Is 120 Blood Sugar Normal?

A healthy blood sugar level depends on a person’s age, physical condition and when they last ate. For some people with diabetes, a fasting blood sugar measurement of 120 is on the high end of normal. For people without this condition “normal” is lower -- under 100 except right after meals.

Normal blood sugar levels differ depending on a person’s age and other health conditions. 

In people who do not have diabetes, normal blood sugar ranges are:

• Fasting/upon waking and before meals: 80 to 99 mg/dL
• After meals/before bed: 80 to 140 mg/dL

It is important for people with diabetes to manage blood sugar levels to prevent complications from the disease. 

For adults who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and children who have type 1 diabetes, normal blood sugar ranges are:

• Fasting/upon waking and before meals: 80 to 130 mg/dL
• After meals/before bed: Less than 180 mg/dL

For pregnant women who have pre-existing diabetes, normal blood sugar ranges are:

• Fasting/upon waking and before meals: 60 to 99 mg/dL
• After meals/before bed: 100 to 129 mg/dL

For pregnant women who have gestational diabetes, normal blood sugar ranges are:

• Fasting/upon waking and before meals: less than 96 mg/dL
• After meals/before bed: less than 120 mg/dL

Ways to help keep blood sugar levels in check include: 

• Eating a healthy diet 
  • Consuming plenty of vegetables and fruits
  • Choosing foods low in calories, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar, and salt
  • Drinking water instead of juice or soda
  • Limiting alcohol
  • Eating fruit for dessert
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Getting regular exercise
• Tracking blood sugar levels if you are diabetic to see what makes them go up or down
• Eating at regular times, and not skipping meals
• Tracking food, drink, and exercise
• Controlling food portions