Understanding blood sugar target ranges
Let's deep dive into what blood sugar target ranges are, why they matter, and how they differ depending on various factors.
What is blood sugar?
Blood sugar refers to the concentration of glucose present in the human bloodstream. Glucose is a simple sugar (monosaccharide) that is the body's primary source of energy. It is when an individual consumes food which consists of carbohydrates, glucose enters the bloodstream.
Blood sugar is measured in levels, through which doctors can tell whether it is high, low or normal. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps cells intake glucose from the blood.
Blood sugar target ranges
Blood sugar targets can vary based on age, health status, type of diabetes, pregnancy, and other individual considerations. The ranges are as follows-
1. Nonpregnant Adults with Diabetes
Glycemic Metric
Target Range
A1C
<7.0% (<53 mmol/mol)
Preprandial (before meal) glucose
80–130mg/dL (4.4–7.2mmol/L)
Peak postprandial (after meal) glucose
<180mg/dL (<10.0mmol/L)
Time in Range (CGM, 70–180mg/dL)
>70% of readings
Time Below 70mg/dL
<4% of readings
Time Below 54mg/dL
<1% of readings
2. Children and Adolescents
Glycemic Metric
Standard Target
Comments
A1C
<7% (<53 mmol/mol)
Most children and adolescents
A1C Less Stringent
<7.5% or <8%
If risk of hypoglycemia, limited resources, or other clinical contexts
A1C More Stringent
<6.5%
Select individuals, if attainable without hypoglycemia or undue care burden
CGM Time in Range
>70% (70–180mg/dL)
Use CGM data whenever available
3. Pregnancy (Including Type 1, Type 2 & Gestational Diabetes)
Glycemic Metric
Target
Fasting glucose
<95mg/dL (<5.3 mmol/L)
1-hour postprandial
<140mg/dL (<7.8 mmol/L)
2-hour postprandial
<120mg/dL (<6.7 mmol/L)
A1C
<6% (<42 mmol/mol) if without hypoglycemia; <7% (<53 mmol/mol) if necessary
Sensor TIR (CGM, 63–140mg/dL)
>70% of readings (Type 1 recommended)
Sensor Time <63mg/dL
<4%
Sensor Time <54mg/dL
<1%
Sensor Time >140mg/dL
<25%
Reference - The tables have been taken from the
ADA guidelines
4. Older Adults
Generally healthy: Standard adult targets may be used (A1C <7%).
These values are based directly on the 2025 ADA Standards of Care
Why are blood sugar target ranges important?
Staying within target ranges reduces the risk of long-term complications such as nerve, kidney, and eye damage, as well as cardiovascular disease5. Avoiding both low (hypoglycemia) and high (hyperglycemia) blood sugar episodes may prevent acute health crises.
What to do when the numbers are not in the normal range?
It is important to record blood sugar readings each time they are checked.
If the values fall outside the recommended range, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further guidance.
Important factors that influence target ranges
Age:
Older adults may have slightly higher target ranges to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.
Pregnancy:
Pregnant women, especially those with gestational diabetes, have stricter targets such as below6:
Fasting:
≤ 95 mg/dL
1-hour post-meal: ≤ 140 mg/dL
2-hour post-meal: ≤ 120 mg/dL
Type of Diabetes:
Diabetes management typically involves a combination of insulin therapy, oral medications, dietary modifications, regular physical activity, and ongoing blood glucose monitoring, tailored to individual needs and medical guidance.
Lifestyle and activity level:
Physical activity, stress, sleep, and diet may affect glucose levels.
Medications: Some medications may raise or lower blood sugar levels.
How to monitor blood sugar levels?
Finger-prick test by glucometer:
A glucometer (also called a blood glucose meter) is a small, portable electronic device used to measure the amount of glucose (sugar) in an individual's blood. It is a key tool for people with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly at home.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a glucometer.
Step 1: Wash and clean your hands
Step 2: Prepare the lancing device
Step 3: Insert the test strip into the glucometer
Step 4: Prick your finger carefully by using the lancing device
Step 5: Apply blood to the strip
Step 6: After obtaining the blood sample via finger prick, gently apply a sterile cotton ball or gauze to the puncture site to stop the bleeding through slight pressure. Record the result of the test immediately to ensure accuracy and traceability of the data collected.
(WHO)
Step 7: Dispose of the materials like used strip, cotton, used lancet etc. safely
2. Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs):
Provide real-time readings throughout the day. This is helpful for Type 1 diabetics or those with fluctuating levels.
3. HbA1c test:
This test measures average blood sugar over 2-3 months.
Blood sugar target ranges should be considered when monitoring an individual's overall health. Careful monitoring and judicious maintenance of blood sugar target ranges are essential for managing diabetes and supporting long-term health.
Whether someone is living with diabetes, at risk, or just health-conscious, monitoring their glucose levels and striving to stay within the optimal range is a wise step toward a healthier life.
Always consult a healthcare professional to set personalised targets and build an effective management plan.
