What Are the Numbers in Blood Sugar Levels?

Normal blood glucose levels depend on the time of day and what and when you've eaten. Too much glucose in the body over a period of time can be an indication of diabetes. Your doctor will compare your numbers to the normal blood glucose numbers to see if there are any problems.

Function

• Your body produces glucose, or sugar, for energy. Glucose is transported from the cells to the bloodstream. Too much or too little blood glucose means the body can't function normally.

At Fasting

• Fasting blood glucose levels are generally taken six to eight hours after you've eaten or before breakfast. The normal fasting blood glucose level should be 70 to 99 md/dL.

After the Meal

• After you eat a meal, your blood glucose levels will increase. This spike usually occurs two hours after eating. The range at that time should be 70 to 145 mg/dL.

Random Time

• At any time during the day when you haven't eaten a meal, your blood glucose levels can vary. It should be no lower than 70 mg/dL and no higher than 125 mg/dL.

Diabetes

• For diabetics, there are different normal blood glucose levels. The numbers at fasting should be 70 to 130 mg/dL. The normal blood glucose levels two hours after a meal should be less than 180 mg/dL. However, your diabetes health educator can set different target numbers for blood glucose levels.