It is very important to keep an eye on your blood sugar levels.
No matter what your age, everybody experiences fluctuations in their blood sugar levels but it becomes problematic if your blood sugar levels are chronically high.
Read on to find out more about blood sugar (glucose) and the factors that influence blood sugar levels. This article will also give you an idea of a target range for your blood sugar levels, according to age.
What is blood sugar?
Your body needs energy and gets this energy from breaking down carbohydrates to glucose. Glucose gets released into your bloodstream. The hormone inulin shuttles the glucose out of the bloodstream and into your cells.
The problem is that some people do not produce enough insulin or become resistant to insulin. This means that glucose will heap up in your blood and you will have high blood sugar levels.
Blood sugar levels are influenced by various factors which include:
- The type and quantity of food consumed and when it is consumed
- The amount of physical activity you do
- Certain medications
- Certain medical conditions and chronic illness
- Age
- Stress
- Dehydration
- Hormones
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Blood sugar targets and age
A blood sugar target is the range you try to reach as much as possible. Because everyone is different, it is important to talk to your doctor about the right target range for you.
You can measure your blood sugar level with a blood sugar meter (also called a glucometer) or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM).
Normal blood sugar levels for children (Ages 6-12):
Children who do not suffer from diabetes should have normal glucose readings. The following blood sugar levels are recommended:
- Before breakfast (fasting blood sugar): 3.9 to 6.7 mmo/L
- An hour or two after a meal: Less than 7.8 mmo/L
- Before meals and at bedtime: 3.9 to 7.8 mmo/L
Generally with children of this age glucose levels will not be tested throughout the day unless the child has an existing condition such as type 1 diabetes. Children with diabetes will have fluctuating blood sugar levels when they wake up and before they go to sleep at night.
Normal blood sugar levels for teens (Ages 13-19):
The American Diabetes Association does not have a set guideline for normal blood sugar levels for teens without diabetes. The same guidelines are followed for adults and children not suffering from diabetes.
- Before a meal: 5.0 – 17.2 mmo/L
- An hour or two after a meal: Up to 7.8 mmo/L
- Bedtime: 5.0 – 10.0 mmo/L
- If your teen has type 1 diabetes it is recommended to keep blood sugar levels between 70-150 mg/dL.
Normal blood sugar levels for adults (Ages 20 and up):
The American Diabetes Association has different target ranges for adults with diabetes, people with prediabetes and those suffering from diabetes.
For people without diabetes:
- Before breakfast (fasting blood sugar): Between 3.9 and 5.0 mmo/L
- Two hours after eating: Less than 7.8 mmo/L
For people with prediabetes:
- Before breakfast (fasting blood sugar): Between 6.1 and 7.2 mmo/L
- Two hours after eating: Between 7.8 and 10.0 mmo/L
For people with diabetes:
- Before breakfast (fasting blood sugar): More than 7.2 mmo/L
- Two hours after eating: More than 11.1 mmo/L
Normal blood sugar levels for older adults (Age 65 and older):
Older adults not suffering from diabetes may have the same target range as healthy younger adults, with a glucose range between 3.9 – 7.8 mmo/L. Glucose target ranges become more lenient when older adults have severe diabetes symptoms like kidney damage or neuropathy or comorbidities (the existence of more than one disease or condition within your body at the same time). The following blood sugar levels are suggested for older adults:
None or few other conditions:
- Before breakfast (fasting blood sugar): 5.0 – 7.2 mmo/L
- Bedtime target: 5.0 – 8.3 mmo/L
Multiple conditions:
- Before breakfast (fasting blood sugar): 5.0 – 8.3 mmo/L
- Bedtime target: 5.6 – 10.0 mmo/L
Takeaway
The American Diabetes Association has set targets for blood sugar levels, but everyone is different and blood sugar levels are influenced by a multitude of factors. If you have prediabetes or diabetes, it is important to speak to your doctor about the right target range for you.
There are many things you can do to keep your blood sugar levels within your target range. If you have diabetes, you can take insulin or diabetes medication. Changing your lifestyle can also lower your blood sugar levels significantly. It is possible to keep your blood sugar levels in range by following a healthy diet, exercising, and managing stress.