Normal Blood Sugar Levels Chart
Understand how a Normal Blood Sugar Levels Chart works. Get access to a free PDF template and example in this guide.
Fact Checked by Nate Lacson.
How important are normal blood sugar levels?
Blood sugar, or blood glucose, is the fuel that keeps our bodies running. It's the primary energy source for our cells, and maintaining healthy levels is crucial for overall well-being. However, imbalances can lead to a variety of health concerns. Chronically high blood sugar levels are a hallmark of diabetes, while excessively low levels can cause hypoglycemia, leading to shakiness, sweating, and even confusion.
In individuals with diabetes, there is a problem with insulin production or utilization. In type 1 diabetes, the body doesn't produce enough insulin due to damage to the beta cells in the pancreas. In type 2 diabetes, the body becomes less responsive to insulin, making it harder for cells to take in and use glucose effectively. As a result, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels, also known as hyperglycemia.
Effectively managing blood glucose levels is essential in patient care. Healthcare professionals are vital in identifying potential imbalances and developing personalized treatment plans.
Printable Normal Blood Sugar Levels Chart
Download this Normal Blood Sugar Levels Chart to monitor blood sugar levels in your patients.
What are normal blood sugar levels?
Following the crucial role of blood sugar management in patient care, let's delve deeper and explore the concept of "normal blood sugar levels." These levels refer to the optimal range of glucose concentrations within the bloodstream necessary for proper bodily function. Maintaining blood sugar within this healthy zone is essential for preventing various health complications and effectively managing conditions for people with diabetes.
A Normal Blood Sugar Levels Chart is a valuable tool for healthcare professionals and patients. This outlines target blood sugar ranges categorized by factors such as fasting state or time after eating. By referencing these guidelines, healthcare professionals can assess an individual's blood sugar levels and determine if they fall within the normal range. This information is particularly crucial for managing diabetes, as chronically high blood sugar levels are central to this condition.
There are two primary methods for monitoring blood sugar levels:
- A1C Test: This blood test provides an average of a person's blood sugar control over 2-3 months. It measures the percentage of hemoglobin proteins in the blood that have glucose attached (glycated hemoglobin). The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends an A1C level below 7% for optimal health.
- Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG): People with diabetes often utilize finger pricking and a test strip to monitor their blood glucose numbers throughout the day. Recording these measurements in a glucose log helps identify patterns and ensure blood sugar remains within the target range specified by a healthcare professional. According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) (n.d.), the normal blood sugar ranges are as follows:
- A1C: Less than 7%
- A1C may also be reported as eAG: Less than 154 mg/dL
- Before a meal (preprandial plasma glucose): 80–130 mg/dL
- 1-2 hours after the beginning of the meal (postprandial plasma glucose): Less than 180 mg/dL
It's important to note that these are general guidelines, and individual variations may occur based on age, gender, and overall health. For instance, depending on the client, one can refer to an elderly blood sugar levels chart or one for children. Healthcare professionals must consider these factors when interpreting blood sugar levels and making treatment decisions.
How does it work?
Our free and printable Normal Blood Sugar Levels Chart template provides an easy-to-use guide for blood glucose monitoring. Follow these steps to get started:
Step 1: Access the free template
Download a copy of the Normal Blood Sugar Levels Chart using the link on this page or from the Carepatron app. You can also access it from our handy resources library.
Step 2: Explain how it works
Explain how the Normal Blood Sugar Levels Chart works by discussing target blood sugar levels and the timing of meals. You can also use this opportunity to discuss lifestyle strategies to help them regulate their blood sugar levels.
Step 3: Ask questions
Ask your patient questions about their current blood sugar levels, what meals they eat during the day, and their lifestyle habits. Ask them how they feel after eating certain foods or about any symptoms they experience when their blood sugar is high or low.
Step 4: Analyze the patient's blood glucose levels
Based on the A1C test, a three-month average of blood sugar levels, and the answers to the questions you've asked your patient, determine your patient's blood sugar level.
Step 5: Develop lifestyle strategies
Develop lifestyle strategies to help your patient regulate their blood sugar levels. You can recommend they increase their physical activity, adjust their diet, take medication if needed, and monitor blood glucose through regular diabetes tests. You can also encourage them to keep a blood sugar log to keep track of their blood sugar levels or note when they observe high blood sugar.
