Keeping an eye on your blood sugar isn’t just something people with diabetes need to do—it’s something that can offer deep insights into how your body works and what it needs. But let’s face it: reading those numbers on your glucometer can feel a little confusing.
Is 110 mg/dL okay? What about 145 after lunch? And what if you see a number below 70?
In this post, we’ll make it easy to understand exactly what your blood sugar numbers mean, whether they’re normal, high, or low—and what actions you can take based on those results.
🔍 What Is Blood Sugar, Anyway?
Blood sugar (or blood glucose) is the main type of sugar in your blood. It comes from the foods you eat and is your body’s primary source of energy.
Your body uses a hormone called insulin to help move that sugar into your cells. When this system works well, your blood sugar stays in a healthy range. But when there’s a problem—like with insulin resistance or lack of insulin—your levels can swing too high or too low.
📊 Blood Sugar Ranges Explained
Let’s break down the numbers and what they mean for your health.
🟢 Normal Blood Sugar Ranges (for non-diabetics)
| Time | Range (mg/dL) |
|---|---|
| Fasting (before eating) | 70 – 99 |
| 2 hours after eating | Less than 140 |
| Random (any time) | Usually <140 |
These numbers are considered normal for most people who do not have diabetes. If your values regularly fall outside these ranges, it may be worth discussing prediabetes or diabetes risk with your doctor.
🟡 Target Ranges for People With Diabetes
(According to the American Diabetes Association)
| Time | Target Range (mg/dL) |
|---|---|
| Fasting (before meals) | 80 – 130 |
| 1–2 hours after meals | Less than 180 |
| A1C (average over 3 months) | Below 7% (≈ 154 mg/dL avg) |
🔎 Note: Your doctor might adjust these targets based on your age, other health conditions, pregnancy, or treatment plan.
⚠️ When Is Blood Sugar Too High?
A reading is considered high (hyperglycemia) if:
- Above 130 mg/dL before meals
- Above 180 mg/dL 1–2 hours after eating
Common causes:
- Eating too many carbs or sugary foods
- Skipping or taking too little insulin/medication
- Illness, infection, or stress
- Lack of exercise
Symptoms of high blood sugar:
- Frequent urination
- Increased thirst
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
If left untreated over time, high blood sugar can lead to nerve damage, kidney problems, and heart disease. That’s why it’s crucial to monitor and manage it consistently.
🧊 When Is Blood Sugar Too Low?
A reading is considered low (hypoglycemia) if it falls:
- Below 70 mg/dL
Common causes:
- Skipping meals or eating too little
- Taking too much insulin or diabetes medication
- Overexercising without adjusting food intake
Symptoms of low blood sugar:
- Shaking, sweating
- Dizziness or confusion
- Hunger
- Rapid heartbeat
- Irritability
⛑️ If your sugar drops below 70, eat or drink 15g of fast-acting carbs—like juice, glucose tablets, or regular soda—then recheck in 15 minutes.
Severe lows can be dangerous, even life-threatening. Always take symptoms seriously.
🧠 Why Understanding These Numbers Matters
Your blood sugar numbers are real-time feedback from your body. They help you understand:
- How different foods affect your glucose
- How exercise improves insulin sensitivity
- When medications need to be adjusted
- Whether your diabetes is under control
Over time, noticing patterns in your numbers—like spikes after a specific meal—helps you fine-tune your lifestyle to feel better, stay healthy, and reduce long-term risks.
💡 How to Keep Your Numbers in a Healthy Range
Here’s what health professionals recommend:
✔️ Eat Balanced Meals
Focus on fiber, lean protein, and healthy fats. Limit sugary snacks and refined carbs.
✔️ Move Your Body
Even a 20–30 minute walk after meals can reduce blood sugar spikes (Healthline, 2022).
✔️ Monitor Regularly
Check your blood sugar at times your doctor suggests—usually before meals, after meals, and sometimes before bed.
✔️ Manage Stress
High stress can increase cortisol, which raises blood sugar. Try breathing exercises, yoga, or quiet hobbies.
✔️ Take Medications as Prescribed
Work closely with your doctor or diabetes care team to make sure your treatment plan fits your lifestyle.
🧭 Final Thoughts
Understanding your blood sugar numbers isn’t about being perfect—it’s about gaining insight into your health so you can make informed, positive choices.
Whether your numbers are in range or a little off, each reading is a chance to learn and improve. With the right habits, tools, and support, you can take control of your health one number at a time.
Helpful Resources:
