Normal blood sugar levels for women is 70 to 140 mg/dL, when blood sugar is measured randomly at any time of the day. However, the normal level of blood sugar can be different when it is measured after fasting. Read on to know more about the normal blood sugar levels.
The term blood sugar level refers to the amount of glucose, which is a type of sugar present in the bloodstream. Glucose is the main source of energy and is derived from carbohydrates. Whenever we eat carbohydrate foods, they are broken down or metabolized into simple sugar molecules, known as glucose. From the bloodstream, glucose enters the body cells and tissues. This process is facilitated by the hormone insulin, secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas. Whenever we eat food, the level of glucose in blood rises, which in turn stimulates the pancreas to release insulin. Insulin then enables the cells and tissues of the body to absorb glucose from the bloodstream. As a result, the level of blood sugar drops down to the normal level. In this way, the level of blood sugar is maintained at a normal range. Let's find out the normal blood sugar levels for women in the following paragraphs of this article.
What are the Normal Blood Sugar Levels for Women?
The level of blood sugar can fluctuate to an extent throughout the day. As has been mentioned already, the blood sugar levels rise after meals. Normally, the level of blood sugar is lower in the morning, and then rises after meals. Therefore, more than one test is used to measure the level of blood sugar in both men and women. In general, the normal blood sugar range is 70 to 140 mg/dL. The normal blood sugar levels for women after eating can be around 135 to 140 mg/dL. Sometimes, the level can go up to 180 mg/dL within one hour from the time of eating a meal.
Blood sugar levels are measured in two ways, either randomly throughout the day or after fasting. The range of normal blood sugar levels, when measured randomly throughout the day is 70 to 140 mg/dL. On the other hand, the normal fasting blood sugar levels for women are 70 to 100 mg/dL. The fasting blood sugar level is measured after fasting for at least eight hours. To measure this blood sugar level, an individual is required not to eat or drink anything (except water) for at least 8 hours.
The level of blood sugar can rise slightly above the normal level for about one or two hours after eating a meal. Usually, a test known as 2-hour postprandial blood sugar test is used to measure the normal blood sugar levels two hours after eating a meal. The normal result for this test is 70 to 145 mg/dL. Another test for measuring blood sugar level is the oral glucose tolerance test. To perform this test, an individual is required to fast for a few hours, after which he or she is given a sugar solution to drink. After an hour a blood test is performed, which is then repeated after an hour or two. The values below 140 mg/dL are considered as the normal values for this test.
What do the Results of Blood Sugar Tests Mean?
Blood sugar levels can be affected by many factors, which can vary from one individual to another. Therefore, only a certified physician has the knowledge and expertise to interpret the results of various blood sugar tests. As we know, the normal blood sugar levels for the random blood sugar test should fall between 70 to 140m/dL. If the level of blood sugar is below 70 mg/dL, then it is normally referred to as hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, while a value higher than 140 mg/dL is considered as suggestive of hyperglycemia. As the random blood sugar test checks glucose levels throughout the day, the results can vary, but a large variation may indicate a problem.
On the other hand, the normal blood sugar levels for women in the fasting blood sugar test are 70 to 100 mg/dL. A high value up to 125 mg/dL is considered to indicate prediabetes, while a value higher than 125 mg/dL is suggestive of type 1 or type 2 diabetes. For oral glucose intolerance test, the normal glucose levels are less than 140 mg/dL. If the levels are in the range of 140 to 199 mg/dL, then it may suggest prediabetes, while levels above 200mg/dL can indicate diabetes.
So, this is all about normal blood sugar levels for women. The normal range for blood sugar is usually same for both men and women. While interpreting the results of various blood sugar tests, it should be kept in mind that a single abnormal reading may not indicate diabetes or other conditions, which are characterized by abnormal increase or decrease in the level of blood sugar. Sometimes, certain factors can affect the level of blood sugar in women and men. Factors like age, health condition, use of certain medications, or alcohol use can affect the results of various blood sugar tests. Therefore, before coming to any conclusion, it is advisable to get the results properly evaluated by a physician.
By Chandramita Bora
