Normal sugar level: fasting, after meals and random
A normal fasting blood sugar is below 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L). Two hours after eating it should be below 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L). Fasting sugar of 100 to 125 is prediabetes, and 126 or more on two tests means diabetes.
Blood sugar chart for adults
| Test | Normal | Prediabetes | Diabetes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fasting sugar (8 hours no food) | Below 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) | 100 to 125 (5.6 to 6.9) | 126 or more (7.0+) |
| 2 hours after 75 g glucose (OGTT) | Below 140 (7.8) | 140 to 199 (7.8 to 11.0) | 200 or more (11.1+) |
| Random sugar | No single cut-off | 200 or more (11.1+) with symptoms | |
| HbA1c | Below 5.7% | 5.7 to 6.4% | 6.5% or more |
Diagnostic ranges from the American Diabetes Association. One high result is usually repeated before diabetes is confirmed.
Targets if you already have diabetes
| When | Usual target |
|---|---|
| Before meals and fasting | 80 to 130 mg/dL (4.4 to 7.2 mmol/L) |
| 1 to 2 hours after starting a meal | Below 180 mg/dL (10.0 mmol/L) |
| Low sugar (treat now) | Below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) |
Targets are personal. Older people and people with frequent lows often have higher targets; pregnant women have lower ones. Follow the numbers your doctor gives you.
Why sugar goes up: common Pakistani habits
- Two or three cups of sweet chai with rusk or biscuits.
- Large portions of rice, naan or paratha at one meal.
- Fruit juice, cold drinks and mithai at weddings and visits.
- Late, heavy dinners and no walking after meals.
- Missed doses or wrong timing of diabetes medicines.
Small daily changes bring numbers down: see the diabetic diet chart and check your average sugar with the HbA1c test.
See a doctor first if
- Your fasting sugar is 126 mg/dL or more, or random sugar is 200 or more
- You have strong thirst, frequent urination, weight loss or blurred vision
- Your sugar is below 70 mg/dL more than once
- You are pregnant (targets in pregnancy are lower)
Common questions
What is the normal sugar level?
For an adult without diabetes, fasting blood sugar is normal below 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L), and below 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) two hours after a glucose drink or meal. A random sugar of 200 mg/dL or more with symptoms suggests diabetes.
What is the normal fasting blood sugar level?
Below 100 mg/dL after at least 8 hours without food. 100 to 125 mg/dL is prediabetes (impaired fasting glucose), and 126 mg/dL or more on two separate tests means diabetes.
What sugar level is dangerous?
Below 70 mg/dL is low (hypoglycaemia) and needs quick sugar such as juice or glucose; below 54 is serious. Very high readings, above about 300 mg/dL, especially with vomiting, thirst or drowsiness, need urgent medical care.
Is 140 sugar normal after eating?
Two hours after a meal, below 140 mg/dL is normal for people without diabetes. For people with diabetes, the usual target is below 180 mg/dL two hours after starting a meal, but your doctor may set a different target.
Can I check sugar at home?
Yes, with a glucometer. Home readings are good for daily control, but diabetes is diagnosed with a laboratory test (fasting sugar, HbA1c or a glucose tolerance test), not with a home meter alone.
How can I lower my sugar level with diet?
Eat three regular meals, keep roti and rice to measured portions, fill half the plate with sabzi, add protein to every meal, stop sugary drinks and walk 10 to 15 minutes after meals. See the diabetic diet chart for a full Pakistani plan.
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