What are normal blood sugar levels for non-diabetics. How do blood sugar ranges differ for people with prediabetes and diabetes. What factors influence blood sugar levels and A1c results.

Decoding Normal Blood Sugar Levels in Healthy Individuals

Blood sugar levels play a crucial role in overall health and daily bodily functions. For individuals without diabetes, blood sugar typically ranges between 70 to 130 mg/dL, varying based on factors like time of day and recent meals. Some newer theories suggest post-meal levels may reach up to 140 mg/dL in non-diabetics.

The American Diabetes Association outlines the following normal blood sugar ranges for people without diabetes:

• Fasting blood sugar (morning, before eating): Less than 100 mg/dL
• 1-2 hours after a meal: Less than 140 mg/dL
• 2-3 hours after eating: Less than 100 mg/dL

For those outside the US using mmol/L measurements, simply divide these numbers by 18.

Diagnosing Prediabetes and Diabetes: Key Indicators

Diagnostic criteria for prediabetes and diabetes can vary slightly depending on the country or medical organization. However, the American Diabetes Association and Diabetes UK generally use the following blood sugar and A1c results for diagnosis:

Prediabetes:

• HbA1c: 5.7 to 6.4 percent
• Fasting: 100 to 125 mg/dL
• 2 hours after a meal: 140 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL

Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes:

• HbA1c: 6.5 percent or higher
• Fasting: 126 mg/dL or higher
• 2 hours after a meal: 200 mg/dL or higher

It’s important to note that Type 1 diabetes often develops rapidly, with blood sugar levels frequently exceeding 200 mg/dL by the time symptoms appear. In many cases, newly diagnosed Type 1 patients may have levels above 400 mg/dL.

Understanding A1c and Its Significance in Diabetes Management

The A1c test, also known as hemoglobin A1c, HbA1c, or glycohemoglobin test, is a vital tool in diabetes management. This blood test measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months, with the most recent two weeks having the greatest impact on results.

A1c results reflect the amount of glucose attached to hemoglobin in red blood cells. Higher blood sugar levels lead to more glucose attachment, resulting in higher A1c percentages.

Translating A1c to Average Blood Sugar Levels:

• 12% = 298 mg/dL (range: 240 – 347)
• 11% = 269 mg/dL (range: 217 – 314)
• 10% = 240 mg/dL (range: 193 – 282)
• 9% = 212 mg/dL (range: 170 – 249)
• 8% = 183 mg/dL (range: 147 – 217)
• 7% = 154 mg/dL (range: 123 – 185)
• 6% = 126 mg/dL (range: 100 – 152)
• 5% = 97 mg/dL (range: 76 – 120)

Understanding this translation can help individuals with diabetes identify patterns in their blood sugar levels and work towards improving their A1c results.

The Evolution of A1c Goals in Diabetes Management

In recent years, advancements in insulin formulations, continuous glucose monitors, and smarter insulin pumps have enabled more people with diabetes to achieve lower A1c levels safely. While it was once rare for individuals with Type 1 diabetes to achieve an A1c below 6 percent, it’s now possible for some to reach levels in the higher 5 percent range.

For those without diabetes, “normal” A1c levels typically fall between 4.6 and 5.6 percent. However, it’s crucial to remember that A1c goals for people with diabetes are individualized based on various factors, including overall health, age, and risk of complications.

The Importance of A1c in Assessing Diabetes Complications Risk

A1c serves as a clear indicator of an individual’s risk for developing diabetes-related complications. Higher A1c levels are associated with an increased risk of complications such as neuropathy (nerve damage), retinopathy (eye damage), nephropathy (kidney damage), and cardiovascular disease.

By maintaining A1c levels within target ranges, individuals with diabetes can significantly reduce their risk of these complications and improve their overall quality of life.

Factors Influencing Blood Sugar Levels and A1c Results

Several factors can impact blood sugar levels and, consequently, A1c results. Understanding these factors is crucial for effective diabetes management:

• Diet: The types and amounts of carbohydrates consumed can significantly affect blood sugar levels.
• Physical activity: Exercise can help lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
• Stress: Both physical and emotional stress can cause blood sugar fluctuations.
• Medications: Some medications, including those unrelated to diabetes, can impact blood sugar levels.
• Illness: Infections and other illnesses can cause temporary increases in blood sugar.
• Sleep patterns: Poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep can affect insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.

