Normal blood sugar in the morning for diabetes

Learn about the symptoms of high and low blood sugar levels and the normal ranges for kids and adults

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By SingleCare Team | Updated on Sep. 7, 2022 Medically reviewed by Karen Berger, Pharm.D.

Blood glucose levels are the amount of glucose, or sugar, that someone has in their blood at any given time. Having high or low blood sugar levels could indicate an underlying health condition that may require medical attention. Use this overview of normal blood glucose levels to understand what your blood sugar levels mean.

What are normal blood sugar levels in healthy individuals?

Blood sugar levels can either be normal, high, or low, depending on how much glucose someone has in their bloodstream. Glucose is a simple sugar that’s present in the bloodstream at all times. Blood glucose levels can be measured at any time, for example, when someone fasts (in the morning upon awakening), before they eat, or after they’ve eaten. A normal blood glucose level for adults, without diabetes, who haven’t eaten for at least eight hours (fasting) is less than 100 mg/dL. A normal blood glucose level for adults, without diabetes, two hours after eating, is 90 to 110 mg/dL.

Many factors affect blood sugar levels throughout the day:

Type of food consumed, how much, and when
Physical activity
Medications
Medical conditions
Age
Stress
Dehydration
Illness
Menstrual periods
Alcohol

An ideal blood sugar level for anyone without diabetes or prediabetes, regardless of age, in the morning should be less than 100 mg/dL. Remember, blood sugar levels can fluctuate throughout the day as a result of the factors previously mentioned.

Types of diabetes

Before going into blood sugar levels, here is a brief overview of the different types of diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is caused when the immune system attacks cells in the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes is not caused by diet or lifestyle. It is known as insulin-dependent diabetes, meaning that insulin is required in order to live. Type 1 diabetes usually occurs in children and young adults, but can occur at any age. There is no way to prevent type 1 diabetes, and there is currently no cure.

People with type 1 diabetes need to inject insulin—or use insulin via a pump—to control blood sugar levels. Although it is important for everyone to have a healthy diet and exercise, people with type 1 diabetes will need insulin every day (regardless of what they eat) to keep blood sugar levels in range.

People with type 1 diabetes use several kinds of insulin. For example, basal insulin (which is injected once or twice daily or given through the pump) holds blood sugar steady under fasting conditions. A fast-acting insulin is also used, to help the body process foods, and to bring down blood sugar levels when necessary.

Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes is more common in adults over age 45, but can occur in chidren and younger adults. In type 2 diabetes, cells do not respond properly to insulin. This is called insulin resistance. The pancreas has to work harder to make more insulin and eventually can’t keep up and blood sugar rises.

There are certain risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Some risk factors include: having prediabetes, being overweight, having a family member with type 2 diabetes, getting little physical activity, or having a history of gestational diabetes.

For people with type 2 diabetes, diet, exercise, and oral medications are used to control blood sugar. Sometimes, injectable medications (insulin—or other injectable medicines that are not insulin but help lower blood sugar) are used as well.

Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes sometimes occurs in pregnant women. Having gestational diabetes increases the risk of your baby having health problems. In most cases, gestational diabetes goes away after the baby is born. However, you will have a higher risk of getting type 2 diabetes later in life. Also, your baby is more likely to have obesity during childhood and teenage years, and is more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life. Women with gestational diabetes will be instructed to make dietary changes and exercise more, and they will be closely monitored. In some cases, insulin or diabetes medication (such as metformin) may be needed to help lower blood sugar levels.

Prediabetes

People with prediabetes have blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Having prediabetes increases the risk of having type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Blood sugar level charts for those with diabetes

Normal blood sugar levels, for those with diabetes, will vary depending on someone’s age and the time of day. For example, when fasting, blood sugar levels are often in the target goal range. The type of food eaten will impact blood sugar levels in different ways. A meal with a lot of carbohydrates (for example, cereal and waffles) will raise blood sugar quicker than a meal that contains carbohydrates, protein, and fat (for example, a hamburger and french fries). Blood sugar will rise after a meal, but will start to return to normal levels in several hours.

Let’s take a look at what blood sugar levels should be, in those with diabetes, based on their age.

Target blood sugar levels in children with diabetes

Children younger than 6 years oldBlood sugar in mg/dLFasting80-180Before meal100-1801-2 hours after eating~180Bedtime110-200

Children under 6 years of age should have blood glucose levels that range from about 80 to 200 mg/dL each day. This range is considered healthy, and the amount of glucose in a child’s body will fluctuate from the time they wake up to after they’ve eaten meals and again before bedtime. For this reason, kids with diabetes or hypoglycemic episodes may have to have their blood sugar levels tested in the middle of the night by their parents. Many children (and adults) with type 1 diabetes wear a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which displays glucose levels all the time and mostly eliminates the need for finger sticks.

