What Are Normal Blood Sugar Levels in Diabetes?

Managing diabetes involves keeping track of blood sugar levels to prevent complications and maintain overall health. But what is a normal blood sugar level for someone with diabetes? This blog will delve into normal glucose levels and their importance in diabetes management.

What Should Your Glucose Levels Be?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to what is a normal glucose level. However, for many people with diabetes, keeping blood sugar levels under 140 mg/dL on average is a common goal. Various health authorities, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), provide guidelines for blood sugar levels. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) offers a comprehensive set of standards that many professionals in the diabetes field follow.

Blood Sugar Level Goals by Group

Adults with Type 1 Diabetes

• Before meals (fasting): 80–130 mg/dL
• After meals (1-2 hours post-prandial): <180 mg/dL

Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

• Before meals (fasting): 80–130 mg/dL
• After meals (1-2 hours post-prandial): <180 mg/dL

Children with Type 1 Diabetes

• Fasting: 90-130 mg/dL
• Bedtime/Overnight: 90–150 mg/dL

Pregnant Women with Type 1 or Gestational Diabetes

• Fasting: <95 mg/dL
• 1 hour after a meal: <140 mg/dL
• 2 hours after a meal: <120 mg/dL

Individuals 65 or older

• Fasting: 80–180 mg/dL
• In poorer health: 80–200 mg/dL

Without Diabetes

• Fasting: <99 mg/dL
• 1-2 hours after a meal: <140 mg/dL

It's important to note that the ADA updated its guidelines in 2015, shifting the lowest target from 70 mg/dL to prevent overtreating and hypoglycemia.

Why Do Blood Sugar Levels Matter?

In diabetes, managing normal blood sugar levels is crucial. Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is characterised by the pancreas' inability to produce insulin, while Type 2 diabetes (T2D) involves the body's improper use or production of insulin. For both types, maintaining stable glucose levels is essential to avoid complications.

Factors Affecting Blood Sugar Levels:

• Food Intake: Carbohydrates raise blood sugar levels.
• Physical Activity: Exercise can lower blood sugar levels.
• Insulin or Medications: These help manage glucose levels.
• Stress: Can cause glucose levels to rise.
• Illness: Often leads to higher blood sugar levels.

What is a Normal Blood Sugar Level?

Achieving a normal blood sugar level can be challenging for those with diabetes. While people without diabetes experience spikes in blood sugar, their bodies quickly counterbalance this by producing insulin. In contrast, people with diabetes must manually monitor and adjust their blood sugar levels. Language Matters in Diabetes Management When discussing diabetes, it's crucial to use supportive language. Avoid terms like "good" or "bad" for blood sugar levels, and instead, focus on "in range" or "out of range." This approach helps to reduce feelings of shame and guilt that can lead to diabetes burnout.

A1C Results vs. Blood Sugars

A1C measures the average blood sugar over the past three months and is expressed as a percentage. Here's what the A1C results indicate:

• Standard (no diabetes): <5.7%
• Prediabetes: 5.7% - 6.5%
• Diabetes: >6.5%

While A1C is a useful measure, it doesn't capture daily fluctuations in blood sugar. Many diabetes professionals now use A1C in conjunction with time-in-range (TIR) metrics, which show how often glucose levels are within the target range.

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)

A fingerstick test provides a snapshot of your glucose level at a specific time. In contrast, a CGM provides real-time data, offering a comprehensive view of glucose patterns.

Benefits of CGMs:

• Real-time monitoring: Shows the immediate effects of food and exercise.
• Hypoglycemia awareness: Alerts users to low blood sugar levels.
• Improved outcomes: Studies show CGMs help lower A1C and increase TIR.

Recommended Blood Sugar Ranges

For Adults with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

• Fasting (before eating): 80–130 mg/dL
• 1–2 hours after a meal: <180 mg/dL

For Children with Type 1 Diabetes

• Fasting: 90-130 mg/dL
• Bedtime/Overnight: 90–150 mg/dL

For Pregnant Women with Type 1 Diabetes or Gestational Diabetes

• Fasting: <95 mg/dL
• 1 hour after a meal: <140 mg/dL
• 2 hours after a meal: <120 mg/dL

For People Without Diabetes

• Fasting: <99 mg/dL
• 1-2 hours after a meal: <140 mg/dL

Why Should You Measure Your Blood Sugar?

Monitoring your blood sugar is a critical aspect of diabetes management. Understanding what affects your glucose levels helps in:

• Adjusting medications: Ensuring they are effective.
• Diet management: Knowing how different foods impact blood sugar.
• Exercise planning: Understanding its effects on glucose levels.
• Tracking progress: Ensuring overall diabetes management is effective.

Even if you don't have diabetes, regular blood sugar checks are advisable, especially if you have risk factors for diabetes.

How to Lower Your Blood Sugar

High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can be managed by:

• Taking fast-acting insulin: Consult with your doctor on the appropriate dosage.
• Exercising: Helps reduce glucose levels, but avoid if experiencing severe hyperglycemia.

How to Raise Your Blood Sugar

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can be addressed using the "15-15 rule":

1. Consume 15g of carbohydrates: Options include glucose tablets, juice, or honey.
2. Wait 15 minutes: Check blood sugar levels.
3. Repeat if necessary: Until blood sugar returns to normal.

Health Insurance Plans and Diabetes Management

Managing diabetes effectively often involves regular consultations with healthcare professionals, medications, and sometimes advanced devices like CGMs. Ensuring you have comprehensive health insurance plans from Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company can help manage these costs.

Benefits of Health Insurance Plans

• Access to specialists: Ensures expert management of your condition.
• Preventive care: Regular check-ups to monitor and manage diabetes effectively.

Conclusion

Understanding normal blood sugar levels is crucial for effective diabetes management. While there are general guidelines, individual targets may vary. Consulting with your healthcare team is essential to determine your specific goals. Utilising advanced technologies like CGMs and having a comprehensive health insurance plan can significantly aid in managing diabetes and maintaining overall health. Always remember, what is a normal blood sugar level can vary, and it's essential to personalise your diabetes care plan with the guidance of medical professionals. Health insurance plans can play a pivotal role in managing diabetes, ensuring you have access to the necessary resources and care. For more information on the benefits of health insurance, consult with Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company. *Standard T&C Apply **Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions. ***Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale. ****The information presented is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice. Any suggestions mentioned should be considered for general use only. For expert guidance on any health ailment or medical issue or any treatment/procedure, please consult a certified medical professional.