Blood sugar is the amount of glucose in your blood. Your blood sugar level rises after you eat, and then it goes back down as your body uses the glucose for energy.
There is a range of blood sugar levels that are considered safe. This range varies depending on your age, health status, and whether or not you have diabetes.
Normal Blood Sugar Levels
For people without diabetes, the following blood sugar levels are considered normal:
- Fasting blood sugar: 70 to 99 mg/dL
- 2 hours after a meal: 80 to 130 mg/dL
Blood Sugar Levels in People with Diabetes
People with diabetes need to keep their blood sugar levels within a narrower range than people without diabetes. The target blood sugar levels for people with diabetes vary depending on the type of diabetes and the individual’s health goals.
For people with type 1 diabetes, the target blood sugar levels are usually:
- Fasting blood sugar: 80 to 130 mg/dL
- 2 hours after a meal: 100 to 180 mg/dL
For people with type 2 diabetes, the target blood sugar levels are usually:
- Fasting blood sugar: 80 to 120 mg/dL
- 2 hours after a meal: 110 to 140 mg/dL
What Happens if Your Blood Sugar Levels Are Too High or Too Low?
If your blood sugar levels are too high, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Difficulty concentrating
If your blood sugar levels are too low, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Shakiness
- Sweating
- Hunger
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Seizures
How to Manage Your Blood Sugar Levels
There are a number of things you can do to manage your blood sugar levels, including:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Taking medication
- Monitoring your blood sugar levels
If you have diabetes, it is important to work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that is right for you. This plan will likely include a combination of the above-mentioned factors. Keeping your blood sugar levels within a safe range is important for your overall health. If you have any concerns about your blood sugar levels, you should talk to your doctor.
Additional Information
In addition to the information above, here are some additional things to keep in mind about blood sugar levels:
- Blood sugar levels can fluctuate throughout the day, so it is important to test your blood sugar regularly.
- There are a number of factors that can affect your blood sugar levels, including stress, illness, and certain medications.
- If you have diabetes, it is important to learn how to manage your blood sugar levels so that you can prevent serious complications.