- Written By: Jeremy Laukkonen
- Edited By: Michelle Arevalo
- Last Modified Date: 14 April 2012
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2003-2012 Conjecture Corporation
Blood sugar, or blood glucose, levels are typically measured using a scale of grams per deciliter (g/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L). This level will tend to fluctuate throughout the course of a day, with the lowest readings during periods of fasting and the highest coming shortly after a meal. The normal blood sugar range for a healthy person is about 83 mg/dl (4.6 mmol/L) to 120 mg/dl (6.6 mmol/L).
A healthy person's body is able to regulate blood glucose levels very tightly, resulting in a predictable normal blood sugar range. This means that blood glucose levels will tend to normalize fairly quickly, even though they can rise sharply after a meal, during what is known as the postprandial period. For a person without a blood glucose disorder, a fasting blood sugar level should be about 83 mg/dl (4.6 mmol/L). This means that his or her blood glucose should be at, or below, this level when he or she first wakes up in the morning. For many healthy people, the fasting blood glucose level is lower, at around 70 mg/dl (3.9 mmol/L).
One to two hours after eating a meal, the blood sugar will typically spike. Within the normal blood sugar range, this shouldn't go any higher than 120 mg/dl (6.6 mmol/L). Many people experience an even lower postprandial blood sugar level, with readings of less than 100 mg/dl (5.5 mmol/L) two hours after eating. Meals that are higher in sugar or starch can affect the amount of the postprandial spike in blood glucose, or cause the increased level to last longer.
There is some disagreement in the scientific community as to what exactly constitutes a normal blood sugar range, and what might be a precursor to developing diabetes later on. While a fasting blood glucose level of 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol) is often considered normal, it may also be an indicator of problems down the road. This may be useful as an early warning indicator, allowing an individual to made dietary and other lifestyle changes to avoid developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Maintaining a normal blood sugar range can be much more difficult for an individual with diabetes. Diabetics may develop a resistance to insulin, which is the hormone in the blood that allows glucose to be broken down, or their bodies may simply not make enough of the compound. Those with diabetes will typically see much higher blood glucose levels both at fasting and postprandial states, as their body is not able to break down the glucose in the blood.
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ddljohn
Post 3 |
@ysmina-- That's what they say, but if diabetes is hereditary and runs in the family, I don't think that diet and exercise is enough.
One thing I want to mention about blood sugar level reference charts is that they can have different reference values. Different labs may use different testing methods for blood sugar. I know this because when I had my blood sugar tested, the references listed on the lab results were different than what's mentioned in this article.
I'm looking at the results now and fasting glucose reference is 60-100mg/dl, one hour reference is less than 200mg/dl and two hour reference is less than 140mgdL. So don't jump to any conclusions about your lab results without learning the reference values for it first. |
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ysmina
Post 2 |
@turquoise-- I agree with you, early detection is the best so we can avoid complications. But you must have experienced physical symptoms of high blood sugar levels right? Didn't you have symptoms like excessive thirst, urinating often and eating often?
I had my blood sugar levels checked recently too. Diabetes also runs in my family. Thankfully all my blood sugar levels are in normal range! My fasting blood sugar came out to be 72mg/dl and my two hour results came back 92mg/dl. I'm so relieved!
Even if blood sugar levels are higher than normal, I think this is something that can be fixed with diet and exercise right? As far as I know, being overweight and not exercising increases insulin resistance. So that means that some people who have developed high blood sugar levels because of obesity and unhealthy diet can reverse this condition. |
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turquoise
Post 1 |
I think in this day and age, everyone should have a glucose tolerance test done at least once annually. Since our diets have dramatically changed in the recent era, more and more people are becoming pre-diabetic and diabetic and much earlier.
I'm an example. I'm in my twenties and had been eating foods high in carbohydrates and sugars since I was young with the excuse that I have a "sweet tooth."
Last month, I requested a glucose tolerance test from an endocrinologist after my mom was diagnosed with type two diabetes due to high blood sugar levels. I had a three hour glucose tolerance test done. They tested my fasting blood sugar in the morning then had me drink 75 grams of pure glucose. My blood sugar was tested again one hour later and again one hour after that.
My fasting blood sugar and 2 hour blood sugar levels came out normal. But my 1 hour blood sugar was too high. It came out 140mg/dl when it's supposed to be less than 120mg/dl. This diagnosed me with type 2 diabetes and now I'm taking tablet medication. |
