Your Complete Guide to the Blood Sugar Levels Chart (mg/dL & mmol/L) Related reading: 7 Day Blood Sugar Friendly Meal Plan For Stable Glucose Leve...

Your Complete Guide to the Blood Sugar Levels Chart (mg/dL & mmol/L)

Understanding your blood sugar levels is crucial for managing your health, especially if you have diabetes or are at risk of developing it. This comprehensive guide will explain what blood sugar levels are, how they are measured, the target ranges, and what it means if your blood sugar is too high or too low. We'll cover both mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) and mmol/L (millimoles per liter) units of measurement.

What are Blood Sugar Levels?

Blood sugar, or blood glucose, refers to the concentration of glucose (sugar) in your blood. Glucose is your body's primary source of energy, derived from the food you eat. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps glucose move from the bloodstream into cells to be used for energy.

Why Monitor Blood Sugar Levels?

Monitoring your blood sugar levels helps you:

Identify and manage hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Understand how food, exercise, stress, and medications affect your glucose levels.
Make informed decisions about your diet, exercise, and medication.
Reduce the risk of long-term complications associated with diabetes.

Blood Sugar Levels Chart: mg/dL and mmol/L

The following table outlines the typical blood sugar levels for individuals without diabetes, with prediabetes, and with diabetes. It shows ranges for both fasting blood sugar, and blood sugar after meals. Note that individual targets may vary depending on factors like age, other health conditions, and medication regimens. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Category	Fasting Blood Sugar (mg/dL)	Fasting Blood Sugar (mmol/L)	2 Hours After Meal (mg/dL)	2 Hours After Meal (mmol/L)
Normal (No Diabetes)	Less than 100 mg/dL	Less than 5.6 mmol/L	Less than 140 mg/dL	Less than 7.8 mmol/L
Prediabetes	100-125 mg/dL	5.6-6.9 mmol/L	140-199 mg/dL	7.8-11.0 mmol/L
Diabetes	126 mg/dL or higher	7.0 mmol/L or higher	200 mg/dL or higher	11.1 mmol/L or higher

Important Notes:

Fasting Blood Sugar: Measured after at least eight hours of not eating.
2 Hours After Meal: Measured two hours after starting a meal.
Individual Goals: Discuss your target blood sugar range with your doctor.

Understanding mg/dL and mmol/L

mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) is the standard unit of measurement for blood sugar in the United States. mmol/L (millimoles per liter) is used in most other parts of the world. To convert from mg/dL to mmol/L, divide the mg/dL value by 18. To convert from mmol/L to mg/dL, multiply the mmol/L value by 18.

Example: 90 mg/dL is equal to 5 mmol/L (90 / 18 = 5).

What Does High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia) Mean?

Hyperglycemia occurs when your blood sugar levels are too high. Symptoms of high blood sugar can include:

Frequent urination
Increased thirst
Blurred vision
Fatigue
Headaches

Prolonged hyperglycemia can lead to serious health complications, including:

Heart disease
Kidney disease
Nerve damage (neuropathy)
Eye damage (retinopathy)

Causes of Hyperglycemia:

Missed dose of diabetes medication
Eating too many carbohydrates
Illness or infection
Stress
Lack of physical activity

What Does Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) Mean?

Hypoglycemia occurs when your blood sugar levels are too low. Symptoms of low blood sugar can include:

Shakiness
Sweating
Dizziness
Confusion
Hunger
Irritability
Rapid heartbeat

Severe hypoglycemia can lead to:

Seizures
Loss of consciousness
Coma

Causes of Hypoglycemia:

Too much insulin or diabetes medication
Skipping meals
Excessive exercise
Alcohol consumption (especially without food)

How to Check Your Blood Sugar Levels

You can check your blood sugar levels at home using a blood glucose meter. This involves pricking your finger with a lancet, placing a drop of blood on a test strip, and inserting the strip into the meter. The meter will display your blood sugar level. Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) are also available, which automatically monitor your blood glucose throughout the day.

Tips for Managing Blood Sugar Levels

Here are some tips for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels:

Follow a Balanced Diet: Focus on whole, unprocessed foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Limit your intake of sugary drinks, processed foods, and refined carbohydrates.
Exercise Regularly: Physical activity helps lower blood sugar levels and improves insulin sensitivity. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
Monitor Your Blood Sugar: Check your blood sugar levels regularly and keep a record of your results. Share this information with your healthcare provider.
Take Medications as Prescribed: If you have diabetes, take your medications as directed by your doctor.
Manage Stress: Stress can affect blood sugar levels. Practice stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature.
Get Enough Sleep: Lack of sleep can also impact blood sugar. Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water helps regulate many bodily functions, including blood sugar management.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

Severe symptoms of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.
Repeated episodes of unexplained high or low blood sugar levels.
Loss of consciousness.

Conclusion

Understanding your blood sugar levels and how to manage them is essential for maintaining good health, especially if you have diabetes or prediabetes. By using the blood sugar levels chart, following the tips provided, and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can effectively manage your glucose levels and reduce the risk of complications. Remember to always prioritize personalized medical advice over general information.