What Is Normal Blood Sugar Level According To Your Age?

Prolonged high blood sugar can have adverse effects on your health. It can potentially damage the vessels that supply blood to the other important organs. This can lead to stroke, heart diseases, vision problems, kidney diseases, nerve issues, etc.

This is why it is necessary to understand the normal blood sugar level, especially as per your age. Such information can help you stay on top of your health at all times and not run around for information at the very last minute.

The following article shall highlight details that can help you maintain a normal blood sugar level.

 

What is your blood sugar level?

The food we intake breaks down into glucose. This glucose is responsible for providing energy to our bodies. It travels through our bloodstream to different parts of our bodies.

Thus, the amount of glucose traveling through our blood is known as our blood sugar level. We identify this blood sugar level via blood test or using a glucometer. A normal blood sugar level indicates a healthy and maintained body.

However, when the glucose in our blood increases, the pancreas produces insulin to rectify it. But, the body’s inability to produce insulin leads to a health condition called diabetes. The lack of glucose in our blood can also lead to chronic diseases like hypoglycemia, kidney and heart diseases.

 

What changes blood sugar levels?

Several factors are responsible for changing the level of glucose in our blood. Most of them are a part of an unhealthy lifestyle. Switching to healthy habits can reduce the risk of fluctuating blood sugar levels in our bodies.

Eating fast food regularly, consuming high-calorie foods, or not regulating alcohol consumption can lead to a high amount of sugar content in your body. Not getting enough sleep, water, or exercise may also affect your glucose levels. Given below are some reasons for changing rates of blood sugar.

• Eating foods with a high quantity of carbohydrates or calories.
• Over-eating
• Alcohol intake
• No physical activities like exercise or yoga
• Medicines
• Growing age
• Stress and anxiety
• Not drinking enough water

 

What is the normal blood sugar level for different ages?

As mentioned earlier, age is one of the factors that affect blood sugar levels. As we grow, the ability of our bodies to produce insulin decreases. This may lead to higher or lower glucose in our blood.

Some children are diagnosed with health conditions like diabetes. One of the reasons can be the inability of their body to produce insulin. Pregnant women also experience a change in their blood sugar levels due to obvious reasons.

The normal blood sugar levels of each age category are separate. We have discussed the same in this section. These numbers will help you interpret your blood sugar level whenever you check it.

 

Children

The healthy range for the blood glucose levels in a child less than 6 years of age is 80 to 200 mg/dL. The blood sugar levels are different when the child wakes up and when they have their first meal. If the child already has hypoglycemia, it is vital to check the glucose level in the middle of the night.

The healthy range for the blood glucose level for a child above 6 years but below 12 years is 80 to 180 mg/dL. Snacks and other risky food items must be regulated at this age as kids are more prone to higher blood sugar levels.

For teenagers, especially ones with diabetes, the blood sugar level must be between 70 mg/dL to 150 mg/dL. At this age, children are very prone to stress and mood swings. Thus, it is necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle to maintain the blood sugar level.

 

Adults

A normal person without diabetes has a blood sugar level between 70 to 100 mg/dL. If any adult person is diabetic, their normal blood sugar level must be between 80 to 130 mg/dL.

Adults have a different rate of blood sugar levels than kids. If the diabetic patient is above the age of 20 years, the blood sugar level must be between 70 to 180 mg/dL throughout the day.

Any adult must record a rate of 70 to 100 mg/dL of glucose level after eight hours of eating and 90 to 110 mg/dL after two hours of eating. Before bedtime, it should be between 100 to 140 mg/dL to avoid any complications.

If a pregnant woman is diabetic, her blood sugar level must range from 70 to 90 mg/dL. Regular monitoring is required in such cases to avoid delivery problems.

Blood Sugar Levels
Age	Before meal	Two hours after eating	Eight hours after eating	Before bedtime
Below 6 years	100 to 180 mg/dL	180 mg/dL	80 to 180 mg/dL	110 to 200 mg/dL
6 to 12 years	90 to 180 mg/dL	Below 140 mg/dL	80 to 180 mg/dL	100 to 180 mg/dL
13 to 19 years	90 to 130 mg/dL	Below 140 mg/dL	70 to 150 mg/dL	90 to 150 mg/dL
Above 20 years	70 to 130 mg/dL	Below 180 mg/dL	70 to 100 mg/dL	100 to 140 mg/dL
Pregnant Women	90 mg/dL	Below 120 mg/dL	70 to 90 mg/dL	100 to 140 mg/dL

 

You May Also Like To Read:

How To Check Blood Sugar Level At Home

 

Conclusion

Various factors can increase or decrease blood sugar levels. Drastic changes have to be reported to your healthcare provider, doctor, or medical consultant. Slight changes can be treated at home.

We hope this article was informative and served its purpose. If you have any other queries related to blood sugar levels, you can post them in the comment section.

 

Sources:

• singlecare.com
• webmd.com
• medicinenet.com