Ask the Diabetes Educator Archive

1/30/06

Q:
What is a normal blood sugar level for a teenage girl? Is it true the blood sugar levels sometimes rise when you are sick?

A:
At this time, the levels are the same for adults and teenagers. If this was an A1c test which measures results over a 3 month period, she should be closer to 5.0-5.3. Stressors will raise blood sugars, but not into abnormal ranges unless there is the potential (genetic/autoimmune) for developing diabetes. Start getting assistance with good eating habits, encourage high activity, and get her fasting blood sugar levels rechecked. Being around 80 in the morning (fasting) is a good goal for her.