Blood Sugar Levels: Normal Ranges and Tips

Newborns and infants in our care are monitored closely to ensure their blood sugar levels remain within a safe range, typically between 40 and 99 mg/dL. For young children up to six years old, we focus on maintaining normal fasting blood sugar levels of 80 to 180 mg/dL, with considerations for slightly higher levels post-meal.

As children transition into adolescence, our team works with families to ensure that teenagers’ blood sugar levels align with adult norms, aiming for fasting levels of 70 to 100 mg/dL and post-meal levels below 140 mg/dL. We provide education and support to help teenagers understand the importance of blood sugar management as they grow.

For the adults in our community, Carrboro Family Medicine Center emphasizes regular monitoring and healthy lifestyle choices to maintain normal blood sugar levels. We offer tailored advice and treatment plans, considering each patient’s unique health circumstances and lifestyle.

For our senior patients, particularly those over 60, we take into account age-related changes and the presence of other health conditions. Our healthcare providers may recommend slightly adjusted blood sugar targets to mitigate the risk of hypoglycemia, especially for those managing diabetes with medication.

We recognize that individual health needs vary, and we are dedicated to providing comprehensive care and personalized treatment plans. Regular consultations with our healthcare professionals will help interpret blood sugar levels accurately and make necessary adjustments to diet, lifestyle, or medication to ensure the best possible health outcomes.

High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can manifest as frequent urination, increased thirst, and unexplained weight loss. Other symptoms may include fatigue, headaches, and blurred vision. In severe cases, you might experience sweet-smelling breath, confusion, or shortness of breath, which could indicate a life-threatening condition called ketoacidosis. If you experience these symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention at our center.

Conversely, low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can cause shakiness, sweating, and irritability. You might feel dizzy, weak, or have palpitations. Severe hypoglycemia can result in confusion, seizures, or loss of consciousness, and requires prompt treatment.

At Carrboro Family Medicine Center, our diabetes management specialists recommend regular monitoring of your blood sugar levels using a glucometer. Our healthcare professionals can guide you on how often to check your levels and what your target ranges should be. If you experience symptoms of high or low blood sugar, perform a test to confirm your levels. For high blood sugar, managing your diet, staying hydrated, and adhering to prescribed medications can help. For low blood sugar, consuming fast-acting carbohydrates like glucose tablets or juice can quickly raise your levels.

We are here to provide personalized care tailored to your individual needs. If you experience frequent episodes of high or low blood sugar, our healthcare team can work with you to adjust your treatment plan effectively.

A balanced diet plays a significant role in blood sugar management, and we recommend incorporating whole grains like oats, quinoa, and brown rice into your meals. These options are rich in fiber, which helps slow down the absorption of sugar, making them ideal for stabilizing blood sugar levels.

We also encourage the inclusion of legumes such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas in your diet. These foods are not only high in protein and fiber but also promote a gradual release of sugar into the bloodstream. Non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and kale are excellent for providing essential nutrients and fiber without causing blood sugar spikes.

Healthy fats from sources such as avocados, nuts, and seeds can further aid in stabilizing blood sugar levels by slowing the digestive process. Lean proteins, including chicken, turkey, and tofu, are also important as they have minimal impact on blood sugar levels and support metabolic health.

For those who enjoy fruits, we suggest opting for those with a low glycemic index, such as berries, apples, and pears. These fruits provide essential vitamins and minerals while minimizing the risk of rapid blood sugar increases.

At Carrboro Family Medicine Center, our team understands that portion control and a well-rounded approach to nutrition are key. Our healthcare professionals and registered dietitians are available to provide personalized guidance tailored to your specific needs.

For patients with type 1 diabetes, our team at Carrboro Family Medicine Center typically advises checking blood sugar levels multiple times a day. This includes before and after meals, before and after exercise, and sometimes during the night. Frequent monitoring helps in adjusting insulin doses and maintaining blood sugar within the target range, which is crucial for effective diabetes management.

For those with type 2 diabetes, the approach at Carrboro Family Medicine Center may differ. If you’re managing your diabetes through lifestyle changes and oral medications, we might recommend less frequent blood sugar testing. However, if your treatment includes insulin or medications that can cause hypoglycemia, more frequent monitoring might be necessary. Our team will work with you to determine the best monitoring schedule, especially if your plan involves insulin injections, to prevent both high and lower blood sugar levels.

For patients using continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), fingerstick tests may be less frequent, as CGMs offer real-time glucose readings and trends. Nevertheless, occasional fingerstick tests might still be needed to ensure CGM accuracy.

We prioritize a personalized approach, working closely with you to develop a blood sugar testing schedule that meets your unique needs. This schedule may evolve due to changes in your health status, treatment plan adjustments, or new symptoms. Regular communication with our healthcare team is essential to managing your diabetes effectively and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Let us partner with you on this journey to optimal health and wellness.

At Carrboro Family Medicine Center, we’re committed to helping you take control of your health by offering expert guidance on managing your blood sugar levels. Our team works closely with you to ensure you understand your blood sugar numbers and provide personalized tips to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 610 Jones Ferry Rd Suite 102, Carrboro, NC 27510. We serve patients from Carrboro NC, Chapel Hill NC, Southern Village NC, Fearrington NC, Blands NC, Pittsboro NC, and surrounding areas.