What Are Normal Blood Sugar Levels? Complete Chart for Adults By Age

Understanding normal blood sugar levels is crucial for maintaining good health and preventing conditions like diabetes. This article provides a comprehensive guide to blood sugar levels in adults, segmented by age, and explains factors that can affect these levels. We'll also discuss what to do if your levels are outside the normal range.

Why Blood Sugar Levels Matter

Blood glucose, or blood sugar, is the main sugar found in your blood and comes from the food you eat. It's your body's primary source of energy. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is essential because:

Provides Energy: Fuels your cells, muscles, and brain.
Prevents Organ Damage: High blood sugar levels over time can damage your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart.
Avoids Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels can lead to confusion, dizziness, and even loss of consciousness.

Understanding Blood Sugar Readings

Before we dive into the chart, let’s understand the common types of blood sugar readings:

Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS): Measured after an overnight fast (at least 8 hours). This is often done first thing in the morning.
Postprandial Blood Sugar (PPBS): Measured two hours after starting a meal.
HbA1c: Glycated hemoglobin, this test reflects your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months.
Random Blood Sugar (RBS): Measured at any time of day, regardless of when you last ate. It’s typically used to quickly assess blood sugar in emergency situations.

Normal Blood Sugar Levels Chart for Adults By Age (HTML Table)

Below is the required HTML format for all tables:

Age Group	Fasting Blood Sugar (mg/dL)	2-Hour Postprandial Blood Sugar (mg/dL)	HbA1c (%)
Adults (Under 60, Non-Diabetic)	70-100	Less than 140	Less than 5.7
Adults (60+, Non-Diabetic)	80-115	Less than 160	Less than 6.5 (Target can be slightly higher based on overall health)
Adults (With Diabetes)	80-130	Less than 180	Less than 7.0 (Individualized target, discuss with your doctor)

Note: These ranges are general guidelines. Consult your doctor for personalized targets, especially if you have diabetes or other health conditions.

Factors That Can Affect Blood Sugar Levels

Several factors can influence your blood sugar levels, causing them to fluctuate. Understanding these factors is crucial for effective management:

Diet: The types and amounts of food you eat significantly impact blood sugar. Carbohydrates, especially refined carbs, cause the most significant rise.
Physical Activity: Exercise helps lower blood sugar by allowing your cells to use glucose for energy.
Stress: Stress hormones can raise blood sugar levels.
Medications: Certain medications, like steroids, can increase blood sugar. Insulin and other diabetes medications lower it.
Illness: When you're sick, your body releases hormones to fight the illness, which can raise blood sugar.
Age: As you age, your body may become less efficient at processing glucose.
Dehydration: Dehydration can lead to more concentrated blood sugar levels.
Sleep: Poor sleep can impact insulin sensitivity, leading to higher blood sugar levels.

What to Do If Your Blood Sugar Is High (Hyperglycemia)

Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, can occur if your body doesn't have enough insulin or can't use insulin properly. Symptoms include:

Frequent urination
Increased thirst
Blurred vision
Fatigue
Headache

Actions to take:

Check your blood sugar frequently: Monitor your levels to understand the extent of the issue.
Drink water: Dehydration can exacerbate high blood sugar.
Adjust medication (if applicable): If you take insulin or other diabetes medications, your doctor may adjust your dosage.
Exercise: Physical activity can help lower blood sugar, but avoid strenuous exercise if your blood sugar is very high, especially if you have ketones in your urine.
Contact your doctor: If your blood sugar remains high despite these measures, seek medical advice.

What to Do If Your Blood Sugar Is Low (Hypoglycemia)

Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, occurs when your blood sugar levels drop too low. Symptoms can include: The Prediabetes Range What Your Blood Sugar Diagnosis Really Means

Shakiness
Sweating
Anxiety
Dizziness
Confusion
Hunger
Irritability

Actions to take:

Follow the 15-15 Rule: Consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates (e.g., glucose tablets, fruit juice, hard candies), wait 15 minutes, and recheck your blood sugar. Repeat if necessary.
Have a meal or snack: Once your blood sugar is back to normal, have a meal or snack to stabilize it.
Wear a medical alert bracelet: This can inform others if you experience severe hypoglycemia and are unable to communicate.
Contact your doctor: Discuss the causes of hypoglycemia and adjust your medication (if applicable).

Monitoring Your Blood Sugar

Regular blood sugar monitoring is key for managing diabetes and preventing complications.

Self-Monitoring: Use a blood glucose meter to check your blood sugar levels at home. Follow your doctor's instructions on when and how often to test.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): A CGM device continuously tracks your blood sugar levels throughout the day and night. It can provide valuable insights into how your blood sugar responds to food, exercise, and other factors.
Regular Check-ups: See your doctor for regular check-ups and HbA1c tests to monitor your long-term blood sugar control.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

Adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help you maintain stable blood sugar levels: The Complete Guide To Stabilizing Your Blood Sugar Levels Naturally

Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats. Limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and refined carbohydrates.
Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week.
Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
Get Enough Sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Monitor Portion Sizes: Pay attention to how much you're eating at each meal.
Regular Doctor Visits: Routine check-ups are essential.

Conclusion

Maintaining normal blood sugar levels is crucial for overall health. Understanding the factors that affect blood sugar, regularly monitoring your levels, and adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help you prevent complications and live a healthy, active life. Remember to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and treatment. The normal blood sugar ranges can vary slightly, making personalized medical advice key. Managing Blood Sugar A Beginner S Guide To Your First Glucose Meter