Monitoring your blood sugar level range is an essential component in the treatment and management of diabetes. Along with the potential for diabetes-related conditions in the future, monitoring your glucose levels regularly is an essential element of living with this condition in your daily life. Monitoring glucose levels can be done with a fingerstick metre or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).
But what exactly is meant by the term “normal” when referring to sugar levels in the blood?
As diabetes uniquely affects each individual, end goals that should be pursued in response to the condition will also change from person to person and be determined by a wide range of variables. Even though this is a topic that should be discussed with your diabetes care team, the medical profession has established standards about levels of blood glucose each person should strive for.
Why is it Important to Monitor Sugar Levels in the Blood When Someone Has Diabetes?
Monitoring the levels of glucose or sugar in the blood is an essential component of diabetes management.
When a person has Type 1 diabetes, also known as T1D, their pancreas is unable to create the insulin that their body requires. When a person has Type 2 diabetes (T2D), their bodies may be unable to produce or utilise insulin effectively.
The objective in treating either Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes is to maintain blood glucose levels and get normal blood sugar levels for adults. Depending on the type of diabetes and the individual’s specific requirements, insulin or other diabetic drugs may b e require d. The levels of glucose in the blood a r e affecte d by a wide variety of variables, including diet, physical activity, insulin, drugs, stress, and others.
Targets for glucose levels might differ for each individual depending on the requirements that they have in particular.
What Kind of Glucose Levels Are You Supposed to Have?
There is no “magic number” to determine whether or not your blood sugar is healthy. However, most individuals with diabetes aim to maintain a blood glucose level lower than 140 milligrammes per deciliter on average.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) published the 2022 standards, a collection of principles adhered to by a significant number of professionals working in the field of diabetes. This table provides a breakdown of recommended normal blood sugar levels that you may have at various times of the day including fasting blood sugar normal range.
| Fasting | Less than 100 |
| Before meal | 70–130 |
| After a meal (1–2 hours) | Less than 180 |
| Before exercise | If taking insulin, at least 100 |
| Bedtime | 100–140 |
Importantly, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) revised its recommendations for target glucose levels in 2015 to reflect a shift in understanding about the risks associated with over-treating the condition and hypoglycemia. The goal of lowering it to 70 mg/dL h a d b e e n considere d the minimum acceptable level. Despite this, research revealed that adults, children, and the elderly might be more likely to receive an excessive amount of treatment, particularly if they take changing doses of insulin or drugs that reduce glucose levels.
The medical community uses these recommendations as a starting point for all areas of diabetes management, including those mentioned above. Before making any decisions regarding your diabetes treatment, discuss your options with your primary care physician and diabetes care team.
What is Considered a Typical Level of Sugar in Your Blood?
Although it is misleading to say that your blood sugar or glucose level has returned to “normal,” it is possible. The word “normal” is often use d when a person does not have diabetes.
However, this language is inaccurate as even persons who do not have diabetes can experience an increase in blood sugar, particularly after ingesting food with high sugar content or a complex carbohydrate like pasta or pizza. This is especially true after eating.
Even though that person’s body will immediately begin working to counterbalance that rising glucose level by producing more insulin, their blood sugar level range may still spike for a brief period, even beyond those “normal” ranges. This can happen even though the body will immediately begin working to counterbalance that rising glucose level. The same can happen if a person engages in strenuous physical activity or is subjecte d d to significant stress if their natural glucose metabolising processes cannot rapidly bring things back into balance.
As those with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes are unable to produce insulin or utilise it correctly, they a r e require d to manually monitor their blood sugar level normally and ensure that they take the appropriate amount of insulin or other medications that reduce glucose levels to maintain a healthy balance.
Keep Up With Glucose Levels
The regulation of glucose levels is an essential component in treating diabetes. No specific figure defines a “normal” glucose or blood sugar level range.
You should discuss your individualised care plan with your endocrinologist and diabetes care team to get the most accurate information about your glucose targets and how they can b e achieve d. Obtaining optimal glucose levels and staying within a safe range may require more advanced diabetic equipment, such as a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). This is something that you and your healthcare provider could explore.
