How to Read Diabetes Blood Test Results: Normal Blood Sugar Levels Chart

How to Read Diabetes Blood Test Results: Normal Blood Sugar Levels Chart. Diabetes is among the most widespread health problems in the world. Millions of people test their level of sugar in their blood regularly,for fasting, yet not all people know how to interpret the results for fasting tests in diabetes. It is vital to know the right range of blood sugar to avoid complications and detect diabetes early.

This applies to normal blood sugar levels chart, blood sugar tests and what level of blood sugar is dangerous as explained in this article.

How to Read Diabetes Blood Test Results: Types of Blood Sugar Test

Physicians have various tests to identify the level of glucose in the blood. The tests are useful in the diagnosis of diabetes and in fathering the level of control over blood sugar.

1. Fasting Blood Sugar Test (FBS)

The level of glucose alternatives are found by using the fasting blood sugar test calculated following a 8-10 hours fasting period.

Normal range:

• 70 – 99 mg/dL

Prediabetes:

• 100 – 125 mg/dL

Diabetes:

• 126 mg/dL or higher

The test is normally applied to diagnose diabetes at an early stage.

2. Postprandial Blood Sugar Test (PPBS)

The test is conducted on illo-2-hours level of sugar level in the blood-stream after eating a meal.

Normal blood sugar level:

• Less than 140 mg/dL

Prediabetes:

• 140 – 199 mg/dL

Diabetes:

• 200 mg/dL or higher

PPBS assists doctors to know how the body processes glucose following meals.

3. Random Blood Sugar Test (RBS)

The random blood sugar test determines the level of glucose in any arbitrary time of the day.

Random Blood Sugar Critical Value.

• Normal: 70 – 140 mg/dL
• Prediabetes: 140 – 199 mg/dL
• Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher

Random blood sugar level of 200mg/dL and more is possible in diabetes that may be used to diagnose diabetes with its symptoms.

4. HbA1c Test (Average Blood Sugar)

The HbA1c test is the measure of an average level of the blood sugar during 2-3 months.

Normal:

• Below 5.7%

Prediabetes:

• 5.7% – 6.4%

Diabetes:

• 6.5% or higher

One can safely keep the blood sugar level within this range that reduces the probability of the complications of diabetes.

Normal Blood Sugar Levels Chart

This is a basic normal blood sugar levels chart among adults.

Blood Sugar Test	Normal Range	Prediabetes	Diabetes
Fasting Blood Sugar	70 – 99 mg/dL	100 – 125 mg/dL	126 mg/dL or higher
Post Meal (2 hr)	Less than 140 mg/dL	140 – 199 mg/dL	200 mg/dL or higher
Random Blood Sugar	70 – 140 mg/dL	140 – 199 mg/dL	200 mg/dL or higher
HbA1c	Below 5.7%	5.7 – 6.4%	6.5% or higher

Normal Blood Sugar Levels Chart by Age

Ages can fluctuate a bit on the level of blood sugar.

Age Group	Fasting Level	After Meal
Children	70 – 100 mg/dL	Less than 140 mg/dL
Adults	70 – 99 mg/dL	Less than 140 mg/dL
Older Adults	80 – 110 mg/dL	Less than 180 mg/dL

Seniors can be a bit more tolerant to the acceptable amount of sugar in their blood.

Normal Blood Sugar Range

Normal range of blood sugar of healthy adults is:

• Fasting: 70 – 99 mg/dL
• After meals: Less than 140 mg/dL
• Random blood sugar: 70 – 140 mg/dL

It is safe to allow blood sugar to stay within this range which lowers the chances of the complications of diabetes.

What Level of Blood Sugar is Dangerous?

The levels of blood sugar are dangerous at extreme levels.

High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)

Dangerous levels:

• Above 200 mg/dL regularly
• Above 300 mg/dL is very dangerous

Symptoms:

• Frequent urination
• Extreme thirst
• Blurred vision
• Fatigue

The long-term effects of high blood sugar may cause harm to the kidneys, eyes, heart and nerves.

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

Low blood sugar is a condition as a result of glucose level that is below 70 mg/dl.

Symptoms include:

• Sweating
• Shaking
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Weakness

Extreme hypoglycemia may result in unconsciousness or fits.

Ideal Blood Sugar Levels for Diabetic Patients

The following targets should be observed by the people with diabetes:

Time	Recommended Level
Fasting	80 – 130 mg/dL
After Meal	Less than 180 mg/dL
HbA1c	Below 7%

These levels can be maintained through a proper diet, physical activities, and medication.

Conclusion

There is a lot of importance of learning to interpret the outcomes of a diabetes blood test, which will be essential on the early diagnosis and management of diabetes. Lack of such awareness is likely to leave you in a situation where you cannot control your blood sugar level, and believing that the level is normal can put your entire health at risk.

Regular blood sugar test, proper diet and lifestyle modification will prevent complications and help in controlling the level of glucose in the blood.