By addressing these factors, individuals with diabetes can work towards achieving better blood sugar control and improved A1c results.

Strategies for Maintaining Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

Maintaining blood sugar levels within target ranges is essential for long-term health in individuals with diabetes. Here are some effective strategies:

1. Regular blood sugar monitoring: Frequent checks help identify patterns and make necessary adjustments.
2. Balanced diet: Focus on whole foods, complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
3. Consistent physical activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.
4. Medication adherence: Take prescribed medications as directed by healthcare providers.
5. Stress management: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises.
6. Adequate sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
7. Regular check-ups: Maintain scheduled appointments with healthcare providers to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments.

By implementing these strategies, individuals with diabetes can work towards achieving and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and A1c results.

The Role of Technology in Blood Sugar Management

Advancements in technology have revolutionized diabetes management, offering tools to help individuals achieve better blood sugar control:

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs):

These devices provide real-time blood sugar readings, allowing users to make informed decisions about diet, exercise, and insulin dosing. CGMs can also alert users to impending high or low blood sugar events, enabling proactive management.

Smart Insulin Pumps:

Modern insulin pumps can integrate with CGMs to automatically adjust insulin delivery based on blood sugar trends. This technology, known as closed-loop systems or artificial pancreas systems, can significantly improve blood sugar control and reduce the burden of diabetes management.

Diabetes Management Apps:

Smartphone applications can help track blood sugar levels, insulin doses, carbohydrate intake, and physical activity. Many apps can also generate reports and insights to help users and their healthcare providers make informed decisions about diabetes management strategies.

While these technological advancements have greatly improved diabetes care, it’s important to remember that they are tools to support, not replace, informed decision-making and healthy lifestyle choices.

The Importance of Individualized Care in Diabetes Management

While understanding normal blood sugar ranges and A1c targets is crucial, it’s equally important to recognize that diabetes management is not one-size-fits-all. Healthcare providers work with individuals to set personalized goals based on various factors:

• Age and overall health status
• Duration of diabetes
• Presence of other medical conditions
• Risk of hypoglycemia
• Individual lifestyle and preferences
• Access to diabetes management resources and support

These personalized goals ensure that diabetes management strategies are both effective and sustainable for each individual. Regular communication with healthcare providers is essential to adjust these goals as needed over time.

The Psychological Aspect of Blood Sugar Management

Managing blood sugar levels and striving for optimal A1c results can be emotionally and mentally challenging. It’s important to address the psychological aspects of diabetes management:

Diabetes Distress:

Many individuals with diabetes experience feelings of frustration, burnout, or anxiety related to their condition. Recognizing and addressing these feelings is crucial for overall well-being and successful diabetes management.

Support Systems:

Building a strong support network, including family, friends, healthcare providers, and support groups, can provide emotional support and practical assistance in managing diabetes.

Celebrating Small Wins:

Acknowledging and celebrating small improvements in blood sugar management can help maintain motivation and a positive outlook.

By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of diabetes management, individuals can work towards achieving and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels while also improving their quality of life.

Understanding normal blood sugar levels, A1c targets, and the factors that influence them is crucial for effective diabetes management. By combining this knowledge with personalized care strategies, technological tools, and attention to psychological well-being, individuals with diabetes can work towards optimal health outcomes and improved quality of life. Regular communication with healthcare providers and ongoing education about diabetes management remain key components of successful long-term care.

What are Normal Blood Sugar Levels?

Your blood sugar levels are a critical part of your overall health and your body’s ability to function properly on a daily basis.

For those of us with diabetes, striving to achieve “normal” blood sugar levels is a constant, hour-by-hour pursuit. And it isn’t easy.

In this article, we’ll look at “normal” blood sugar levels and goal ranges for a non-diabetic’s body, and realistic blood sugar goals for people with prediabetes, type 1, and type 2 diabetes.

Table of Contents

Normal blood sugar ranges in healthy non-diabetics

For a person without any type of diabetes, blood sugar levels are generally between 70 to 130 mg/dL depending on the time of day and the last time they ate a meal.

Newer theories about non-diabetic blood sugar levels have included post-meal blood sugar levels as high as 140 mg/dL.

