Normal Blood Sugar Levels Chart

Human body requires glucose for the production of energy and carbohydrates are the main source of glucose. Scarcity of glucose can affect body metabolism seriously. Glucose in blood is commonly known as blood sugar. Not only low glucose levels but elevated glucose levels also can lead to serious health complications, for example, diabetes and stroke. If serious fluctuations in blood sugar levels are not treated promptly, they can prove to be fatal.

Blood Sugar Levels and Diabetes

If you notice symptoms like excessive thirst and hunger, excessive urination, low energy, weight loss, a wound not healing quickly (despite medications), etc. you should consult your physician. Blood tests help diagnose diabetes. Blood sugar is checked twice, first after fasting for about 8 hours (generally overnight) and then two hours after lunch. The first one is known as fasting blood sugar level and the latter is known as postprandial blood sugar level. Sugar levels measured randomly, at any time of the day are referred to as random blood sugar levels. Insulin, produced by pancreas plays an important role in the process of absorption of glucose by the cells. Dysfunction of the beta cells of the pancreas results in insulin deficiency. This adversely affects the process of breakdown of glucose and leads to an abnormal rise in blood sugar levels. This condition is known as type 1 diabetes.

Sometimes body cells don't respond to insulin, and do not absorb glucose present in blood. This results in high blood glucose levels. The condition is known as insulin resistance or it is also referred to as type 2 diabetes. Increased thirst and hunger, frequent urination, nausea, excessive fatigue, blurred vision, frequent infections, weight loss, dry mouth, slowly-healing wounds, tingling sensation, numbness in fingers are some of the commonly noticed symptoms of diabetes. Significantly increased blood sugar levels indicate hyperglycemia and abnormally low blood sugar levels indicate hypoglycemia. Here is a chart which explains normal blood sugar levels.

Normal Blood Sugar Levels Chart for Kids and Adults

Blood Sugar Level	Kids	Adults
Normal	70 - 100 mg/dL	70 - 140 mg/dL
Low	Below 70 mg/dL	Below 70 mg/dL
High	Over 140 mg/dL	Over 180 mg/dL

Low Blood Sugar Levels

Blood Sugar Levels	Readings (mg/dL)
Normal	70 - 140
Hypoglycemia (Initial Stage)	Below 70
Hypoglycemia (Fasting)	50
Insulin Shock	Less than 50

High Blood Sugar Levels

Blood Sugar Levels	Fasting Values(mg/dL)	Post Meal Value: 2 hrs after the Meal (mg/dL)
Normal	70 - 100	Less than 140
Early Diabetes	101 - 126	140 - 200
Established Diabetes	More than 126	More than 200

If you are interested in knowing normal blood sugar levels for women and normal blood sugar levels for men separately, then here are the charts:

Normal Blood Sugar Levels for Women

Blood Sugar Levels	Readings (mg/dL)
Normal Blood Sugar Range	70 to 140
Post Meal Value: 2 hrs after the Meal	may rise up to 135 to 145
Post Meal Value: 1 hour after the Meal	may rise up to 180
Random Blood Sugar Levels	70 to 140
Normal Fasting Blood Sugar Levels	70 to 100

Normal Blood Sugar Levels for Men

Blood Sugar Levels	Readings (mg/dL)
Normal Blood Sugar Range	70 to 140
Fasting Blood Sugar Range	70 to 100
Post Meal Value: 2 hrs after the Meal	may rise up to 140
Random Blood Sugar Levels	70 to 125

You must have noticed that the normal blood glucose levels for men and women are slightly different. A diabetic person or a person who is diagnosed with borderline diabetes (pre-diabetes) needs to follow a diabetic diet to control blood sugar levels. He/she should incorporate low glycemic foods, low-fat foods, low-calorie foods in regular diet. A diabetic person needs to monitor blood glucose levels regularly. He/she can control blood sugar level with the help of diet and exercise. Avoiding refined carbohydrates which cause sudden rise and fall in blood sugar level and incorporating complex carbohydrates that help maintain normal blood sugar level in diet is essential. Regular exercise, prompt medications and balanced diet help stabilize blood sugar levels. If you notice high or low blood sugar levels, you should consult your doctor immediately.