It’s crucial to understand that normal blood sugar levels vary depending on age, lifestyle factors and health issues.
The chart below uses insight from studies including those conducted by the American Diabetes Association (ADA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and John Hopkins Medicine to illustrate the generally recommended blood sugar levels by age. It was reviewed by Jennifer Meller, M.D., chief medical officer at Sweetch—a digital health care innovation company based in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Disclaimer: These are general rules and may vary based on personal health circumstances. This table should not be used to modify a current treatment plan. Every individual should consult their doctor about the right target range for them.
High Blood Sugar: Causes and Signs
High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can have a myriad of causes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these causes can include:
- Sickness
- Stress
- Eating more than usual
- Taking too much insulin
Signs of high blood sugar levels may include the following, according to the National Library of Medicine:
- Thirst
- Headaches
- Feeling tired or weak
- Frequent urination
If you’re feeling sick and your blood sugar is at or above 240 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL), the CDC recommends testing at home for ketones with an over-the-counter kit. Ketones are a chemical byproduct of your body breaking down fat for energy, which can happen if there isn’t enough insulin. High ketones may be a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a medical emergency that warrants immediate attention.
Low Blood Sugar: Causes and Signs
The CDC defines low blood sugar levels as anything at or below 70 mg/dL. Low blood sugar levels, or hypoglycemia, come with a host of health issues. Hypoglecemia can be caused by the following factors, according to the CDC:
- Missing a meal
- Taking too much insulin or other diabetes medications
- Drinking alcohol
- Being more active than usual
The following signs may indicate a low blood sugar level, and they often occur quickly:
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Irritability/confusion
- Hunger
- Dizziness
- Nervousness/anxiety
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Inability to speak, see or hear properly
Populations more prone to developing hypoglycemia include those with type 1 diabetes, people who take insulin or other diabetes medications and people who are 65 or older, as well as those who have had previous bouts of low blood sugar and health issues such as heart or kidney disease.
If your blood sugar levels are too low, the CDC recommends following the 15:5 rule, which requires eating 15 grams of carbs, waiting 15 minutes, checking your blood sugar levels and then repeating the process if your levels are still under 70 mg/dL. Once your low blood sugar is addressed, the CDC recommends eating a balanced meal containing proteins and carbs.
The CDC considers a blood sugar level of under 55 mg/dL as severely low, warranting immediate medical attention and often an injectable glucagon. Contact a health care provider right away if your blood sugar is below the 55 mg/dL threshold.
Article by:Source: Sarah Davis
