Normal blood sugar levels (target range chart)
Medically reviewed by Pharmacist Cherlyn
The short answer
For people without diabetes, a normal fasting blood sugar is below 5.6 mmol/L and below 7.8 mmol/L two hours after eating. A fasting reading of 5.6–6.9 mmol/L suggests prediabetes, and 7.0 mmol/L or higher (confirmed on repeat testing) indicates diabetes.
Knowing the target ranges helps you make sense of a reading on your meter or a lab report. Below are the widely used cut-offs. Remember these are general references — your personal targets may differ, especially if you already live with diabetes.
Blood sugar range chart (mmol/L)
| Test | Normal | Prediabetes | Diabetes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fasting glucose | Below 5.6 | 5.6 – 6.9 | 7.0 or higher |
| 2 hours after meal / OGTT | Below 7.8 | 7.8 – 11.0 | 11.1 or higher |
| HbA1c | Below 5.7% | 5.7 – 6.4% | 6.5% or higher |
A random (any-time) reading of 11.1 mmol/L or higher, together with symptoms such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained weight loss, also points to diabetes. Diagnosis should always be confirmed by a doctor, usually on a repeat test.
What about targets if I already have diabetes?
People managing diabetes are usually given individualised targets — for many adults that means roughly 4.0–7.0 mmol/L fasting and below 8.5–10.0 mmol/L after meals, with an HbA1c target often around 7% (sometimes lower or higher depending on age, other conditions, and risk of hypos). Your doctor sets the right numbers for you.
Why your reading changes through the day
Food (especially carbohydrates), physical activity, stress, illness, sleep, and medication all move your glucose. That's normal. What matters is the overall pattern — which is exactly why home monitoring is so useful.
How to check your own level
You can measure fasting and post-meal glucose at home with a glucometer — see how to use a glucometer. CityMedic supplies the GlucoDr Auto A and GlucoNavii NFC meters for accurate self-testing.
This article is general health information, not medical advice. Target ranges are guides based on widely used standards (WHO, ADA, and Malaysian Clinical Practice Guidelines) and are individualised by your doctor. Always discuss your own results with a healthcare professional.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal blood sugar level in mmol/L?
For people without diabetes: fasting below 5.6 mmol/L, and below 7.8 mmol/L two hours after a meal.
What blood sugar level is considered diabetes?
A fasting glucose of 7.0 mmol/L or higher, a 2-hour reading of 11.1 mmol/L or higher, or an HbA1c of 6.5% or higher — confirmed on repeat testing by your doctor.
What is prediabetes?
Blood sugar that is higher than normal but not yet diabetes: fasting 5.6–6.9 mmol/L, 2-hour 7.8–11.0 mmol/L, or HbA1c 5.7–6.4%. It's a signal to act early.