As you might have guessed, blood sugar levels can be defined as the amount of sugar that is present in the bloodstream of an individual. It is important for people to make sure that their blood sugar levels are in the normal range.
A blood sugar chart can help an individual in learning about what range of blood sugar levels they should fall in at different times of the day. Usually, only doctors use blood sugar charts or glucose charts. This helps in setting goals and monitoring the health and treatment plan of different patients.
However, patients should also have a good understanding of blood sugar levels. Individuals should also know how to use blood sugar charts to monitor their health. If you agree with this statement, then you are in the right place.
Today, we will help you understand the importance of blood sugar levels. We’ll talk about everything that you need to know about blood sugar levels.
Measuring Blood Sugar Levels
Measuring blood sugar levels is a vital step in managing diabetes. There are different tools that one can use for managing blood sugar. These tools are known as glycemic control and some of these tools are:
- The A1C test which shows blood sugar levels over a period of time
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM), which is an ongoing measure of glucose that tracks the blood sugar levels throughout the day
- Finger Prick tests, which allow individuals to monitor their blood glucose levels on their own
It should be noted that doctors usually measure blood sugar levels in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). But the results of the A1C test might also appear in percentage. In that case, one should know that it refers to the amount of hemoglobin that has glucose bound to it in the blood.
Blood Sugar Charts
Blood sugar charts can change from one individual to another. This is mainly due to the fact that every individual’s needs vary according to their age and other factors. This is why doctors work with their patients to establish their suitable blood sugar levels and how one can stay close to their target range.
You can take the help of your healthcare professional to understand the blood sugar chart that has been tailored to your needs. However, some general blood sugar target levels that you should be aware of are mentioned below.
| Target Blood Sugar Levels for People without Diabetes | Target Blood Sugar Levels for People with Diabetes | |
| Before Meals | 72 mg/dL to 99 mg/dL | 80 mg/dL to 130 mg/dL |
| 2 Hours after a Meal | Less than 140 mg/dL | Less than 180 mg/dL |
| A1C Levels | Before 5.7% | 6.5% or Above |
Apart from this, the A1C levels of an individual who falls under the category of prediabetes are between 5.7% to 6.4%. In any of these cases, a doctor will be required to carry out two tests to diagnose an individual with diabetes. The only exception to this rule is if the patient shows clear signs of suffering from diabetes.
You might also be interested to learn that the blood sugar levels for children are also different. This shouldn’t be surprising considering the fact that ideal blood sugar levels change depending on the age of the individual.
That being said, you might already have guessed that the blood sugar chart for children will also be different. The ideal blood sugar level chart for children between the ages of 0 years to 10 years and above is mentioned below.
| 0 years to 5 years | 100 mg/dL to 180 mg/dL |
| 6 years to 9 years | 80 mg/dL to 140 mg/dL |
| 10 years and over | 70 mg/dL to 120 mg/dL |
The blood sugar levels in children can also differ throughout the day. These target blood sugar levels throughout the day are mentioned below.
| On Waking | 72 mg/dL to 126 mg/dL |
| Before Meal | 72 mg/dL to 126 mg/dL |
| 2 Hours After a Meal | 90 mg/dL to 162 mg/dL |
Apart from this, if you are a concerned parent, then you should remember that strict adherence to complex blood sugar targets is not always advised. This is why it is important to strike the right balance.
Let’s move on and look at the blood sugar chart for teens. This chart is mentioned below.
| Before Meals | 72 mg/dL to 108 mg/dL |
| 2 Hours after a Meal | Up to 180 mg/dL |
One should remember that this is only a general value. If an individual wants to know about the exact sugar chart value, then he or she should ask a doctor for individual recommendations.
Why Should I Contact a Doctor?
There are many individuals who do their very best to follow the normal blood sugar chart amounts that they find on the internet. These people often skip visiting a doctor at the right time. You should never do this. Some reasons why it is important to visit a doctor to set your target blood sugar levels are mentioned below.
- A doctor is the best and most qualified person to advise an individual on what to do if the blood sugar levels in the body are not within the normal range
- A doctor can recommend higher blood sugar targets for individuals with diabetes than an individual who does not suffer from diabetes
- The blood sugar target levels can vary throughout the day. This means that the blood sugar levels tend to be lower before eating and after exercise. The blood sugar levels tend to be higher after an hour or so of consuming a meal
- The doctor will consider several factors while working out an individual’s glucose targets. Some of these factors that the doctor will consider are:
- Age and life expectancy
- How long the individual has suffered from diabetes
- The presence of other health conditions, including cardiovascular conditions
- Problems with the smallest arteries of the body
- Any known damage to the eyes, kidneys, blood vessels, brain, or the heart
- Personal habit
- Lifestyle factors
- How aware an individual is in regards to his or her blood sugar levels
- Stress and anxiety levels
A blood sugar chart made by a doctor is also bound to be more accurate and better for the health of an individual in the long run.