(If you live outside the US and are used to measures in mmol/L, just divide all numbers by 18)

Here are the normal blood sugar ranges for a person without diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association:

• Fasting blood sugar (in the morning, before eating): Less than 100 mg/dL
• 1-2 hours after a meal: Less than 140 mg/dL
• 2-3 hours after eating: Less than 100 mg/dL

Diagnosing prediabetes, type 2, and type 1 diabetes
Depending on which country or medical organization you ask, the qualifying numbers for “normal” versus “prediabetes” versus diagnosed type 1 or type 2 diabetes can vary slightly.
The following blood sugar and A1c results are used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes according to sources including the American Diabetes Association and Diabetes UK:  
Prediabetes
HbA1c: 5.7 to 6.4 percent
Fasting: 100 to 125 mg/dL
2 hours after a meal: 140 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL
Type 1 or 2 diabetes
HbA1c: 6.5 percent or higher
Fasting: 126 mg/dL or higher
2 hours after a meal: 200 mg/dL or higher
Please note: Type 1 diabetes tends to develop very quickly which means that by the time symptoms are felt, blood sugar levels are generally well above 200 mg/dL all the time. For many, symptoms come on so quickly that they are dismissed as the lingering flu or another seemingly ordinary virus.
By the time blood sugar levels are tested, many newly diagnosed type 1 patients will see levels above 400 mg/dL or higher. If you do suspect that you or a loved one has type 1 diabetes, visit your primary care or urgent care immediately and ask for a urine test to measure ketones in addition to testing blood sugar levels and A1c.
Read more about ketones at diagnosis in our Diabetic Ketoacidosis Guide.
 
Your A1c and blood sugar goals
Managing any type of diabetes is far more complicated than giving a patient some insulin and telling them to keep their blood sugars within X and X. If you’ve lived with diabetes for more than a few days, you probably already know this.
What is A1c?
“A1c, hemoglobin A1c, HbA1c or glycohemoglobin test (all different names for the same thing) is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar over the last 2-3 months,” explains Christel Oerum in DiabetesStrong’s guide to lowering your A1c.
The prior two weeks of blood sugar levels before your blood is tested for your A1c have the largest impact on your results, but the amount of glucose attached to hemoglobin (the protein in your red blood cells) in your body from the prior 3 months. The more glucose there is in your bloodstream from high blood sugar levels, the more glucose there is to attach to hemoglobin.
Translating your A1c to a blood sugar level
Using this easy calculator from the ADA, you can translate your most recent A1C result to an “eAG” or “estimate average glucose level.”
You can also use this translation when working to improve your A1c and achieve closer to normal blood sugar levels.
If you know an A1c of 6.5 is an average blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or a range of 100 to 152 mg/dL, then you can look at your current blood sugar results on your CGM and meter and pinpoint which time of day you’re frequently higher than this range.
12% = 298 mg/dL or range of 240 – 347 
11% = 269 mg/dL or range of 217 – 314
10% = 240 mg/dL or range of 193 – 282
9% = 212 mg/dL or range of 170 –249
8% = 183 mg/dL or range of 147 – 217
7% = 154 mg/dL or range of 123 – 185
6% = 126 mg/dL or range of 100 – 152
5% = 97 mg/dL or range of 76 – 120
“Normal blood sugar levels” in a person without diabetes can result in an A1c as low as 4. 6 or 4.7 percent and as high as 5.6 percent. 
Just a decade or two ago, it was rare for a person with type 1 diabetes to achieve an A1c result below 6 percent. Thanks to new and improved insulin and better technology like continuous glucose monitors and smarter insulin pumps, more people with diabetes are able to safely achieve A1c levels in the higher 5 percent range.
 
