A normal blood sugar level depends on a couple of things, like which test you do, whether you’ve eaten recently, and whether you have diabetes.

The amount of sugar in your blood changes throughout the day. It changes depending on what you eat, when you eat, when you exercise, and what kind of exercise you do.

For people without diabetes, the recommended blood sugar levels are:

  • A1c – less than 5.7%
  • Fasting blood sugar (usually taken first thing in the morning before you’ve had anything to eat or drink) – 70-100 mg/dL
  • 1-2 hours after eating – less than 140 mg/dL

 

For people with diabetes, recommended blood sugar levels depend on if you’re pregnant, how old you are, and if you have other health conditions. Talk to your doctor to set a good goal for your blood sugar levels.

Your blood sugar getting too high or too low can be bad for you. If your blood sugar gets too low, it can make you feel shaky, sick, or sweaty. Having high blood sugar can increase your risk of getting type 2 diabetes. If you already have diabetes, high blood sugar can increase your chances of getting complications like problems with your heart, kidneys, eyes, circulation, and nervous system.

Talk to your doctor about how often to get your blood sugar tested.

 

For blood sugar after a fast, 70 to 100 is fantastic.

After eating a meal, no higher than 180 is ideal.