What is the normal blood sugar level?
Disease description:
Recently, I have been feeling weak and thirsty. I measured my blood sugar several times, but I'm not sure what range is considered normal. Do the values differ for fasting and post-meal measurements?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
The normal reference values for blood glucose mainly depend on the time of measurement.
Fasting blood glucose, which is measured after at least 8 hours without food intake, has a normal range of 3.9 to 6.1 mmol/L. Postprandial (after-meal) blood glucose varies over time; one hour after a meal, blood glucose generally ranges between 4.4 and 11.1 mmol/L, while two hours after a meal, it should not exceed 7.8 mmol/L.
Blood glucose levels are influenced by multiple factors, including diet, physical activity, and stress. Therefore, occasional readings outside the normal range do not necessarily indicate a health problem. If blood glucose levels remain consistently above or below the normal range, timely medical evaluation is recommended to rule out conditions such as diabetes. For specific populations, such as pregnant women or individuals at risk for diabetes, target blood glucose control goals may differ, and medical advice should be followed accordingly.
In daily life, it is advisable to regularly monitor blood glucose levels, consult a healthcare provider promptly, and undergo professional examinations and assessments to enable early detection and management of potential blood glucose-related issues.
