IOH Diabetes - What are normal and target blood glucose ranges?



		Islets of Hope for persons newly diagnosed with diabetes

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Article by Lahle Wolfe. For reprint information e-mail: Editor@isletsofhope.com

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Normogylcemia
Normal Blood Glucose

Information on normal and acceptable target blood glucose ranges for both diabetics and nondiabetics. Our chart considers factors such as age and whether or not a person is newly diagnosed.

Hypoglycemia
(Low Blood Sugar)
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Prevention

Hyperglycemia
(High Blood Sugar)
Symptoms
Causes
Treatment
Prevention

Hypoglycemia in Non-Diabetic Persons
Reactive Hypoglycemia
Fasting Hypoglycemia
Other Causes for Hypoglycemia

Two types of hypoglycemia can occur in people who do not have diabetes: reactive (postprandial, or after meals) and fasting (postabsorptive). Reactive hypoglycemia is not usually related to any underlying disease; fasting hypoglycemia often is.

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for diabetes

Brenda Davis, Tom Barnard

Defeating Diabetes: This books has detailed dietary and nutrition information to empower readers. Because diet and lifestyle factors are the primary causes of Type 2 diabetes, most Type 2's can control their diabetes completely.

Elizabeth N. Hiser
Type 2, The Other Diabetes: Explanations of diabetes and why diet plays a critical role for the diabetic are clear and coherent. Exercise is emphasized in ways that all readers can adapt to their current lifestyles. Hiser advocates a Mediterranean diet .

Information for those Newly Diagnosed with Diabetes print normal & target ranges

Normoglycemia (normal blood sugar)

Hyperglycemia - high blood sugar (or, blood glucose)
Hypoglycemia - low blood sugar
Normoglycemia - normal blood sugar levels
Euglycemia - the inability to maintain normoglycemia

What are normal and target blood sugar ranges?
American Diabetes Association Guidelines

The following general guidelines for normal blood sugar ranges in nondiabetics* are from the American Diabetes Association. However, there are variations to these guidelines. For example, young children, those who are newly diagnosed, or are beginning insulin pump therapy may have slightly different target ranges.

Please see our complete chart of "Normoglycemia" for more details on target blood sugar ranges for people who have diabetes.

Morning fasting blood sugar

Fasting Glucose Ranges	Indication
From 70 to 99 mg/dL, or 3.9 to 5.5. mmol/L	Normal glucose tolerance, not diabetic
From 100 to 125 mg/dL, or 5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L	Impaired fasting glucose (IGF) or Pre-diabetes
126 mg/dL or higher, or 7.0 or higher	Diabetes

Note: Morning fasting glucose for pregnant women should be 95 mg/dL (5.3 mmol/L) or lower.

What if you are not in a "normal" range, but not in a "diabetic" range?
American Diabetes Association Guidelines

Blood sugar levels higher than normal, but lower than diabetic ranges, classify a person as having impaired glucose tolerance. To see how a person reacts to a glucose load an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) may be given to check blood sugar levels 2 hours after being given 75 grams of glucose to drink.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test Ranges
(except during pregnancy)

2 Hours after drinking 75 grams of glucose	Indication
Less than 140, or 7.8 mmol/L	Normal glucose tolerance, not diabetic
From 140 to 200 mg/dL, or 7.8 to 11.1 mmol/L	Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), or Pre-diabetes
Over 200 mg/dL, or 11.1 or higher on more than one occasion	Diabetes

Both IFG and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) are associated with an increase risk in developing type 2 diabetes and lifestyle changes, including weight loss and an exercise program, as well as possible oral medications such as Glucophage are sometimes indicated.

It is important to note that while there is no cure for type 2 (or type 1) diabetes, pre-diabetes can often be completely reversed with proper medical intervention and changes in lifestyle.

For information about gestational diabetes ranges, please see "Gestational Diabetes."

Click on any link for more information about blood sugar management:

About Glucose Monitoring and Glucose Meters
Lancet and Lancing Device Tips
"Less-Pain" Finger Sticks
Quick Summary of Glucose Testing Tips
Important Tips for Accuracy
Special Care Tips for Children
Why Should I Test My Blood Glucose?
When Should I Test My Blood Glucose?
Meter Accuracy
Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring Devices
FDA Glucose Meter Warnings




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