Normal blood sugar levels: fasting, after meals and HbA1c explained

Pakistan has one of the highest rates of diabetes in the world, and many people find out only by chance. Knowing what your blood sugar numbers mean is the first step. Below are the ranges doctors commonly use, in mg/dL, the unit used on most glucometers in Pakistan.

Fasting blood sugar

Measured after at least 8 hours without food (usually in the morning before breakfast).

• Normal: below 100 mg/dL
• Pre-diabetes: 100 to 125 mg/dL
• Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher (confirmed on two tests)

Two hours after a meal or glucose drink

• Normal: below 140 mg/dL
• Pre-diabetes: 140 to 199 mg/dL
• Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher

HbA1c (3-month average)

HbA1c shows your average sugar over roughly the last three months, so one sweet meal does not change it.

• Normal: below 5.7%
• Pre-diabetes: 5.7% to 6.4%
• Diabetes: 6.5% or higher

What about people who already have diabetes?

Targets for people on treatment are set by their doctor and depend on age, other illnesses and the medicines used. Many adults aim for a fasting reading roughly between 80 and 130 mg/dL and an HbA1c around 7%, but your own target may be different. Ask your doctor what yours is.

Low sugar (hypoglycaemia): know the signs

A reading below 70 mg/dL is low. Signs include shaking, sweating, a fast heartbeat, sudden hunger, confusion or irritability. If you are on insulin or sugar tablets, keep glucose tablets, juice or sugar with you. If someone is drowsy or cannot swallow safely, get emergency help.

How to test correctly at home

• Wash and dry your hands; sugar on fingers gives falsely high readings.
• Use the side of the fingertip and a fresh lancet.
• Check the strips are not expired and match your meter.
• Write down the time and whether it was fasting or after a meal.

Signs you should get tested

Frequent thirst and urination, tiredness, blurred vision, slow-healing wounds, repeated infections, weight loss without trying, or a family history of diabetes. Everyone over 35, and younger people who are overweight, should get checked regularly.

DawaaiMart has glucometers and test strips delivered to your door.