When a person is diagnosed with diabetes, their first question is: what should their blood sugar levels be? Blood sugar or blood sugar is the amount of glucose in the blood. The glucose content comes from the foods you eat.
A healthy blood sugar level for anyone in the morning, regardless of age and gender, should be below 100 mg/dl. However, because each person’s medical history and bodily functions are unique, their blood sugar levels can vary depending on their diet, medications, and other factors. Hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia are linked to
Here is the ideal blood sugar range by age and category of people.
Ideal blood sugar range for children (under 6 years old)
- Before meals: 100-180 mg/dL
- 1-2 hours after a meal: approximately 180 mg/dL
- Fasting: 80-180 mg/dL
- Bedtime: 110-200 mg/dL
Ideal blood sugar range for teenagers (6-12 years old)
- Before meals: 90-180 mg/dL
- 1-2 hours after a meal: approximately 140 mg/dL
- Fasting: 80-180 mg/dL
- Bedtime: 100-180 mg/dL
Ideal blood sugar range for teenagers (13-19 years old)
- Before meals: 90-130 mg/dL
- 1-2 hours after a meal: approximately 140 mg/dL
- Fasting: 70-150 mg/dL
- Bedtime: 90-150 mg/dL
Ideal Blood Glucose Range for Adults (20+)
- Before meals: 70-130 mg/dL
- 1-2 hours after a meal: less than 180 mg/dL
- Fasting: Less than 100 mg/dL
- Bedtime: 100-140 mg/dL
Normal blood sugar range for women over 60 who do not have diabetes
- 2 hours after last meal: 90 to 140 mg/dL
- 2 to 4 hours after last meal: 90 to 130 mg/dL
- 4 to 8 hours after last meal: 80 to 120 mg/dL
A blood glucose reading above 180 mg/dL or above the prescribed healthy range is dangerous. If you have a blood sugar over 300 mg/dL, seek immediate medical attention to get your blood sugar into a safer range.
Note from The Fitness Freak
Target normal blood glucose ranges vary from person to person. Your doctor will consider factors such as your age, weight, medical history, medications you take, and lifestyle to assess a healthy blood sugar target for you. Nevertheless, the normal blood sugar level is between 80 and 110 mg/dL before you have anything to eat or drink.
Factors Affecting Blood Sugar
Almost every lifestyle choice will affect your blood sugar level. Some of them are,
- Rigorous exercise will affect insulin sensitivity, which will cause blood sugar levels to drop for up to 48 hours.
- Stress releases the hormone cortisol, which can raise blood sugar levels.
- Certain medications such as statins and diuretics raise blood sugar.
- Diet also has a potential impact on blood sugar. Eating too many carbohydrates will lead to high sugar content, while protein will gradually increase the range.
- Dehydration also increases glucose levels due to less water concentration in the body.
Tips for maintaining normal blood sugar levels
Blood sugar control is extremely important for diabetic patients. Studies show that diabetes with persistently elevated blood sugar levels is at high risk for cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, vision problems and more.
Getting blood sugar control will help avoid these complications. Here are some lifestyle tips to follow that will help you control your blood sugar levels.
- Eat whole, un/minimally processed, low carb foods to control blood sugar levels in the body.
- Include at least 150 minutes of exercise per week if you have no medical restrictions.
- Always stay hydrated, which will help your body eliminate excessive amounts of glucose in the urine.
- Take insulin and other medications as directed by healthcare professionals to avoid sudden spikes or drops in blood sugar.
Conclusion
Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is crucial for your overall health. Therefore, understanding blood glucose ranges is an essential part of diabetes self-management.
Stick to a low-carb diet, exercise regularly, and drink plenty of water. Also, consult your healthcare professional to make the right lifestyle choices. It will help you manage optimal weight and prevent diabetes complications, helping you lead a healthy life.
