Blood sugar levels change over time, in a matter of hours or days, moving on the prompt of a myriad of circumstances. These can include the time of day, what they eat, their age and even tiredness or stress. The increased or decreased blood glucose levels can present health challenges such as diabetes or hypoglycaemia, which are preventable or correctible with the right treatment.
What are healthy blood sugar levels?
Blood sugar causes ill effects when it runs high or low, so people strive to keep it at a “normal” baseline which varies based on several factors.
Health professionals have identified three age groups and ideal blood sugar baselines for each one, measured by milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL).
They have broken down what their range should be during fasting, before a meal, one to two hours after eating, and at bedtime.
Blood sugar levels outside these readings suggest developing hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia, which can become diabetes.
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Adults (ages 20+)
Fasting: Less than 100mg/dL
Before a meal: 70 to 130mg/dL
One to two hours after eating: Less than 180mg/dL
Bedtime: 100 to 140mg/dL
Adult ranges should stay between 100 to 18mg/dL throughout the day.
Blood sugar safety levels will vary by person and whether they have diabetes, but typically fall between 160 to 240mg/dL.