Blood sugar shows considerable deviations throughout the day. Normally, blood sugar is tested on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning. The normal blood sugar level at this time should be somewhere between 70 to 100 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter). After meals, there is a gradual increase in the sugar level. Two hours after meal, normal range for blood sugar is about 120 to 140 mg/dl. The sugar level drops slightly during bedtime. Normal blood sugar level tested at this time should fall between 100 to 140 mg/dl. Any deviation from the normal range of blood sugar levels calls for medical intervention. If the blood sugar exceeds the upper limit of the normal range, it is an indication of diabetes. Repetitive blood glucose tests are necessary to affirm this possibility. Factors Affecting Blood Sugar Level Blood sugar can be defined as the amount of glucose present in the body at any given point of time. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder, resulting in abnormal production of sugar due to inability of the body to produce sufficient amount of insulin. The normal blood sugar levels may vary from person to person depending upon several factors such as:

• Age
• Sex
• Body composition
• Lifestyle

If you are already a diabetic, you should refer to the blood sugar levels for diabetics, which are as follows. Type 1

Test Time	Children	Adults
Before meals	4 to 8 mmol/l	4 to 7 mmol/l
2 hours after meals	Under 10 mmols/l	Under 9 mmols/l

After fasting for 8 hours or overnight, a blood sample is collected. When a fasting blood sugar test is done, a sugar level less than 100 mg/dL -- 5.6 millimoles per liter -- is considered normal. When the sugar levels range between 100-125 mg/dL (5.6 to 7 millimoles per liter), it indicates prediabetes or impaired fasting glucose -- a precursor to diabetes. When the levels shoot up beyond 126 mg/dL (7 millimoles per liter), then it suggests type 2 diabetes. However, there are other conditions that influence the level of sugar in the blood. These include pregnancy, lactation, fasting, severe injuries, and indulging in binge eating. Other factors that contribute in temporary elevation of the blood sugar level are physical exertion and certain ongoing medical treatments. Undergoing more blood sugar tests is the only way to identify the cause of rise in the sugar level. If all the other conditions are eliminated, your physician may begin medical prognosis for diabetes. Controlling Blood Sugar Levels If you are diagnosed with diabetes, your physician will prescribe you an appropriate treatment for diabetes. Along with that, you will have to make some changes in your lifestyle to control the sugar level in your blood. Even if you are not diagnosed with it, it is always better to take efforts to control your sugar level so as to prevent diabetes. Following are the tips to control blood sugar level.

• Have an active and healthy lifestyle
• Avoid smoking or drinking
• Follow a nutritious and healthy diet only
• Do not skip meals

In case you are already a diabetic patient, ensure that you take your medications properly and follow the treatment regularly. Getting tested for blood sugar levels always improves your chances of keeping diabetes at bay.