What are normal blood sugar levels for an 81-year-old woman?
For older adults with diabetes, doctors often recommend slightly different blood sugar targets than for younger people. Here's what's typically considered normal:
Fasting Blood Sugar (before eating)
- 80 to 130 mg/dL is the usual target range for people with Show Full Answer
What are normal blood sugar levels for an 81-year-old woman?
For older adults with diabetes, doctors often recommend slightly different blood sugar targets than for younger people. Here's what's typically considered normal:
Fasting Blood Sugar (before eating):
- 80 to 130 mg/dL is the usual target range for people with diabetes taking medications
- Below 100 mg/dL is normal for people without diabetes
After Meals (2 hours after eating):
- Under 180 mg/dL is the typical goal
Important considerations for older adults:
Your doctor may recommend a higher target range if you:
- Have other health conditions
- Don't notice symptoms when your blood sugar drops low
- Are at higher risk for hypoglycemia
Lower isn't always better - blood sugar below 70 mg/dL is considered too low (hypoglycemia) and can be dangerous.
It's best to discuss your individual blood sugar goals with your healthcare provider. They can personalize your targets based on your overall health, medications, and risk factors.
February 19