Why your A1c matters
In a nutshell: your A1c is one of the clearest indicators of your risk for developing diabetes complications like neuropathy (nerve damage in your hands and feet), retinopathy (nerve damage in your eyes, risking blindness), nephropathy (nerve damage in your kidneys), and severe infection in any part of your body that requires healing.
For instance, a small cut on your toe could become infected due to high blood sugars, struggle to heal, and become severe enough that the infection could lead to an amputation.
The general guidelines from the American Diabetes Association recommend an A1c at or below 7. 0 percent for the best prevention of diabetes complications. Your risk of developing a diabetes complication continues to drop as your A1c drops closer to 6 percent.
Some people with diabetes aim for A1c levels in the 5s and lower — especially those who follow strict low-carb diets like the ketogenic diet and the Bernstein diet. However, this hasn’t been proven in research as especially necessary, nor is it reasonably achievable for the larger population of people with diabetes.
It’s also important to remember that your blood sugar levels and your A1c are just information that tells you whether your body needs more or less of factors like insulin, other diabetes medications like Metformin, changes in your nutrition, and changes in your exercise.
If you don’t like the number you’re seeing on your glucose meter or your A1c results, use that number as motivation to make changes (with the support of your diabetes healthcare team) in how you safely manage your diabetes in order to get different results.
 
Determining the right A1c goal for you
Just because a normal blood sugar range of 70 to 130 mg/dL is considered the healthiest doesn’t necessarily mean that’s the appropriate goal range for you — especially if you have type 1 diabetes, or take insulin as a person with type 2 diabetes.
The reason this may not be the right goal for you is that extremely tight blood sugar management in people taking insulin can potentially lead to frequent low blood sugars — which can be dangerous.
Achieving extremely tight blood sugar management, like a range of 70 to 130 mg/dL, also often requires a strict nutrition plan, more frequent than usual blood sugar monitoring, precise medication management, and most importantly, years of experience studying your blood sugar levels.
A1c goals should be individualized 
“A1c goals should be individualized based on the individual capabilities, risks, and prior experiences,” explains Gary Scheiner, MS, CDE, founder of Integrated Diabetes, and author of Think Like a Pancreas.
“For example, we generally aim for very tight A1c levels during pregnancy and more conservative targets in young children and the elderly.”
However, Scheiner highlights important factors that could justify aiming for a higher A1c, like “hypoglycemia unawareness,” which is described as when a person with diabetes no longer feels the oncoming warning signs of low blood sugar. This can put you at significant risk for severe low blood sugars resulting in seizures or death. To reduce that risk, you would aim for higher target blood sugar ranges.
“Someone with significant hypoglycemia unawareness and a history of severe lows should target higher blood glucose levels than someone who can detect and manage their lows more effectively,” adds Scheiner. “And certainly, someone who has been running A1c’s in double digits [like 10 percent or higher] for quite some time should not be targeting an A1c of 6%… better to set modest, realistic, achievable goals.”
 
Your blood sugar isn’t just because of what you eat
Mainstream media would have you believe that your blood sugar levels are impacted only by what you eat and how much you exercise, but people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes who test their blood sugars frequently could tell you otherwise.
It’s especially important to keep this in mind when looking at your own blood sugars and your goals because there are certain variables and challenges that impact blood sugar levels that you can’t always control.
For example:
Menstrual cycles: raises blood sugar and insulin needs
Adrenaline rushes from competitive sports, heated arguments, or rollercoaster rides: raises blood sugar and insulin needs
The common cold and other illnesses: usually raise blood sugar and insulin needs
Hormonal changes due to puberty and healthy growth in young adults: raises blood sugar and insulin needs
An injury that raises overall inflammation levels: raises blood sugar and insulin needs
Glucogenesis during anaerobic exercise: raises blood sugar
While you can’t necessarily prevent these factors that affect your blood sugar from occurring, you can work with your diabetes healthcare team to adjust your insulin, other diabetes medications, nutrition and activity levels to help compensate for them when they do occur.
For example, when engaging in anaerobic exercise — like weightlifting — many people with type 1 diabetes find it necessary to take a small bolus of insulin prior to or during their workout because anaerobic exercise can actually raise blood sugar.
 
