Normal blood sugar levels vary by timing relative to meals, with fasting (before eating, after 8+ hours without food) typically ranging from 70-99 mg/dL (3.9-5.5 mmol/L) for healthy adults. Postprandial (after eating, usually measured 1-2 hours post-meal) levels should stay under 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L), ideally returning closer to baseline soon after.
Fasting Targets
A fasting plasma glucose below 100 mg/dL indicates normal control, while 100-125 mg/dL signals prediabetes and ≥126 mg/dL (confirmed twice) suggests diabetes. Levels under 70 mg/dL may indicate hypoglycemia, especially if symptomatic.
Post-Meal Targets
For non-diabetics, blood sugar peaks around 1 hour after eating but drops below 140 mg/dL by 2 hours; people with diabetes aim for <180 mg/dL post-meal per ADA guidelines. Factors like age, carbs consumed, and activity influence peaks—pair carbs with protein/fiber to blunt rises, aligning with prior low-GI sandwich tips.
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