References -
https://diabetesjournals.org/care/issue/48/Supplement_1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545196/
https://professional.diabetes.org/standards-of-care
Seshiah, V., et al. (2023). Diagnosis and management of gestational diabetes mellitus guidelines by DIPSI (Revised). International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries, 43(4), 485–501
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24663222/
https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/38/Supplement_1/S77/37263/12-Management-of-Diabetes-in-Pregnancy
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Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Understanding blood sugar target ranges
Blood sugar levels serve as one amongst the indicators of a person's health, especially for people who are at risk of diabetes and also for the ones with diabetes. To monitor our health, it is important to understand the blood sugar (glucose) levels, how they fluctuate and how food, activities, stress, etc, influence them. Let's deep dive into what blood sugar target ranges are, why they matter, and how they differ depending on various factors. What is blood sugar? Blood sugar refers to the concentration of glucose present in the human bloodstream. Glucose is a simple sugar (monosaccharide) that is the body's primary source of energy. It is when an individual consumes food which consists of carbohydrates, glucose enters the bloodstream. Blood sugar is measured in levels, through which doctors can tell whether it is high, low or normal. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps cells intake glucose from the blood. Blood sugar target ranges Blood sugar targets can vary based on age, health status, type of diabetes, pregnancy, and other individual considerations. The ranges are as follows- 1. Nonpregnant Adults with Diabetes Glycemic Metric Target Range A1C <7.0% (<53 mmol/mol) Preprandial (before meal) glucose 80–130mg/dL (4.4–7.2mmol/L) Peak postprandial (after meal) glucose <180mg/dL (<10.0mmol/L) Time in Range (CGM, 70–180mg/dL) >70% of readings Time Below 70mg/dL <4% of readings Time Below 54mg/dL <1% of readings 2. Children and Adolescents Glycemic Metric Standard Target Comments A1C <7% (<53 mmol/mol) Most children and adolescents A1C Less Stringent <7.5% or <8% If risk of hypoglycemia, limited resources, or other clinical contexts A1C More Stringent <6.5% Select individuals, if attainable without hypoglycemia or undue care burden CGM Time in Range >70% (70–180mg/dL) Use CGM data whenever available 3. Pregnancy (Including Type 1, Type 2 & Gestational Diabetes) Glycemic Metric Target Fasting glucose <95mg/dL (<5.3 mmol/L) 1-hour postprandial <140mg/dL (<7.8 mmol/L) 2-hour postprandial <120mg/dL (<6.7 mmol/L) A1C <6% (<42 mmol/mol) if without hypoglycemia; <7% (<53 mmol/mol) if necessary Sensor TIR (CGM, 63–140mg/dL) >70% of readings (Type 1 recommended) Sensor Time <63mg/dL <4% Sensor Time <54mg/dL <1% Sensor Time >140mg/dL <25% Reference - The tables have been taken from the ADA guidelines 4. Older Adults Generally healthy: Standard adult targets may be used (A1C <7%). These values are based directly on the 2025 ADA Standards of Care Why are blood sugar target ranges important? Staying within target ranges reduces the risk of long-term complications such as nerve, kidney, and eye damage, as well as cardiovascular disease5. Avoiding both low (hypoglycemia) and high (hyperglycemia) blood sugar episodes may prevent acute health crises. What to do when the numbers are not in the normal range? It is important to record blood sugar readings each time they are checked. If the values fall outside the recommended range, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further guidance. Important factors that influence target ranges Age: Older adults may have slightly higher target ranges to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. Pregnancy: Pregnant women, especially those with gestational diabetes, have stricter targets such as below6: Fasting: ≤ 95 mg/dL 1-hour post-meal: ≤ 140 mg/dL 2-hour post-meal: ≤ 120 mg/dL Type of Diabetes: Diabetes management typically involves a combination of insulin therapy, oral medications, dietary modifications, regular physical activity, and ongoing blood glucose monitoring, tailored to individual needs and medical guidance. Lifestyle and activity level: Physical activity, stress, sleep, and diet may affect glucose levels. Medications: Some medications may raise or lower blood sugar levels. How to monitor blood sugar levels? Finger-prick test by glucometer: A glucometer (also called a blood glucose meter) is a small, portable electronic device used to measure the amount of glucose (sugar) in an individual's blood. It is a key tool for people with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly at home. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a glucometer. Step 1: Wash and clean your hands Step 2: Prepare the lancing device Step 3: Insert the test strip into the glucometer Step 4: Prick your finger carefully by using the lancing device Step 5: Apply blood to the strip Step 6: After obtaining the blood sample via finger prick, gently apply a sterile cotton ball or gauze to the puncture site to stop the bleeding through slight pressure. Record the result of the test immediately to ensure accuracy and traceability of the data collected. (WHO) Step 7: Dispose of the materials like used strip, cotton, used lancet etc. safely 2. Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs): Provide real-time readings throughout the day. This is helpful for Type 1 diabetics or those with fluctuating levels. 3. HbA1c test: This test measures average blood sugar over 2-3 months. Blood sugar target ranges should be considered when monitoring an individual's overall health. Careful monitoring and judicious maintenance of blood sugar target ranges are essential for managing diabetes and supporting long-term health. Whether someone is living with diabetes, at risk, or just health-conscious, monitoring their glucose levels and striving to stay within the optimal range is a wise step toward a healthier life. Always consult a healthcare professional to set personalised targets and build an effective management plan. References - Seshiah, V., et al. (2023). Diagnosis and management of gestational diabetes mellitus guidelines by DIPSI (Revised). International Journal of Diabetes in Developing Countries, 43(4), 485–501
Hindustan Times
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