Still frustrated with your blood sugar and A1c results?
Your blood sugars and your insulin or medication needs never stay in one place. If you gain weight or lose weight, your insulin and medication needs will change. If you become more active or less active, your needs will change. If you make drastic or even small changes to your nutrition, your needs will change!
Working with your diabetes healthcare team, and diabetes coaches who can teach you how to make changes in your overall diabetes management plan are essential. Diabetes is a lifelong learning process.
Take a deep breath and be patient. If you don’t like what you’re seeing on your glucose meter, don’t get mad…get studying! Take good notes and work with your team to make changes to reach your goals.
Read more about improving your A1c in DiabetesStrong’s guide, How to Lower Your A1c.
What Levels of Blood Sugar Are Dangerous?
If you live with diabetes, you probably know that life with the condition is similar to walking on a tightrope. 
Staying in range without too many high (hyperglycemic) and low (hypoglycemic) blood sugars is a constant balancing act. 
But what levels of blood sugar are actually considered dangerous? 
This article will explore the issue and provide advice for how you can help manage both the highs and lows of diabetes, literally! 
Table of Contents
What is a normal blood sugar level? 
According to the American Diabetes Association, a normal fasting blood sugar (in the morning when you haven’t had anything to eat or drink except water for 8 hours ) is less than 100 mg/dL. 
A fasting blood sugar reading of 100-125 mg/dL indicates prediabetes, and a reading above 125 indicates diabetes.
Fasting Blood Sugar
Result
Less than 100 mg/dl
Normal
100 mg/dl to 125 mg/dl
Prediabetes
126 mg/dl or higher
Diabetes
(If you live outside the US and are used to measures in mmol/L, just divide all numbers by 18)
If you test your blood sugar two hours after eating or drinking something containing sugar instead (an oral glucose tolerance test), the numbers to look for are:
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
Result
Less than 140 mg/dl
Normal
140 mg/dl to 199 mg/dl
Prediabetes
200 mg/dl or higher
Diabetes
You can learn more in the in-depth article: What Are Normal Blood Sugar Levels?
 
The danger of high blood sugar 
Having a high blood sugar means there is too much sugar in the blood because the body is lacking in insulin. This can happen for many reasons, including not taking enough insulin exogenously, too little exercise, eating too much, or even stress, hormonal changes, or lack of sleep. 
High blood sugar is dangerous, but it’s important to remember that high blood sugar is mostly dangerous over prolonged periods of time (unless you are in DKA, more on that below). 
This means that, for the most part, your blood sugar at diagnosis will not cause long-term complications, and the spike you saw last week from eating an ice cream sundae won’t impact you over the long term. 
But chronic, prolonged high blood sugars (think a lifetime of diabetes with an average, all the time blood sugar of 200 mg/dL) will cause diabetes complications in most people. 
 
What is considered high blood sugar? 
Blood sugar levels are considered high in people with diabetes once they’re more than the 125 mg/dL that indicates a diabetes diagnosis. However, having a blood sugar of 145 mg/dL usually won’t cause any problems (especially if you’re going to sleep or planning to exercise).  
For most people, high blood sugars become symptomatic once the blood sugar level reaches between 180-200 mg/dL. 
Blood sugars above 200 mg/dL need to be treated immediately with insulin (and water and exercise are helpful, too), and any blood sugar over 250 mg/dL requires that you do a urine test for ketones, to make sure you’re not spiraling into diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). 
This is when the body’s blood turns acidic due to prolonged, dangerously high blood sugar levels and ketones in the blood. This can be fatal if not treated immediately. 
This can occur when one is sick or battling an infection, due to a pump infusion site failure, or even if you forgot to take your insulin for a few days. 
Unfortunately, about 25% of newly diagnosed people with type 1 diabetes are diagnosed when they are already in DKA.
If you are experiencing a blood sugar higher than 250 mg/dL along with moderate to high ketones for several hours and cannot get your blood sugar down, contact your doctor immediately and seek emergency medical attention.  
People with diabetes are at heightened risk of falling into a diabetic coma from high blood sugar once their blood sugar levels reach 600 mg/dL or higher. 
At this point, your blood turns thick and syrupy and excess sugar passes from your blood into your urine, which triggers a filtering process that draws large amounts of fluid from your body (called “diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome”). 
This is a true medical emergency, is extremely dangerous, and can be life-threatening. If you are in this situation, you should call 911. 
 
What are the symptoms of high blood sugar? 
The symptoms of high blood sugar can vary depending on severity. 
Early signs and symptoms of high blood sugar 
When your blood sugar is around 200 mg/dL, but not yet dangerously high, you may experience the following symptoms: 
Increased thirst 
Frequent need to urinate 
Fatigue
Achy muscles
Slightly blurred vision
Headache 
Later signs and symptoms of high blood sugar 
If you have ketones and are at risk of falling into DKA, you may experience these symptoms: 
Nausea 
Vomiting
Fruity-smelling breath
Dry mouth
Weight loss
Weakness
Extreme fatigue 
Confusion
Severely achy muscles
Extremely blurred vision 
Shortness of breath 
Coma 
If you are experiencing any of the later-stage symptoms of high blood sugar, seek immediate medical attention.
 
