Blood sugar levels vary depending on when you last ate and your
individual health. For laboratory fasting glucose, below 100 mg/dL
is generally considered normal, 100–125 mg/dL falls within the
prediabetes range, and 126 mg/dL or higher may indicate diabetes
when confirmed by appropriate testing. Your healthcare professional
can help determine what range is appropriate for you.

Morning blood sugar is commonly measured after fasting for at least
eight hours. For people without diabetes, a laboratory fasting
glucose below 100 mg/dL is generally considered normal. For many
nonpregnant adults who have diabetes, a commonly used individualized
premeal target is 80–130 mg/dL.

Blood sugar normally rises after eating because carbohydrates are
converted into glucose. For many nonpregnant adults with diabetes,
a commonly used individualized goal is less than 180 mg/dL about
one to two hours after the beginning of a meal. Individual targets
can differ, so follow the recommendations of your healthcare
professional.

A1C is a blood test that reflects your average blood glucose over
roughly the previous two to three months. An A1C below 5.7% is
generally considered normal, 5.7%–6.4% is in the prediabetes range,
and 6.5% or higher can indicate diabetes when appropriately
confirmed. For many people already living with diabetes, an A1C
below 7% is a common goal, although individual targets vary.

Blood sugar can rise after eating carbohydrates, during periods of
physical inactivity, illness, stress, hormonal changes, or because
of certain medications. Understanding how food, activity, sleep,
stress, and other lifestyle factors affect your glucose can help
you discuss an appropriate blood sugar management strategy with
your healthcare professional.

Healthy blood sugar can be supported through balanced nutrition,
regular physical activity, maintaining an appropriate body weight,
adequate sleep, stress management, and following your healthcare
professional’s recommendations. People who take glucose-lowering
medications should discuss significant diet, exercise, or supplement
changes with their healthcare professional.

A balanced eating pattern that emphasizes vegetables, fiber-rich
whole foods, appropriate portions of carbohydrates, protein, and
healthy fats can help support healthy glucose management. Rather
than focusing on a single “blood sugar food,” consider your overall
eating pattern, portion size, carbohydrate intake, and how individual
foods affect you.

Yes. Physical activity helps muscles use glucose for energy and can
support insulin sensitivity and overall metabolic health. The effect
of exercise on blood glucose varies by the person, activity,
medications, and glucose level, so people with diabetes should
follow individualized guidance from their healthcare team.

Blood sugar, or blood glucose, is glucose circulating in your
bloodstream and serves as an important source of energy. Insulin is
a hormone that helps glucose move from your bloodstream into cells
where it can be used or stored. Problems making insulin or responding
effectively to insulin can contribute to elevated blood glucose.

Certain nutrients and botanical ingredients are marketed for
supporting glucose metabolism or maintaining already-healthy blood
sugar levels. However, dietary supplements should not be used to
diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent diabetes, and they should not
replace prescribed medication, diet, exercise, or medical care.
If you have diabetes, prediabetes, take glucose-lowering medication,
are pregnant or nursing, or have a medical condition, discuss
supplements with your healthcare professional before use.

DISCLAIMER