Normal Blood Sugar Levels Chart (Fasting, After Meals and HbA1c)
Fasting, after-meal and HbA1c ranges from the ADA, with a note to ask your doctor.
A normal fasting blood sugar level is below 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L), and a normal HbA1c is below 5.7%. After a meal, the 2-hour level is normal below 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) in a glucose tolerance test. These are the American Diabetes Association (ADA) ranges used to diagnose diabetes. They are not personal targets.
Normal blood sugar level chart
Fasting blood sugar level (no food for at least 8 hours) – Normal: Below 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L); Prediabetes: 100–125 mg/dL (5.6–6.9 mmol/L); Diabetes: 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher
2 hours after a glucose drink (OGTT) – Normal: Below 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L); Prediabetes: 140–199 mg/dL (7.8–11.0 mmol/L); Diabetes: 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or higher
HbA1c – Normal: Below 5.7%; Prediabetes: 5.7%–6.4%; Diabetes: 6.5% or higher
mmol/L values are approximate (mg/dL divided by 18). Sri Lankan labs often report mg/dL, but some report mmol/L, so check the unit on your report. The World Health Organization's diabetes threshold for fasting glucose is also 7.0 mmol/L.
Only a doctor can diagnose diabetes. A single high reading is not a diagnosis.
What is a normal fasting sugar level?
Fasting means no food or drink except water for at least 8 hours. For people without diabetes, a fasting sugar level below 100 mg/dL is normal. A fasting level of 100 to 125 mg/dL falls in the prediabetes range. A level of 126 mg/dL or higher is in the diabetes range. If you get a high result, talk to your doctor.
What is a normal HbA1c?
HbA1c (also called A1C) shows your average blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months. You do not need to fast for it. The normal HbA1c range is below 5.7%. For most people living with diabetes, the ADA recommends an A1C target of 7% or less. Your doctor may set a higher or lower target for you.
Blood sugar targets for people with diabetes
If you have diabetes, your doctor sets your target levels. The ADA's general targets for many adults are 80–130 mg/dL before meals and below 180 mg/dL one to two hours after the start of a meal.. These are general numbers, and your own targets may be different.
Talk to your doctor about your target levels.
How to check your blood sugar at home
A glucometer (sugar machine) gives a reading from a drop of blood in about 5 seconds. Write down your readings with the time and whether it was before or after a meal, and show them to your doctor. Compare meters, strip cost per test and warranty in our guide to the best glucometer in Sri Lanka, see glucometer prices, or buy glucometer strips.
A home reading and a lab result can differ a little. Do not change your medicine because of a home reading. Ask your doctor first.
FAQ
What is a normal blood sugar level?
A normal fasting blood sugar is below 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L). A normal HbA1c is below 5.7%. Two hours after a glucose drink, below 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) is normal. These are diagnosis ranges from the American Diabetes Association. Your doctor can explain your own result.
What fasting sugar level is high?
A fasting level of 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher is in the diabetes range. 100 to 125 mg/dL is the prediabetes range. One reading does not make a diagnosis. Your doctor will usually repeat the test. See your doctor if your reading is high.
Sources
American Diabetes Association, Diagnosis (A1C, fasting plasma glucose and 2-hour OGTT ranges).
American Diabetes Association, A1C (target of 7% or less for most people with diabetes).
World Health Organization, Diabetes fact sheet (general information).
For local advice, ask the Sri Lanka Diabetes Federation or the Sri Lanka College of Endocrinologists.