The danger of low blood sugar 
Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, can become a lot more dangerous more quickly. Hypoglycemia, if left untreated, can quickly result in diabetic coma and death. 
Low blood sugars will not lead to permanent complications in most cases (unless someone experiences brain swelling and a traumatic brain injury from falling into a diabetic coma) but cause frequent, short-term complications in the form of being physically unable to function when experiencing a low. They require fast-acting glucose (or a shot of Glucagon) as treatment. 
Symptoms of low blood sugar can hit different people at different times, and some people may not feel their low blood sugars at all (called hypo unawareness), which can be very dangerous. 
Continuous glucose monitoring systems and diabetes alert dogs can help people detect their lows earlier, before they become extremely dangerous. 
Hypo unawareness occurs in about 40% of people with type 1 diabetes, and less frequently in people with type 2 diabetes.  
Additionally, one study showed that the average person with type 1 diabetes experiences two episodes of low blood sugar per week! 
Low blood sugars can happen for many reasons, all of which result from too much insulin in the bloodstream and not enough glucose for the body to function properly. 
Reasons can be anything from taking too much insulin for food, to accidentally over-bolusing with an insulin pump, to not finishing a meal, to drinking alcohol in excess, or even after physical exertion and exercise while not reducing basal insulin settings appropriately. 
 
What is considered low blood sugar? 
For the average person with diabetes, low blood sugar means anything under 80 mg/dL (for pregnant women, who need to have tighter control, low blood sugars are anything under 60 mg/dL). 
Very low blood sugars are any readings under 40 mg/dL. Anything under 40 mg/dL is considered extremely dangerous and potentially fatal. 
A person is at a significantly higher risk of falling into a diabetic coma if they cannot get their blood sugar above 40 mg/dL for several hours.  
If a person is experiencing a severe low, and they are unable to chew food or swallow liquids, they will require an emergency shot of Glucagon  (typically in the thigh muscle or buttocks). 
 
What are the symptoms of low blood sugar? 
Confusion
Anger/Frustration 
Sweating/Clammy 
Shaky, unsteady movement 
Rapid pulse 
Hunger
Lethargy 
Irritability 
Dizziness 
Difficulty speaking 
Muscle weakness 
If you are experiencing an extremely low blood sugar, which is anything less than 40 mg/dL, that is not responding to fast-acting glucose or glucagon, and you have taken fast-acting insulin within the previous 2 hours, call 911 and seek immediate emergency medical attention. 
This condition can be life-threatening if not treated. 
 
