Diabetes type 2: Dr Zoe Williams discusses high blood sugar risks

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Blood sugar levels change over time based on a range of circumstances. People may find they fluctuate depending on the time of day, what they eat, or their age. The increased or decreased blood glucose levels can present health challenges such as diabetes or hypoglycaemia.

What are healthy blood sugar levels?

Blood sugar causes ill effects when it runs high or low, so people strive to keep it at a “normal” baseline which varies based on several factors.

Health professionals have identified three age groups and ideal blood sugar baselines for each one, measured by milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL).

They have broken down what their range should be during fasting, before a meal, one to two hours after eating, and at bedtime.

Blood sugar levels outside these readings suggest developing hypoglycaemia or hyperglycaemia, which can become diabetes.

Children (under six years old)

Fasting: 80 to 180mg/dL

Before a meal: 100 to 180mg/dL

One to two hours after eating: Around 180mg/dL

Bedtime: 110 to 200mg/dL

Any child younger than six should have blood sugar levels within a “healthy” range of 80 to 200mg/dL.

Doctors class blood sugar levels falling outside this range as high or low.

Children to adolescents (ages six to 12)

Fasting: 80 to 180mg/dL

Before a meal: 90 to 180mg/dL

One to two hours after eating: 140mg/dL maximum

Bedtime: 100 to 180mg/dL

Healthy teenage ranges should fall between 80mg/dL to 180mg/dL maximum.

A1c readings for children in this range should clock in at around 8.0 percent.

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Teens (ages 13 to 19)

Fasting: 70 to 150mg/dL

Before a meal: 90 to 130mg/dL

One to two hours after eating: 140mg/dL maximum

Bedtime: 90 to 150mg/dL

The teenage blood sugar range is healthiest when around 70 to 150mg/dL.

Ideal A1c readings should ideally show less than a maximum of 7.5 percent.

Adults (ages 20+)

Fasting: Less than 100mg/dL

Before a meal: 70 to 130mg/dL

One to two hours after eating: Less than 180mg/dL

Bedtime: 100 to 140mg/dL

Adult ranges should stay between 100 to 18mg/dL throughout the day.

Blood sugar safety levels will vary by person and whether they have diabetes, but typically fall between 160 to 240mg/dL.

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