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What Is a Normal Blood Sugar?

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Simple Answer

A normal blood sugar depends on when the test is done and whether you have diabetes. The source gives typical diabetes targets of 80 to 130 mg/dL before a meal, and less than 180 mg/dL two hours after the start of a meal. Blood sugar is the main sugar in your blood and your body’s main source of energy.

What It Means

Blood sugar levels help show how well your body is handling glucose from food. If levels stay too high, this can be linked to diabetes or other problems over time. Your personal target may be different based on your age and other health problems.

When to Contact a Doctor

Talk with your health care team if you have diabetes and your blood sugar numbers are often outside your target range. Also contact your provider if you have symptoms of high blood sugar, such as thirst, tiredness, headaches, frequent urination, or blurred vision. If you do not have diabetes and have these symptoms, see your provider to find out why.

Get Urgent Help If…

If your blood glucose gets very high, it can lead to diabetes-related ketoacidosis (DKA). The source also says long-term high blood sugar can cause serious health problems. Seek urgent care if you are worried your blood sugar is very high or you feel very unwell.

Blood sugar targets can vary by age, other health problems, and other factors. Your health care team can tell you the best target range for you.

Sources

This information is based on these free U.S. government medical sources:

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This service provides general medical information and education. It does not diagnose medical conditions or replace care from a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. If you may be experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.