What Is a Normal Blood Sugar Level by Age?

Poorly managed blood sugar levels may result in various complications.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the required amount of insulin is not produced. When there is a lack of insulin, cells stop responding to insulin, and the excess sugar stays in the bloodstream, causing serious complications, such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease.

Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels helps manage diabetes. Everyone does not need to check their blood sugar levels daily, but people with type I diabetes should check their blood sugar levels at least four times daily.

Blood sugar levels should be checked before meals and at bedtime, and they can also be checked in the following conditions:

• After you eat
• If any sickness occurs
• Before and after exercise
• If you have eaten a heavy meal
• Under stress
• If you have taken any medication that affects blood sugar levels

Blood sugar levels are the amount of glucose present in the blood. Glucose comes from the food we eat and is stored in our bodies. Glucose or sugars are the major source of energy and are carried to various organs through the blood.

Normal blood sugar levels chart

Types of diabetes

• Type I diabetes
  • The condition is caused by an autoimmune reaction that inhibits insulin production. Low insulin levels may result in increased blood sugar levels.
• Type II diabetes
  • This is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for 90 to 95 percent of people. In this type, insulin is not used properly, resulting in increased blood sugar levels.
  • Type II diabetes can be managed or delayed with healthy lifestyle activities, such as:
    • Healthy eating habits
    • Weight loss
    • Stay active
    • Exercise
• Gestational diabetes
  • Gestational diabetes is a pregnancy-related condition. The condition may resolve after delivery, but it increases the risk of type II diabetes later in life, and the baby may also be at an increased risk of health problems and obesity in later stages of life.
• Prediabetes
  • A condition in which glucose levels are elevated but not sufficiently to warrant a type II diagnosis. Prediabetes increases the risk of type II diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. However, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help to reverse the condition.

The condition with low blood sugar levels is called hypoglycemia.

The signs and symptoms of low blood sugar levels include:

• Hunger
• Pale skin
• Sweating
• Shakiness
• Headache
• Weakness
• Lightheadedness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Tingling in the lips, tongue, or cheek

In the severe form of hypoglycemia, the symptoms include:

• Confusion
• Loss of coordination
• Blurred vision
• Speech difficulty
• Nightmares

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Symptoms of diabetes depend on the blood sugar level and type of diabetes. Type II and prediabetes do not show any symptoms, whereas type I diabetes symptoms start suddenly and become more severe.

Some of the symptoms of type I and II diabetes include:

• Frequent urination
• Excessively thirsty than usual
• Unusual weight loss
• Fatigue
• Anxiety and mood changes
• Blurred vision
• Delayed healing
• Frequent gingival, vaginal, and urine infections

Poorly managed blood sugar levels may result in various complications.

The following are the ways to control blood sugar levels:

• Recognize whether it is hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia and treat it accordingly.
• Start a healthy lifestyle and eating habits.
• Monitor and track blood sugar levels regularly.
• If you are on insulin treatment, take insulin properly and adjust the dosages.
• Exercise at least 30 minutes a day for five days a week.
• Avoid sitting continuously for 30 minutes at a time.