A normal blood sugar level depends on when the measurement is taken and whether you've recently eaten. Generally, a normal fasting blood sugar level is between 70 and 99 mg/dL.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Fasting Blood Sugar
- Definition: Blood sugar level measured after at least eight hours of fasting (no food or drink except water).
- Normal Range: 70 to 99 mg/dL (3.9 to 5.5 mmol/L)
- Prediabetes: 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L)
- Diabetes: 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher on two separate tests
Random Blood Sugar
- Definition: Blood sugar level measured at any time of day, regardless of when you last ate.
- Normal Range: Typically 125 mg/dL (6.9 mmol/L) or lower, but this can vary depending on when you last ate. It's important to discuss your random blood sugar results with your doctor for accurate interpretation.
- Important Note: Random blood sugar tests are less reliable for diagnosing diabetes than fasting blood sugar tests or A1C tests.
Considerations:
- These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor may have different target ranges based on your individual health conditions and medical history.
- Blood sugar levels can fluctuate throughout the day due to various factors, including food intake, physical activity, stress, and medications.
- If you are concerned about your blood sugar levels, consult with your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
