What is a Normal Blood Sugar Level? Charts by Age and for Non-Diabetics

Understanding your normal blood sugar levels is crucial for maintaining good health, especially if you're monitoring for conditions like prediabetes or diabetes. This article provides a comprehensive guide to normal blood sugar levels for non-diabetics, categorized by age, and explains what these numbers mean. We'll delve into the ranges you should aim for and what factors can affect them.

Why Blood Sugar Levels Matter

Blood sugar, or glucose, is the primary source of energy for the body. It comes from the food we eat. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps glucose from food get into your cells to be used for energy. If you have diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin it produces. This can lead to high blood sugar levels, which over time, can cause serious health problems, such as heart disease, kidney disease, and vision loss. Monitoring your blood sugar levels and keeping them within the target range is essential for preventing these complications.

Normal Blood Sugar Levels for Non-Diabetics

Here's a general guide to normal blood sugar ranges for people without diabetes. These values are typically measured after fasting (at least 8 hours without eating) and two hours after eating a meal.

• Fasting Blood Sugar: 70-99 mg/dL
• Two Hours After Eating: Less than 140 mg/dL

If your blood sugar consistently falls outside these ranges, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional.

Blood Sugar Level Chart by Age (Non-Diabetics)

While the above ranges apply generally, blood sugar levels can vary slightly by age. It's important to note that these are general guidelines, and individual circumstances may differ. Always consult a doctor for personalized advice.

Important Considerations:

• For seniors, slightly higher fasting blood sugar levels may be acceptable, but it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized recommendations. The postprandial target might be a bit relaxed as well.
• These ranges are for individuals without diabetes. If you have diabetes or prediabetes, your target ranges will likely be different.

Factors Affecting Blood Sugar Levels

Several factors can influence your blood sugar levels, even if you're not diabetic. Understanding these factors can help you better manage your health.

• Diet: The type and amount of carbohydrates you consume directly affect blood sugar levels.
• Exercise: Physical activity can lower blood sugar by helping insulin work more efficiently.
• Stress: Stress hormones can raise blood sugar levels.
• Medications: Certain medications can affect blood sugar.
• Hydration: Dehydration can lead to higher blood sugar concentrations.
• Sleep: Insufficient sleep can impact insulin sensitivity.
• Underlying Health Conditions: Various conditions can impact glucose levels.

What to Do if Your Blood Sugar is High (But You're Not Diabetic)

Even if you're not diabetic, consistently high blood sugar levels warrant investigation. Here's what you should do:

1. Consult a Doctor: The most important step is to see a healthcare professional. They can perform further testing and determine the underlying cause.
2. Review Your Diet: Evaluate your carbohydrate intake, and consider reducing sugary drinks and processed foods.
3. Increase Physical Activity: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
4. Manage Stress: Practice relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
5. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
6. Monitor Regularly: Use a home blood glucose meter to track your blood sugar levels and share the data with your doctor.

Understanding Prediabetes

If your blood sugar levels are consistently elevated but not high enough to be classified as diabetes, you may have prediabetes. Prediabetes means your blood sugar level is higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Having prediabetes puts you at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Prediabetes Ranges:

• Fasting Blood Sugar: 100-125 mg/dL
• A1C: 5.7% - 6.4%

Making lifestyle changes can often reverse prediabetes and prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.

When to See a Doctor

You should see a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new or worsening:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Unexplained weight loss
• Increased hunger
• Blurred vision
• Slow-healing sores
• Frequent infections
• Darkened areas of skin, usually in the armpits and neck (acanthosis nigricans)

These symptoms can be indicative of high blood sugar levels and warrant a thorough medical evaluation. If you are consistently noticing abnormal blood sugar readings during testing, make an appointment to see your doctor immediately.

Conclusion

Knowing what constitutes normal blood sugar levels for non-diabetics is a vital part of proactive health management. While the provided charts and information offer a helpful guide, remember that individual circumstances vary. Regular check-ups and open communication with your healthcare provider are key to understanding and maintaining your optimal health. Paying attention to lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, plays a significant role in regulating blood sugar and preventing potential health issues.