Normal Blood Sugar Levels Charts example (sample)
We have created a Normal Blood Sugar Levels Chart PDF example to help you understand how this free template works. This sample illustrates how to jot down findings after examining a hypothetical patient's A1C levels. You may view the sample here or download it as a PDF for reference.
Download the free Normal Blood Sugar Levels Charts example (sample):
When would you use this template?
This Normal Blood Sugar Levels form can be used to quickly and effectively document blood sugar levels over some time. This template can be used for the following benefits:
Compare blood sugar levels before and after meals
You can use this Normal Blood Sugar Levels Chart to track the change in sugar levels throughout the day. This may help you identify factors affecting your patient's blood sugar levels, such as diet, stress, physical activity, and medications.
Keep track of blood glucose targets
A blood glucose levels chart can document a patient's blood sugar levels over weeks or months. This may help identify patterns that could indicate a pre-diabetes or diabetes diagnosis.
Record sugar levels before and after exercise
If you are using the Normal Blood Sugar Levels Chart to monitor a patient's blood sugar levels, it is important to document any changes before and after physical activity. This will help you better understand the impact of exercise on the patient's blood sugar levels and inform any adjustments to the patient's diet, activity level, or medications.
Be aware of warning signs
Uncontrolled high or low blood glucose levels can lead to serious and dangerous health complications, so it is important to be aware of any warning signs that indicate the need for immediate medical attention. This template allows practitioners to monitor changes in the patient's blood sugar levels quickly and easily. It can be used alongside a low blood sugar levels chart to monitor fluctuations properly.
Non-Fasting Blood Sugar Levels Chart PDF
In addition to the standard normal blood glucose level guidelines, healthcare professionals use non-fasting blood sugar levels to assess an individual's overall glucose control. Non-fasting blood sugar tests, also known as random blood sugar tests, measure the amount of glucose in the blood at any given time, regardless of when the person last ate.
The non-fasting blood sugar level chart provides a reference range for healthcare practitioners to quickly identify if a person's random blood sugar levels fall within the normal, prediabetic, or diabetic range. This information can be used alongside the traditional fasting blood sugar and A1C tests to get a more comprehensive picture of an individual's blood sugar management.
If this can be a helpful resource for your practice, please view this template or download it as a PDF for easier access.
Download the Non-Fasting Blood Sugar Level Chart PDF
Fasting Blood Sugar Levels Chart PDF
Understanding normal fasting blood sugar levels is also crucial for managing and monitoring various health conditions, including diabetes. Fasting refers to not consuming any calories (except for water) for at least 8 hours before a blood test. Fasting blood sugar levels are a reliable indicator of how well your body regulates blood sugar when it hasn't eaten recently.
Blood sugar levels are typically measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) and can vary depending on the time of day, recent meals, and physical activity. Normal ranges differ for those with and without diabetes. Here is a detailed chart explaining these levels:
- Normal range: 70-99 mg/dL
- Prediabetes range: 100-125 mg/dL
- Diabetes range: 126 mg/dL or higher
Continuous glucose monitoring promotes early detection of abnormal glucose levels, facilitating timely intervention. It can be more efficient to have these blood sugar level charts as a handy reference when working with clients. If a Fasting Blood Sugar Levels Chart is helpful for your practice, feel free to check out a preview of this template or download it as a PDF.
Download the Fasting Blood Sugar Levels Chart PDF example (sample)
Why use Carepatron as your Normal Blood Sugar Levels Charts app?
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Reference
American Diabetes Association. (n.d.). The big picture: Checking your blood glucose. American Diabetes Association. https://diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-care/checking-your-blood-sugar
Commonly asked questions
This chart allows healthcare professionals to easily compare blood sugar readings against target ranges. This visual tool helps identify potential issues and allows for informed decisions about treatment plans. It can also empower patients to track their blood sugar levels and understand their progress.
While fasting blood sugar tests are common, non-fasting tests provide a snapshot of blood sugar levels at any time. This can be helpful in situations where a patient might not be able to fast beforehand, offering additional data points for a more comprehensive blood sugar picture.
Yes, the glucose target levels on the chart might be adjusted based on age, the presence of other health conditions, the higher risk of hypoglycemia, or other factors. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for the most applicable targets.
