When a person is diagnosed with diabetes, their first query is what should be their blood glucose level. Blood glucose is the amount of glucose in the blood that comes from the food you eat. For non-diabetic adults, fasting blood sugar is typically between 70–100 mg/dL, with the range potentially being higher for older adults or those with diabetes, as advised by healthcare providers. However, each person’s health status and body function are unique, and their blood glucose level may vary according to their diet, medication, and other factors.
Diabetes is different for everyone, and the blood glucose target range may differ from person to person. Individual goals will be set based on factors like age, physical activity level and diet pattern. Here is a chart that offers glucose level guidance based on age, however, while deciding on your individual goals talk with your healthcare provider.
Also Read: Is it Diabetes? How to identify this silent disease
Blood Sugar By Age
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2023 standards of care are a guiding document for people with diabetes. Even healthcare professionals in the field of diabetes follow this set of guidelines while treating their patients. However, a specific glucose value or range isn’t always feasible even from the ADA, as the diabetes organisation and many others rely on the 3-month average test known as HbA1C. This was established in the early 1990s, the HbA1C is a key tool alongside other blood glucose measurements to guide diabetes management.
American Diabetes Care uses HbA1C to glucose converter known as estimated average glucose (eAG) to help guide diabetic patients and their physician in deciding what may be best for glycaemic targets.
The below chart details goals for specific groups of people with diabetes based on age according to ADA guidelines.
| Age Group | Fasting (before meals) | Postprandial (after eating) |
| Children /Teens | 90 - 130mg/dl |
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| Adults | 80 -130 mg/dl | < 180 mg/dl (1 or 2hr) |
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| Pregnant women | 70-95 mg/dl | 110-140 mg/dl (1 hr) & 100-120 mg/dl (2 hr) |
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| 65 years and above | 80-180 mg/dl |
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| Non-diabetes | 99 mg/ dl or below | 140 mg/ dl |
In young children safety and simplicity may offset the need for good glycaemic stability in the short term. This would lessen the burden and anxiety of parents and build confidence, which would further help in strengthening glycaemic targets and self-control.
In healthy older people, there is no empirical need to lessen control, however, less stringent goals may be appropriate for patients with limited life expectancy or where the harms of treatment are higher than the benefits.
A blood sugar value higher than 180 mg/dl or higher than the recommended healthy range is dangerous. If you have a blood glucose reading higher than 300 mg/dl, seek immediate medical help to control your blood sugar levels within a safer range.
The target normal blood sugar ranges will differ from person to person. Your physician will consider factors like age, weight, medical history, medications you are taking and lifestyle to determine a healthy target blood sugar level for a person. Nevertheless, the normal blood sugar level is anywhere between 80 and 110 mg/dl on an empty stomach.
Factors Affecting Blood Sugar
Well, almost every lifestyle activity will affect your blood sugar level. Some of them include:
Strenuous physical activity will affect insulin sensitivity, resulting in lower blood sugar levels for up to 48 hours.
Any kind of stress - physical or work would release the hormone cortisol, elevating blood sugar levels.
Diet plays a significant role in blood sugar levels, having plenty of carbs will cause high sugar, while protein will maintain the range.
Dehydration also elevates blood glucose levels due to inadequate water concentration in the body.
Also Read: Diabetes Diet: Read To Know The Common FAQ About Food And Nutrition
Effective Ways To Maintain Normal Blood Sugar Levels
Good glucose control is extremely vital for diabetic patients. Several pieces of evidence show that diabetes with the constant surge in blood sugar level has a high risk of heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, eye problems and more. Following some of these effective strategies may help diabetic patients to better their blood sugar levels.
- Have whole, non or minimally processed low-carb foods to regulate the blood glucose level in the system
- Include at least 150 minutes of exercise weekly, if you have no other medical restrictions.
- Stay well hydrated, which will help the system to get rid of excess amounts of glucose via the urine
- Take medications or insulin as prescribed and instructed by your doctor to prevent sudden spikes or drops in the blood glucose level
Conclusion:
Maintaining blood sugar levels within your target range is essential for good diabetes management. Age is just one of the many factors that may impact your individual goals. It’s vital to discuss with your healthcare provider on your individual diabetes plan and what goals would work best for you, no matter your age.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the normal blood sugar level by age?
Normal blood sugar levels vary slightly depending on age, but generally, for adults, fasting blood sugar levels should range between 70 to 100 mg/dL, while random blood sugar levels should stay below 140 mg/dL.
Does blood sugar vary by age?
Yes, blood sugar levels can vary by age due to factors such as metabolism and hormonal changes. However, maintaining normal blood sugar levels is essential for overall health, regardless of age.
What is normal blood sugar in old age?
Normal blood sugar levels in old age typically range between 80-130 mg/dL before meals and below 180 mg/dL after meals, but individual targets may vary based on health conditions and treatment goals.
What is a normal blood sugar level for adults?
A normal blood sugar level for adults, measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), is usually between 70 and 100 mg/dL when fasting and below 140 mg/dL two hours after eating, though it can vary based on individual health conditions.
Is 200 blood sugar normal after eating?
A blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher after eating may indicate hyperglycemia, above the normal range. However, it is better to consult a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation.
Is a 120-sugar level normal after eating?
A blood sugar level of 120 mg/dL after eating is considered normal for most individuals, but it can vary based on factors like individual health conditions and the time since eating.
What is a normal blood sugar level 3 hours after eating?
A normal blood sugar level 3 hours after eating is typically below 140 mg/dL for most individuals, but consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
How can I know my sugar level is normal?
Regular blood sugar monitoring through tests like fasting blood sugar and HbA1c can help determine if your sugar levels are within the normal range.
How can I check my sugar level at home?
You can check your sugar level at home using a glucometer device and testing strips by pricking your finger for a blood sample.
What is a normal range for blood sugar?
A normal range for blood sugar typically falls between 70 to 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) before meals and below 180 mg/dL within 1 to 2 hours after eating.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile
M Sowmya Binu:
With over 15 years of experience and a Postgraduate Degree in Nutrition, M Sowmya Binu is a seasoned professional. She specializes in creating personalized diet plans, emphasizing the integration of medication with dietary intake for overall wellness. Passionate about educating individuals, Sowmya develops insightful content covering food, nutrition, supplements, and health.
References:
1. Type 2 Diabetes and Dietary Carbohydrate Intake of Adolescents and Young Adults: What Is the Impact of Different Choices?
Luisa Bonsembiante,1 Giovanni Targher,2 and Claudio Maffeis1,
2. Effects of the amount and type of carbohydrates used in type 2 diabetes diets in animal models: A systematic review Anaísa Martins Marques, Bárbara Silva Linhares, Mariella Bontempo Freitas, Reggiani Vilela Gonçalves
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34684345/
3. Blood Glucose Monitoring
Authors: Thomas K. Mathew; Muhammad Zubair; Prasanna Tadi.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555976/#:~:text=Blood%20glucose%20is%20measured%20in,72%20to%20108%20mg%2FdL.&text=Lab%2Dbased%20testing%20is%20required,appropriate%20diagnosis%20of%20diabetes%20mellitus.&text=Impaired%20fasting%20glucose%20range%3A%205.7,100%20to%20125%20mg%2FdL.