Target blood sugar levels for children and adolescents with diabetes

Age 6-12Blood sugar in mg/dLFasting80-180Before meal90-1801-2 hours after eatingUp to 140Bedtime100-180

Kids aged 6 to 12 should have blood sugar levels that range between 80 to 180 mg/dL over the course of a day. Blood sugar levels go up after eating a meal because the body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which is then distributed throughout the bloodstream. Other macronutrients—protein and fat—turn into glucose as well, but at a slower rate. Many people learn how to use these factors to their advantage. For example, if a child’s sugar is trending low, a bedtime snack that includes something with protein and fat, like chocolate milk or peanut butter, will help raise blood sugar levels and help keep blood sugar levels steady through the night.

RELATED: Sleepover tips for children with diabetes

Target blood sugar levels for teenagers with diabetes

Age 13-19Blood sugar in mg/dLFasting70-150Before meal90-1301-2 hours after eatingUp to 140Bedtime90-150

Teenagers should have average blood sugar levels that range between 70 to 150 mg/dL over the course of their day. Teenage years can often be the most difficult for adolescents with diabetes to manage, not only because of the hormonal component, but also because managing diabetes requires a lot of responsibility.

Target blood sugar levels for adults with diabetes

20+ years of ageBlood sugar in mg/dLFastingLess than 100Before meal70-1301-2 hours after eatingLess than 180Bedtime100-140

When you wake up in the morning, your fasting blood sugar is generally at its lowest because you haven’t consumed food for about eight hours. However, many people experience an increase in blood sugar levels in the early morning hours. If you’re an adult and struggling with glucose control, your healthcare provider can help you develop a treatment plan to manage your blood sugar better.

Blood glucose levels outside the ranges listed above are categorized as either high or low blood sugar. For example, according to this chart, blood sugar levels are considered high if they’re over 130 mg/dL before a meal or 180 mg/dL within one to two hours after a meal. Many people won’t start to experience symptoms from high blood sugar until their levels are at 250 mg/dL or higher. .

Low blood sugar symptoms

Low blood sugar, also called hypoglycemia, is what happens when blood glucose levels drop too low. People who take insulin may have low blood sugar if they take too much insulin or mistime the insulin dose in relation to food, or if they exercise more than usual when there is fast-acting insulin “on board” (in the body).

Your healthcare provider will tell you when and how to check blood sugar, and when and how to treat low blood sugar. A low blood sugar is generally considered to be less than 70 mg/dL. A dangerously low blood sugar is below 54 mg/dL.

Low blood sugar can also be caused by many things including certain medications or combinations of medications, alcohol, endocrine disorders, eating disorders, and disorders of the liver, kidneys, or heart.

Here are some of the most common symptoms that someone with low blood sugar might experience:

Lightheadedness
Dizziness
Confusion
Irritability
Shakiness
Nervousness
Anxiety
Sweating
Clamminess
Having a fast heart rate
Pale skin
Hunger
Sleepiness
Fainting
Tingling lips

If your blood sugar is low you might start to feel some of the first signs of hypoglycemia like dizziness, lightheadedness, or sweating. The only way to know for sure if your blood sugar is low is to test it with a glucose meter (a glucose monitoring device) or monitor it with a continuous glucose monitor such as the Dexcom G6.

If your blood sugar is low (or if you don’t have access to these tools and start to feel the symptoms of low blood sugar), a general rule of thumb is to consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbs (such as Smarties, apple juice, or glucose tablets) to raise your blood sugar levels and avoid further symptoms, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Your healthcare provider will give you a plan for what to do in case of low blood sugar that is specifically designed for you.

You should also have glucagon on hand, that you take everywhere with you, such as Baqsimi nasal spray, in case of a low blood sugar emergency. After learning how to use it, teach your family, friends, and caregivers how to administer it to you in case of an emergency where you are unconscious and cannot eat or drink. Also, always wear a medical alert identification to let first responders know that you have diabetes in case of an emergency.

High blood sugar symptoms

Hyperglycemia is the medical term for high blood sugar. Hyperglycemia happens when the body doesn’t have enough insulin or when it can’t use insulin correctly. Many things can cause high blood glucose levels like Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, stress, illness, or the dawn phenomenon. If you have hyperglycemia or suspect you may have it, talking with a healthcare provider is always a good idea. A doctor can help you determine what’s causing your high blood sugar levels and help you lower it to a healthy range.

Here are some of the most common symptoms that may indicate hyperglycemia:

Fatigue
Increased thirst and hunger
Frequent urination
Weight loss
Headaches
Blurred vision
Difficulty concentrating

Untreated hyperglycemia can lead to a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. Ketoacidosis is where the body creates waste products called ketones that can build up in the blood and become life-threatening. A blood or urine test can check for the presence of ketones. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include:

Abdominal pain
Fast, deep breathing
Nausea and vomiting
Exhaustion
Fruity-smelling breath
Vision loss (in rare cases)

Your healthcare provider will give you a treatment plan that indicates when you should seek immediate medical attention.

