Blood Sugar Levels and Eye Health

When someone has diabetes, their blood sugar levels (also known as blood glucose) may remain consistently high. Over time, this can damage different parts of the body and lead to many other complications.

A person with diabetes who is developing eye complications may not notice any symptoms at first. However, the condition can progress quickly if blood sugar is not well controlled and regular check-ups are neglected. That’s why it’s important to visit the Eye Center at Al Batal Specialized Medical Complex in Saudi Arabia for a comprehensive eye examination performed by top ophthalmologists.

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How Do Blood Sugar Levels Affect Vision?

High blood sugar levels have a significant impact on vision and can lead to several eye conditions, including blurry vision, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy.

When someone experiences blurred vision, it doesn’t always mean they immediately need an eye exam or a new eyeglass prescription. Elevated blood sugar levels can cause the lens of the eye to swell, which temporarily changes vision. The usual approach to managing this is to bring blood sugar levels back into the target range.

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Normal Blood Sugar Levels by Age

Diabetes is one of the most widespread diseases worldwide. There are several ways to measure blood sugar, and there is a generally accepted normal range, but this range can vary depending on age. It is also influenced by several factors, such as when a person last ate and whether they have taken any medications. For this reason, blood sugar measurements are usually divided into those taken before eating and those taken after a meal, and they may also differ after taking diabetes medications.

During the day, blood sugar tends to be at its lowest right before meals. For most people without diabetes, pre-meal blood sugar levels are usually around 70–80 mg/dL. In some individuals, levels around 60 mg/dL can still be normal, while for others 90 mg/dL is more typical.

In many people, blood glucose will not drop below 60 mg/dL even with prolonged fasting. When a person is dieting or fasting, the liver helps maintain normal blood sugar levels by converting fat and muscle into glucose. In a small number of people, the level may drop somewhat lower. Below is a table showing blood sugar levels according to age.

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Blood Sugar Level Chart for People with Diabetes

Children under 6 years — blood sugar in mg/dL:

Ages 6–12 — blood sugar in mg/dL:

Ages 13–19 — blood sugar in mg/dL:

Age 20 and above — blood sugar in mg/dL:

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A1C (Glycated Hemoglobin)

A1C (Average Blood Sugar Over Time)

The A1C test reflects the average blood sugar level over a period of several weeks to a few months. The appearance of diabetes symptoms may prompt a physician to order an A1C test. The most common symptoms that warrant this type of testing include:

In addition, a doctor may request an A1C test if a patient is at higher risk of developing diabetes. Risk factors include:

The A1C test is used to diagnose diabetes, assess the risk of developing it, and monitor blood sugar control in people already living with diabetes. We recommend visiting Al Batal Specialized Medical Complex in Saudi Arabia for a full evaluation of your condition and to receive appropriate and effective treatment.

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Normal Blood Sugar Level After Eating

Post-meal (postprandial) blood sugar is considered high if it reaches 180 mg/dL or more. In people without diabetes, blood sugar levels after eating typically do not exceed 140 mg/dL. Persistently high blood sugar readings after meals are a strong indicator that a person is at significant risk.

If you notice elevated blood sugar levels, you should undergo the necessary tests at Al Batal Specialized Medical Complex to rule out diabetes. There are also specific laboratory tests that help detect high blood sugar levels.

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Normal Blood Sugar at Age 40

Normal blood sugar levels vary by age group, especially in adults and people over 40. In healthy individuals, fasting blood sugar is usually between 72 and 99 mg/dL. About two hours after eating, it is normal for blood sugar to rise to around 140 mg/dL.

Excess blood sugar can damage almost any part of the body. Damage to blood vessels, in particular, can lead to many serious complications, such as:

Do not hesitate to visit Al Batal Specialized Medical Complex in Saudi Arabia for a general health check-up and all necessary laboratory tests.

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Al Batal Specialized Medical Complex in Saudi Arabia is considered one of the leading and most advanced medical centers in the field of eye care and treatment. The center is gaining increasing recognition every day thanks to the excellent reputation of its medical staff, as well as its use of state-of-the-art technologies for eye examination and treatment. If you are experiencing any eye problem, schedule an appointment at Al Batal Specialized Medical Complex to receive the best medical consultation from an eye specialist at the center.