A healthy blood range depends on what you're measuring: blood sugar (glucose) or blood pressure. Let's break down the healthy ranges for each.
Healthy Blood Sugar Levels
Healthy blood sugar levels vary depending on whether the test was taken after fasting or randomly.
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Fasting Blood Glucose: A normal fasting blood glucose level is between 70 to 99 mg/dL (3.9 to 5.5 mmol/L). This means you haven't eaten anything for at least 8 hours before the test. Several sources confirm this range, including Mount Sinai (https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/tests/blood-sugar-test-blood), Cleveland Clinic (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/12363-blood-glucose-test), and the World Health Organization (https://www.who.int/data/gho/indicator-metadata-registry/imr-details/2380). Some sources extend the upper limit slightly to 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L).
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Random Blood Glucose: A normal random blood glucose level is generally 125 mg/dL (6.9 mmol/L) or lower, but this depends on when you last ate.
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A1C (Glycated Hemoglobin): This test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. An A1C below 5.7% is considered normal. Levels between 5.7% and 6.4% indicate prediabetes. (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371451)
It's important to note that blood sugar levels below 70 mg/dL are considered low (hypoglycemia) and can be dangerous. (https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/treatment/index.html)
Healthy Blood Pressure Levels
Healthy blood pressure is generally defined as a systolic pressure (the top number) of less than 120 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure (the bottom number) of less than 80 mm Hg. (https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/high-blood-pressure, https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings, https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/high-blood-pressure/high-blood-pressure-and-older-adults) A reading of 120-129 systolic and less than 80 diastolic is considered elevated.
Remember that these are general ranges, and individual needs may vary. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
