About BloodGlucoseValue: References, Thresholds and Method

BloodGlucoseValue has interpreted blood glucose readings in plain language since 2019. For any value entered, the site shows its meaning in the fasting state and after a meal, both for people without diabetes and for people managing diabetes, together with what to do next.

Reference values

• Diagnostic cut-offs (people without diabetes): fasting plasma glucose normal below 100 mg/dL, prediabetes 100–125, diabetes 126 or more; 2-hour glucose tolerance test normal below 140, prediabetes 140–199, diabetes 200 or more; HbA1c 5.7–6.4% prediabetes, 6.5% or more diabetes — American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Care, "Diagnosis and Classification". The WHO puts the fasting cut-off for impaired fasting glucose at 6.1 mmol/L (110 mg/dL) instead of 100 mg/dL (WHO); we follow the ADA.
• Treatment targets (people with diabetes): before meals 80–130 mg/dL, peak after meals below 180 mg/dL, HbA1c below 7% for many adults — ADA Standards of Care, "Glycemic Goals and Hypoglycemia".
• Hypoglycemia levels: level 1 = 54–69 mg/dL, level 2 = below 54 mg/dL, level 3 = a severe event needing help from another person (ADA / International Hypoglycaemia Study Group). Treatment: 15–20 g of fast-acting carbohydrate, re-check after 15 minutes.
• Ketone check above 240 mg/dL for people with type 1 diabetes or on insulin — ADA patient guidance.
• HbA1c ↔ average glucose: ADAG study formula, estimated average glucose = 28.7 × HbA1c − 46.7.
• Units: 1 mmol/L of glucose is about 18 mg/dL (the pages calculate with 18.016, from the molar mass of glucose).

Classification method

Blood glucose depends on context, so every value page shows four views side by side: fasting and after a meal, each without and with diabetes. Integers up to 33 are shown as both mmol/L and mg/dL, because outside the US a reading of "7" almost always means 7 mmol/L.

Limitations

Each reading reflects a single moment. A single value cannot establish a diagnosis of diabetes, and this site does not replace the treatment plan agreed with your doctor or diabetes team. Glucose targets are set individually, particularly in pregnancy, in children and in older adults. Blood sugar that is very low or very high may be an emergency: call 911 (US) or your local emergency number if the person is confused, unable to swallow or unconscious.

Data handling

Readings you enter are not stored by us; the checker only opens the page for the value entered. For details, see the privacy policy.

Publisher and review

Publisher: EPSILON WEBCRAFTS LLC, Lexington, KY 40507, USA. All content is verified against the references listed above; date of the last review: 2026-10-25. To report an error, please contact us.