Levels Are Low (Hypoglycemia)

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can also be dangerous. Symptoms can include shakiness, sweating, dizziness, confusion, and even loss of consciousness. Here's what to do if you suspect your blood sugar is low:

Check Your Blood Sugar: Use a glucose meter to confirm your levels. Hypoglycemia is generally defined as a blood sugar level below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L).
Consume Fast-Acting Carbohydrates: Eat or drink something that will raise your blood sugar quickly, such as:
- 4 ounces of juice or regular soda (not diet)
- Hard candies
- Glucose tablets or gel
Recheck After 15 Minutes: After 15 minutes, recheck your blood sugar. If it’s still low, repeat step 2.
Eat a Meal or Snack: Once your blood sugar is back in a safe range, eat a meal or snack to help stabilize it.
Inform Your Doctor: If you experience frequent episodes of hypoglycemia, talk to your doctor about adjusting your medication or diet.

Factors Affecting Blood Sugar Levels

Many factors can influence your blood sugar levels, including:

Diet: The types and amounts of food you eat have a direct impact on your blood sugar. High-carbohydrate foods tend to raise blood glucose more quickly than foods high in protein or fat.
Physical Activity: Exercise helps lower blood sugar by increasing insulin sensitivity and utilizing glucose for energy.
Stress: Stress hormones can raise blood sugar levels.
Illness: Illness can also affect blood glucose levels, often making them higher.
Medications: Certain medications, such as steroids, can increase blood sugar.
Sleep: Poor sleep can impact blood sugar regulation.
Dehydration: Lack of adequate fluid intake can elevate blood sugar readings.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels involves adopting a balanced lifestyle. Here are some key tips:

Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods, including plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Monitor Your Blood Sugar: If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar regularly as recommended by your doctor.
Manage Stress: Practice stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: If you are overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can improve your blood sugar control.
Limit Alcohol Consumption: If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation and with food.

Conclusion

Understanding and managing your blood sugar levels is crucial for overall health, especially if you have diabetes. Use this blood sugar levels chart as a guide, but always consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best target ranges and treatment plan for your individual needs. By adopting a healthy lifestyle and regularly monitoring your blood glucose, you can take control of your health and prevent long-term complications. Remember to discuss any concerns with your physician. Keeping track of blood sugar levels allows individuals to proactively manage their health.