Last Updated 1 June 2025
What is Blood Sugar?
Blood sugar, or blood glucose, is the main sugar found in your blood. It comes from the food you eat and is your body's main source of energy. Your blood sugar levels change throughout the day based on various factors, including your diet, physical activity, and overall health.
Why Monitor Blood Sugar Levels?
Monitoring blood sugar levels is important for:
- Diagnosing diabetes and prediabetes
- Managing diabetes effectively
- Preventing complications associated with high or low blood sugar
- Assessing the effectiveness of diabetes treatment plans
Normal Blood Sugar Levels Chart
Here's a comprehensive chart showing normal blood sugar ranges for different groups:
For Healthy Individuals (without diabetes)
| Time of Check | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| Fasting (8+ hours without food) | 70-99 mg/dL |
| Before meals | 70-99 mg/dL |
| 1-2 hours after meals | Less than 140 mg/dL |
For People with Diabetes
| Time of Check | Target Range |
|---|---|
| Fasting (8+ hours without food) | 80-130 mg/dL |
| Before meals | 80-130 mg/dL |
| 1-2 hours after meals | Less than 180 mg/dL |
| Bedtime | 100-140 mg/dL |
For Pregnant Women (Gestational Diabetes)
| Time of Check | Target Range |
|---|---|
| Fasting (8+ hours without food) | 95 mg/dL or less |
| 1 hour after meals | 140 mg/dL or less |
| 2 hours after meals | 120 mg/dL or less |
Note: These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor may set different targets based on your individual health status, age, and other factors.
Understanding HbA1c Levels
HbA1c, or glycated hemoglobin, is a measure of your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.
| Category | HbA1c Range |
|---|---|
| Normal | Below 5.7% |
| Prediabetes | 5.7% to 6.4% |
| Diabetes | 6.5% or above |
For most adults with diabetes, the target HbA1c is less than 7%.
Factors Affecting Blood Sugar Levels
Several factors can influence your blood sugar levels:
- Food intake (especially carbohydrates)
- Physical activity
- Medications
- Stress
- Illness
- Hormonal changes
- Sleep patterns
How to Check Blood Sugar Levels
There are several methods to check blood sugar levels:
- Glucometer: A small, portable device that measures blood sugar from a small drop of blood, usually from a fingertip.
- Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM): A device that measures glucose levels continuously throughout the day and night.
- Laboratory Blood Tests: These include fasting plasma glucose test, oral glucose tolerance test, and HbA1c test.
When to Check Blood Sugar Levels
The frequency of blood sugar checks depends on various factors:
- For people without diabetes: During annual check-ups or if symptoms of diabetes appear
- For people with type 1 diabetes: Several times a day, including before meals and bedtime
- For people with type 2 diabetes: The frequency varies based on the treatment plan, ranging from once a day to several times a week
Managing Blood Sugar Levels
To maintain healthy blood sugar levels:
- Follow a balanced diet rich in fiber and low in simple carbohydrates
- Engage in regular physical activity
- Take medications as prescribed
- Monitor blood sugar levels regularly
- Manage stress effectively
- Get adequate sleep
When to Seek Medical Help
Consult a healthcare provider if:
- Your blood sugar levels are consistently outside the target range
- You experience symptoms of very high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- You have difficulty managing your blood sugar levels
Blood Sugar Testing with Bajaj Finserv Health
Bajaj Finserv Health offers convenient and reliable blood sugar testing services:
- Accurate Results: State-of-the-art laboratories ensure precise measurements
- Home Sample Collection: Convenient option for busy individuals
- Quick Turnaround: Receive your results promptly
- Expert Consultation: Access to healthcare professionals for result interpretation
- Comprehensive Packages: Options for diabetes screening and management
Diabetes Screening Package test price for other cities
Note:
This is not medical advice, and this content should only be considered for informational purposes only. Consult with your healthcare provider for individual medical guidance.