Normal range blood sugar levels can be checked with the blood sugar tests listed below. Review this chart of blood sugar levels and shoot for these numbers when you have type 2 diabetes or if you just want to keep your blood sugar under control.

Fasting Blood Sugar Test

Blood is taken after fasting... not eating or drinking for around 6 hours before the test.

Very low blood sugar levels (for example 50 mg/dL) may signal symptoms of hypoglycemia.

A high blood sugar level (hyperglycemia) between 100 and 126 mg/dL may tell you that you have early diabetes (pre diabetes)... a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

By definition, a fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) or higher indicates diabetes.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

You will normally fast for 12 hours before this test and you cannot eat during the test which takes around 3 hours.

Your blood will be taken, then afterwards you will drink something that contains glucose. Your blood will be taken again every 30 to 60 minutes for up to 3 hours.

After 2 hours, a high blood sugar level (hyperglycemia) between 140 and 200 mg/dL may indicate pre diabetes, as mentioned above, a big risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

After 2 hours, a high blood sugar level over 200 mg/dL may indicate diabetes.

Random Blood Sugar Testing (Non-Fasting)

This test can normally be done at home with a blood sugar test kit that can be purchased at a pharmacy usually without a prescription.

A high blood sugar level over 200 mg/dL may indicate diabetes. Check for the early signs of diabetes to see if you have any of them. This should also be confirmed by seeing a doctor and taking a fasting blood sugar test or oral glucose tolerance test.

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)

HbA1c is a form of blood sugar testing that can give you a good estimate of how well you have been managing to stay at a normal adult blood sugar level over the past 2 or 3 months.

An HbA1c above 7% may mean that you have not controlled your blood sugar very well over the past few months which could lead to complications if you already have type 2 diabetes.

See your doctor for recommendations for how often you should be tested and for discussion and advice regarding your specific test results.

Also, spend time on this site and continue to educate yourself. There is a wealth of information here.

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