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What is normal blood sugar by age?

Published in Blood Sugar Levels 3 mins read

Normal blood sugar levels vary across different age groups, particularly when considering target ranges for managing blood glucose effectively. These levels are crucial indicators of metabolic health and are often monitored to prevent complications associated with high or low blood sugar.

Understanding Normal Blood Sugar Levels by Age

Maintaining blood sugar within a healthy range is vital for overall well-being. For adults and children, specific target ranges are recommended to ensure proper bodily function and reduce health risks. These ranges are often used as guidelines for individuals who are actively managing their blood sugar, such as those with diabetes or pre-diabetes.

Normal Blood Sugar Ranges Table

The following table outlines the typical target blood sugar ranges by age group, measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) and millimoles per liter (mmol/L):

Age Group Blood Sugar Range (mg/dL) Blood Sugar Range (mmol/L)
Adults 90 to 130 5.0 to 7.2
Children, 13 to 19 years 90 to 130 5.0 to 7.2
Children, 6 to 12 years 90 to 180 5.0 to 10.0
Children, under 6 years 100 to 180 5.5 to 10.0

Please note: These ranges are often target levels for individuals managing their blood sugar. Individual targets may vary based on specific health conditions, lifestyle, and medical advice.

Key Considerations for Blood Sugar Management

Understanding these ranges is the first step in effective blood sugar management. Here are some practical insights:

  • Individualized Targets: While general guidelines exist, a healthcare provider will establish personalized blood sugar targets based on an individual's health status, age, other medical conditions, and lifestyle.
  • Fluctuations are Normal: Blood sugar levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day due to factors like food intake, physical activity, medications, and stress. The ranges provided are often for specific times (e.g., before meals or at certain times of the day).
  • Monitoring is Essential: Regular monitoring helps individuals and their healthcare teams understand patterns and make necessary adjustments to diet, exercise, or medication.
  • When to Seek Medical Advice: Consistently high or low blood sugar readings outside the target range warrant consultation with a healthcare professional. They can provide a diagnosis, adjust treatment plans, and offer strategies for better management.
  • Units of Measurement: Blood sugar is commonly measured in two units: milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) in the United States and some other countries, and millimoles per liter (mmol/L) in Canada, the UK, and other parts of the world. Both units measure the concentration of glucose in the blood.

For more detailed information on managing blood sugar, you can refer to resources like the MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.