What Is Normal Blood Sugar in People Over 60?

Glucose, derived from foods and body stores, is a main source of energy to the body. Some health conditions, most notably prediabetes and diabetes, are characterized by elevated levels of glucose — or sugar — in the blood, and blood sugar tests are used to screen for, and to monitor these disorders.

Blood sugar levels can also be checked at home, using a glucose meter or other devices. Normal ranges for laboratory blood sugar tests are the same for adults of all ages. However, recommended targets for home testing will sometimes be different for older adults.

Fasting Blood Glucose

When blood work is completed in a laboratory, blood sugar is often tested after an 8 to 12-hour fast. In this setting, normal fasting blood sugar is defined as less than 100 mg/dL, and as low as 60 to 70 — depending on the specific laboratory's reference range.

According to the American Diabetes Association's (ADA) 2018 clinical practice guidelines, fasting blood sugars between 100 to 125 are classified as prediabetes, and fasting readings above 125 fall into the diabetes range 1. These numbers are the same for all adults, including those over the age of 60.

Nonfasting Blood Glucose

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Blood sugars checked outside of a fasting state are commonly called random tests. Normal random blood sugar is not clearly defined, but a result above 200 is suggestive of diabetes.

Another test used for diagnosis is the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), which involves checking a fasting blood sugar, drinking a carbohydrate-containing liquid, then having the blood sugar checked again in 2 hours. A normal OGTT result falls below 140. The prediabetes range for the OGTT result is 140 to 199, and diabetes is considered when this result is above 200. These normal and diagnostic ranges apply to adults of all ages.

Home Glucose Monitoring

If you are diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor or diabetes educator may recommend you start self monitoring your blood glucose (SMBG), which involves testing your own sugars using a glucose meter. Alternatively, your doctor may recommend a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which senses blood glucose on a continual basis.

In these situations, you will be provided with target blood sugar ranges — which will be different, and a bit higher — compared to normal, nondiabetic blood sugars. According to the ADA, reasonable SMBG targets for most adults are 80 to 130 before meals and, when testing 2 hours after meals, below 180. However, your healthcare team may provide you with slightly different targets.

Specific Advice for Older Adults

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Many older adults with diabetes who are otherwise healthy and independent can try to achieve the same SMBG targets as their younger counterparts.

However, in some people, aiming for these near-normal blood sugars may increase the risk of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar — a side effect of insulin or certain diabetes pills which can increase the risk of falls, confusion or accidents.

To avoid hypoglycemia, ADA recommends that physicians individualize — and relax — blood sugar targets in older adults who have multiple chronic illnesses, cognitive impairment or those who rely on others for daily care.

Warnings

If you have prediabetes or diabetes, your doctor will review a management plan tailored for you. Lifestyle therapy, including a healthy diet, weight management and exercise, is the cornerstone of managing these conditions. Medications may also be advised.

Blood sugar monitoring helps you understand how your blood sugars compare to your targets, and allows you to provide your doctor with specific data on your progress. Ask your doctor for a referral to a prediabetes or diabetes education program, so you can learn how to manage your condition, and also for a referral to a dietitian, for an individualized nutrition plan.

Reviewed by Kay Peck, MPH RD