Tips for avoiding high and low blood sugars
Walking the tightrope of a life with diabetes is not easy.  
We need to strive every day to make sure that we don’t let our blood sugars go too high or too low, and that can be exhausting. 
Here are some strategies to help keep your blood sugar in balance: 
Eat similar foods and meals that have predictable carbohydrate counts 
Cook food at home, so you know all of the ingredients in your meal 
Keep to a routine, and eat at the same times every day 
Get enough sleep! 
Double-check your insulin doses to make sure you’re not taking too much, nor too little
If you’ve counted carbohydrates for a meal and dosed insulin for those carbohydrates, eat everything 
Check the expiration dates on your insulin regularly
Always have fast-acting glucose and glucagon nearby 
Take all insulin and diabetes medications as prescribed
Wear a CGM or get a diabetes alert dog to help you detect low blood sugars if you’re experiencing hypo unawareness 
Wear a diabetes alert bracelet 
Don’t over drink alcohol on an empty stomach 
Work with your doctor to increase or decrease your insulin needs as you experience life changes (puberty, pregnancy, aging, training for a race, etc. ) 
Treat all high and low blood sugars early and often, before they become dangerous 
High and low blood sugars can be a nuisance, but they don’t always have to become scary and dangerous.
Enlisting these strategies can help you better prepare for and (hopefully) prevent many of them in the future. 
 What is the norm for blood sugar? 
 The blood glucose level is the amount of glucose that is in a person’s blood at any given time. High or low blood sugar may indicate an underlying medical condition that may require medical attention. Use this overview of normal blood glucose to understand what your blood sugar means.
 What is the normal blood glucose level in healthy people? 
 Blood sugar can be normal, high or low, depending on how much glucose is in the person’s bloodstream. Glucose is a simple sugar that is constantly present in the bloodstream. Normal blood glucose levels can be measured while someone is eating, eating, or after eating. The normal blood glucose level for non-diabetic adults who have not eaten for at least eight hours (on an empty stomach) is less than 100 mg/dL. The normal blood glucose level for non-diabetic adults two hours after a meal is between 90 to 110 mg/dl.
 Many factors affect blood sugar throughout the day:
 Type of food consumed, how much and when
 Physical activity
 Medications
 Medical conditions
 Age
 Stress
 Dehydration
 Illness
 Menstrual periods
 Alcohol
 The ideal blood sugar level for non-diabetic or pre-diabetic people, regardless of age, should be less than 100 mg/dL in the morning. Remember that blood sugar levels can fluctuate throughout the day due to the previously mentioned factors.
 Blood sugar charts for people with diabetes 
 Normal blood sugar levels for people with diabetes will vary with age and time of day. Let’s look at what blood sugar levels should be in people with diabetes based on their age.
 In children under 6 years of age, blood glucose should be between 80 and 200 mg/dl. every day. This range is considered healthy, and the amount of glucose in a child’s body will fluctuate from the moment they wake up, to the time they eat, and again before bed. For this reason, children with diabetes or hypoglycemic episodes may need to have their blood sugar tested in the middle of the night by their parents.
 For children aged 6 to 12 years, blood sugar levels should be between 80 and 180 mg/dl throughout the day. Blood sugar levels rise after eating because the body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which is then distributed through the bloodstream. To prevent your child’s blood sugar from rising too high before bed, especially if he has diabetes, try limiting the number of snacks before bed.
 Adolescents should have an average blood sugar level of 70 to 150 mg/dL during the day. Adolescents with diabetes can often be the most difficult teens to manage, as managing diabetes requires responsibility and behavioral control that is not typical of most adolescents. Teens should aim to keep their blood sugar levels between 70 and 150 mg/dl throughout the day by watching what they eat, exercise, and take their diabetes medications, if available.
 Adults 20 years of age and older will have blood sugar levels in the range of less than 100–180 mg/dl during the day. When you wake up in the morning, your fasting blood sugar should be at its lowest because you haven’t eaten in about eight hours. If you are an adult and are struggling with glucose control, your healthcare provider can help you develop a treatment plan to better control your blood sugar.
 Blood glucose levels outside the ranges listed above are categorized as either high or low. Blood sugar is considered high if it exceeds 130 mg/dl before a meal or 180 mg/dl within one to two hours after a meal. Many people do not begin to experience symptoms of high blood sugar until their levels reach 250 mg/dL or higher. The highest blood sugar that is considered safe will depend on the person and whether they have diabetes, but is typically between 160 and 240 mg/dL.
 Symptoms of low blood sugar 
 Hypoglycemia occurs when blood glucose levels fall too low. Low blood sugar can be caused by many things, including two different types of diabetes, certain medications, alcohol, endocrine disorders, eating disorders, pregnancy (gestational diabetes), and liver, kidney, or heart disease.