“When patients experience any of these accompanied by elevated blood sugar levels, diabetic patients are advised to go directly to the ER to avoid diabetes-induced coma,” says Vikram Tarugu, MD, a gastroenterologist and the CEO of Detox of South Florida. “Patients who have elevated blood sugar may also present with frothy, ketone-like smelling breath.”

Here are some lifestyle changes and medical treatments that can help treat hyperglycemia:

Eat whole, low sugar foods that are minimally processed to keep the amount of glucose in the body at a lower level.
Only exercise if there are no ketones present in the bloodstream. You can check if you have ketones with a urine test or blood glucose meter.
Drink lots of water to help your body get rid of sugar in your urine.
Use your insulin to correct high blood sugar levels. Your healthcare provider can help you determine the correct insulin dosages to help reduce elevated blood sugar levels.
Take medications as per your healthcare provider’s recommendations. Some of the most commonly prescribed medications for high blood sugar are Metformin HCl, Glipizide, and Glyburide.

How to get tested for prediabetes, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes

Your healthcare provider may order tests regularly based on your age and risk factors. Or, if you are experiencing certain symptoms, your doctor may order testing to check your blood sugar.

A1C test

A hemoglobin A1C test, known as “A1C,” is a measure of blood sugar control over 3 months. This test can be done in the lab; however many endocrinologists can perform this test with a finger stick in the office.

You can find various charts that convert average blood sugar levels to an A1C. For example, an average blood glucose of 154 mg/dL converts to an A1C of about 7%. Your provider will tell you what your goal A1C should be.

In general terms, a normal A1C in people without diabetes is 5.6% or less. A level of 5.7 to 6.4% is in the prediabetes range (and the higher the number in this range, the greater the risk is for developing type 2 diabetes), and a level of 6.5% or more indicates diabetes.

Fasting blood sugar test

This test can be done in the lab or the healthcare provider’s office with a simple finger stick—or your doctor may prescribe a meter and have you test regularly at home. (Some people have a CGM where they can see their blood sugar levels in real time.)

A fasting blood sugar level indicates what your blood sugar is when you haven’t eaten for at least 8 hours. For adults without diabetes, a normal fasting blood sugar is less than 100 mg/dL. A fasting blood sugar level of 100-125 mg/dL indicates prediabetes, and 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.

Glucose tolerance test

A glucose tolerance test will measure your blood glucose levels before and after you drink a sugary liquid. You will first have a fasting blood sugar level taken. Then you’ll drink the sugary liquid, and have your blood sugar tested 1 hour later, 2 hours later, and possibly 3 hours later. At the 2-hour mark, a normal blood sugar is considered to be 140 mg/dL or lower, while 140-199 mg/dL indicates prediabetes and 200 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.

When to see a healthcare provider

Getting professional medical advice from a healthcare provider like an endocrinologist is the best way to learn more about whether your blood sugar levels are where they should be. Not getting proper treatment for low or high blood sugar levels can be serious and lead to health complications, especially for those with diabetes. Diabetes complications include nerve damage, kidney disease, heart disease, or heart attacks.

If you see a healthcare provider about your blood sugar levels, be prepared to answer questions about risk factors like what you eat, how much you exercise, and about your family history. Some healthcare providers may want to take a blood sample to test your blood sugar levels. They may also order an A1C test, which is a blood test that measures blood sugar control over three months. You may have to fast eight hours beforehand to get accurate test results, so it’s always a good idea to check before your appointment. Your healthcare provider can create a diabetes treatment plan if you are prediabetic or have diabetes.

Be sure your treatment plan includes instructions on when you would need to seek emergency medical care. Emergency rooms are equipped to handle

What is a good blood sugar level when you wake up in the morning?

Normal blood sugar levels when you wake up According to the American Diabetes Association, your blood sugar when you wake should be below 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) if you don't have diabetes.

What is a good morning blood sugar for a diabetic?

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines, patients with diabetes should strive to achieve fasting blood glucose levels below 131 mg/dL, and levels following meals below 180 mg/dL.

What is a normal morning blood sugar number?

A fasting blood sugar level less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L) is normal. A fasting blood sugar level from 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) is considered prediabetes. If it's 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher on two separate tests, you have diabetes.

What is a good blood sugar level in the morning for a Type 2 diabetic?

Most adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes (not pregnant) Before meals, the suggested target blood glucose range is 4.0 to 7.0 millimoles per litre (mmol/L). At 2 hours after meals, it is lower than 5.0 to 10.0 mmol/L.