A normal fasting blood glucose level for someone without diabetes is typically between 70 and 99 mg/dL (3.9 to 5.5 mmol/L)
. Levels between 50 and 70 mg/dL (2.8 to 3.9 mmol/L) can also be considered normal in some cases for people without diabetes
. If your fasting blood glucose is between 100 and 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L), this usually indicates prediabetes, which means a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes
. A fasting blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher on more than one occasion generally indicates diabetes
. For people with diabetes, target blood glucose levels before meals are generally recommended to be between 80 and 130 mg/dL, and less than 180 mg/dL within 1-2 hours after eating
. After meals, normal blood glucose for people without diabetes is usually less than 140 mg/dL
. In mmol/L units, typical target blood sugar levels for people with diabetes are:
- Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/L
- After meals: under 8.5 to 9 mmol/L depending on timing and type of diabetes
In summary:
- Normal fasting glucose (no diabetes): 70–99 mg/dL (3.9–5.5 mmol/L)
- Prediabetes fasting glucose: 100–125 mg/dL (5.6–6.9 mmol/L)
- Diabetes fasting glucose: ≥126 mg/dL (≥7.0 mmol/L)
- Post-meal glucose (no diabetes): less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L)
- Post-meal glucose (diabetes): less than 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L)
These values can vary slightly depending on individual health conditions and testing methods, so it is best to consult a healthcare provider for personalized targets