 Some of the most common symptoms that people with low blood sugar may experience are:
 Lightheadedness
 Dizziness
 Confusion
 Irritability
 Unsteadiness
 Nervousness
 Anxiety
 Chills
 Sweats
 Stickiness
 Rapid pulse
 Pale skin
 Hunger
 Drowsiness
 Fainting 90 012
 Lip tingling
 If you have low blood sugar, you may feel some of the first signs of hypoglycemia, such as dizziness, dizziness, or sweating. The only way to know for sure if your blood sugar is low is to check it with a glucometer or other glucose monitoring device.
 According to the American Diabetes Association, if you do not have access to these tools and start experiencing symptoms of low blood sugar, eat 15 grams of carbohydrate or take a quick-dissolving glucose tablet to raise your blood sugar and avoid further symptoms. (ADA). Once your blood sugar is back in the target range, you can snack or eat to make sure it doesn’t drop again.
 Here are some other ways to treat hypoglycemia that can help treat hypoglycemia: 
 Eat a healthy diet of whole foods with minimal processing.
 Take your prediabetes medication or as directed by your doctor.
 In an emergency, use the glucagon kit. Glucagon is a hormone that quickly raises blood sugar levels.
 High blood sugar symptoms 
 Hyperglycemia is the medical term for high blood sugar. Hyperglycemia occurs when the body does not have enough insulin or when it cannot use insulin properly. Many things can cause high blood glucose, such as type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, stress, illness, or the dawn phenomenon. If you have hyperglycemia or suspect you have it, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor. Your doctor can help you determine the cause of your high blood sugar and bring it down to normal levels.
 Some of the most common symptoms that may indicate hyperglycemia are:
 Fatigue
 Frequent urination
 Headaches
 Blurred vision
 Difficulty concentrating
 Increased thirst
 Weight loss
 Untreated hyperglycemia can lead to a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis is where the body produces waste products called ketones, which can accumulate in the blood and be life-threatening. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include:
 Abdominal pain
 Presence of ketones
 Vomiting
 Wasting
 Loss of vision (in rare cases)
 You should seek immediate medical attention if your blood sugar level is reaches 400 mg/dl or higher.
 “When patients experience any of these accompanied by elevated blood sugar levels, diabetic patients are advised to go directly to the emergency room to avoid diabetes-induced coma,” says Vikram Tarugu, MD, gastroenterologist and CEO Detox of South Florida. “Patients with elevated blood sugar levels may also have foamy breath with a ketone-like odor.”
 Here are some lifestyle changes and medical treatments that can help treat hyperglycemia:
 Eat whole, low-sugar foods that are minimally processed to keep glucose levels in the body at a lower level.
 Only exercise if there are no ketones in the bloodstream. You can check if you have ketones with a urinalysis or a blood glucose meter.
 Drink plenty of water to help your body get rid of the sugar in your urine.
 Adjust insulin levels. Your health care provider can help you determine the correct insulin dosage for high or low blood sugar levels.
 Take your medicines as advised by your doctor. Some of the most commonly prescribed medications for high blood sugar are metformin hydrochloride, glipizide, and glyburide.
 When to see a doctor 
 Getting professional medical advice from a health care provider, such as an endocrinologist, is the best way to learn more about whether your blood sugar levels are normal. Lack of proper treatment for low or high blood sugar can be serious and lead to health complications, especially for people with diabetes. Complications of diabetes include nerve damage, kidney disease, heart disease, or heart attacks.
 If you see your doctor about your blood sugar, be prepared to answer questions about risk factors such as what you eat, how much you exercise, and your family history. Some healthcare professionals may want to take a blood sample to check their blood sugar levels. They can also order an A1C test, which is a blood test that measures blood sugar levels over several months. You may need to fast for eight hours to get accurate test results, so it’s always a good idea to check this before your appointment.
 “If your blood sugar is over 250 mg/dL, you should seek immediate medical attention,” says Dr. Tarugu. Emergency departments are equipped to treat high blood sugar and can provide treatments such as insulin therapy and fluid or electrolyte replacement.
 Blood glucose testing 
 Stavropol Regional Clinical Consultative and Diagnostic Center:
 355017, Stavropol, st. Lenina 304
 (8652) 951-951, (8652) 35-61-49 (fax)
 (8652) 951-951, (8652) 31-51-51 (inquiry service)
 military unit ” Diagnostic center on the Western bypass “:
 355029 Stavropol, st. Western bypass, 64
 (8652) 951-951, (8652) 31-51-51 (contact phone)
 (8652) 31-68-89 (fax)
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 Family doctor clinic:
 355017 Stavropol, pr. K. Marx, 110 (behind the Central Department Store)
 (8652) 951-951, (8652) 31-51-51 (contact phone)
 (8652) 31-50-60 (registration)
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 Nevinnomyssk branch:
 9 0168
 357107, Nevinnomyssk, st. Nizyaeva 1
 (86554) 95-777, 96-127, 95-873 (registration)
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 Separate structural subdivision in Cherkessk:
 369000, Cherkessk, ave.