Is Your Blood Sugar Normal? Hidden Warning Signs It’s Too High or Low for Your Age
Find out how to bring your readings back into a healthy range—and why that may change over time
Key Takeaways
- A normal fasting blood sugar is typically 70 to 100 mg/dL. Over 125 mg/dL may signal diabetes.
- Fatigue, blurred vision, dizziness and excessive thirst may signal blood sugar problems.
- Walking after meals, staying hydrated and eating balanced snacks support healthy blood sugar.
If you’ve ever wondered whether your blood sugar levels are where they should be, you’re not alone. Whether you’ve been told you’re prediabetic, you have a family history of type 2 diabetes or you’re just trying to feel your best, knowing your numbers is a smart step toward improving your health in the long term. Here’s what the experts want every woman to understand about normal blood sugar, the signs your levels may be off and the simple steps that can help you get back on track.
What’s a normal blood sugar level? A handy chart
A blood glucose test measures the sugar in your blood at one moment in time, while a hemoglobin A1C test shows your average over about three months. Together, they give a clear picture of how your body is handling sugar day to day—which is especially important for people with diabetes.
“Normally, fasting blood sugars should be between 70 to 100 mg/dL, though lower values can still be normal if they occur naturally without taking a glucose-lowering medication,” says Rozalina Grubina McCoy, MD, an endocrinologist at University of Maryland Medical Center. “A fasting blood sugar above 125 mg/dL indicates diabetes, while a blood sugar between 100 to 125 mg/dL indicates prediabetes. Blood sugar is supposed to go up after eating, but should come back down to fasting levels within four hours.”
Woman's World Answers
Take a look at the blood sugar chart below based on guidelines from SingleCare to see what’s considered normal for those with diabetes and without:
| Fasting | Before meals | 1-2 hours after eating | Bedtime | |
| Adults without diabetes | 70 to 100 mg/dL | Less than 100 mg/dL | Less than 120 to 140 mg/dL | Less than 100 mg/dL |
| Adults with diabetes | 70 to 100 mg/dL | 70 to 130 mg/dL | Less than 180 mg/dL | 100 to 140 mg/dL |
“If you’re seeing consistently-high morning numbers, especially above 130 mg/dL, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor,” advises Michael Snyder, MD, obesity specialist and medical advisor for FuturHealth. A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can also help you spot patterns throughout the day and night.
Normal A1C readings
As for what’s considered a normal A1C level, here’s a quick chart:
| A1C Reading | |
| Healthy | Below 5.7% |
| Prediabetes | 5.7 to 6.4% |
| Diabetes | 6.5% and above |
Note that your personalized target A1C readings can change over time. Erich S. Huang, MD, PhD, associate chief clinical officer for informatics and technology at Verily, says doctors may consider an A1C of up to 6.1 percent an acceptable target range for adults in their 40s and 50s, and up to 6.5 percent acceptable for those over 60.
High blood sugar symptoms
The CDC reports that nearly half of all adults in the U.S. have either prediabetes or diabetes—so if your numbers have crept up, you have plenty of company. Left unchecked, high blood sugar can affect your eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart.
“High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, typically refers to a situation in which blood glucose levels rise above 130 mg/dL when fasting or 180 mg/dL after meals,” explains Brynna Connor, MD, a family medicine physician and Healthcare Ambassador at NorthwestPharmacy.com. Common culprits include insulin resistance, stress, illness, high-carb meals, lack of regular physical activity and some medications.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Increased thirst or hunger
- Frequent urination
- Headache
- Blurred vision
If levels stay high, you may notice fatigue, unexplained weight loss, yeast or skin infections and cuts that won’t heal.
How to lower high blood sugar
For prediabetics or those with a recent type 2 diagnosis, Dr. Connor suggests limiting simple carbs, taking prescribed medications as directed and moving your body regularly. “Hydrate with water to flush extra glucose,” she adds. Even a gentle walk after meals can help bring your blood sugar back into a normal range.
Another smart strategy is prioritizing protein at meals, which slows digestion and helps prevent post-meal glucose spikes. An easy way to get your protein fix: Add a scoop of protein powder, like Elevate Organic Women’s Protein Grass-Fed Whey, to a creamy shake. (Check out more foods to help lower high blood sugar.)
In those with type 1 diabetes, very high blood sugar can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which is a true medical emergency. Warning signs include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fruity-smelling breath, labored breathing and confusion. “In an emergency, such as someone in DKA or a hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, call 911,” Dr. Connor urges.
Low blood sugar symptoms
“Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, is a condition in which your blood glucose level drops below 70 mg/dL,” Dr. Connor explains. It’s most common in people on insulin, but it can also happen after a skipped meal, too few carbs, hard exercise or a glass of wine on an empty stomach.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Looking pale, shaky or sweaty
- Headache or nausea
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Fatigue, irritability or anxiety
- Trouble concentrating
- Dizziness or tingling in the lips, tongue or cheek
Severe symptoms—confusion, slurred speech, blurry vision, loss of consciousness or seizures—require immediate medical assistance.
How to raise low blood sugar
“For mild-to-moderate hypoglycemia, you should follow the 15-15 rule,” Dr. Connor says. “Consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates, such as four ounces of juice, glucose tablets or regular soda, then recheck your blood sugar in 15 minutes. If it’s still low, repeat the process.” Once your numbers come back up into a normal range, a snack with protein and complex carbs helps keep them steady.
The bottom line on normal blood sugar levels
If your blood sugar readings are regularly outside the normal range, don’t panic—just pick up the phone. A quick chat with your doctor can help you build a plan that keeps your numbers, and your peace of mind, right where they belong.
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