Normal Blood Sugar Ranges: A Practical Guide
Based on American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines. For education only — not a substitute for personal medical advice.
At-a-glance table
| Category | Fasting | 2h after meal | HbA1c |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | 70–99 mg/dL (3.9–5.5 mmol/L) | < 140 mg/dL (< 7.8 mmol/L) | < 5.7% |
| Pre-diabetes | 100–125 mg/dL (5.6–6.9 mmol/L) | 140–199 mg/dL (7.8–11.0 mmol/L) | 5.7–6.4% |
| Diabetes | ≥ 126 mg/dL (≥ 7.0 mmol/L) | ≥ 200 mg/dL (≥ 11.1 mmol/L) | ≥ 6.5% |
Fasting blood sugar
Fasting means no calories for at least 8 hours — usually measured first thing in the morning. A normal fasting reading is between 70 and 99 mg/dL (3.9–5.5 mmol/L). Repeated readings of 100–125 mg/dL suggest pre-diabetes, and 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate days meets the ADA's criteria for diabetes.
Post-meal (postprandial) blood sugar
Measured about 2 hours after the first bite of a meal. In people without diabetes, glucose typically stays below 140 mg/dL. Values between 140 and 199 mg/dL indicate impaired glucose tolerance (pre-diabetes); 200 mg/dL or above is consistent with diabetes.
HbA1c
HbA1c reflects your average blood glucose over the last 2–3 months. Under 5.7% is considered normal, 5.7–6.4% is pre-diabetes, and 6.5% or higher (confirmed on repeat testing) is used to diagnose diabetes.
Targets if you already have diabetes
The ADA's general targets for non-pregnant adults are:
- Fasting / before meals: 80–130 mg/dL (4.4–7.2 mmol/L)
- 2 hours after a meal: < 180 mg/dL (< 10.0 mmol/L)
- HbA1c: < 7% for most adults
Your personal target may be tighter or looser depending on age, pregnancy, risk of hypoglycemia, and other conditions — always confirm with your doctor.
When to seek help
- Repeated fasting readings above 126 mg/dL or below 70 mg/dL
- Post-meal readings consistently above 180 mg/dL on treatment
- Symptoms of low sugar: shakiness, sweating, confusion, palpitations
- Symptoms of very high sugar: excessive thirst, urination, fruity breath, vomiting
In an emergency, seek immediate medical care. This guide is educational and does not replace advice from your healthcare provider.
Track your readings
Log fasting and post-meal glucose, review trends, and export a PDF for your doctor.
Start tracking freeSource: American Diabetes Association Standards of Care.