Approximately 6 million adults in South Korea have diabetes or prediabetes, with about 16% of adults over 30 affected. Blood sugar management is the cornerstone of diabetes prevention and complication avoidance, yet many people are unsure about the exact normal ranges and management methods. This guide covers normal blood sugar ranges, HbA1c interpretation, diabetes types, and practical lifestyle habits.
Use CalKit's blood sugar calculator to check your numbers and start your journey toward healthy blood sugar management.
📑 Table of Contents
Normal Blood Sugar Ranges
Blood sugar levels have different standards depending on when they are measured.
| Measurement | Normal | Prediabetes | Diabetes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fasting Glucose (mg/dL) | < 100 | 100 - 125 | 126+ |
| 2-hr Postprandial (mg/dL) | < 140 | 140 - 199 | 200+ |
| HbA1c (%) | < 5.7 | 5.7 - 6.4 | 6.5+ |
Fasting glucose requires at least 8 hours of fasting. Postprandial glucose is measured 2 hours after eating. Diagnosis typically requires two or more tests to confirm.
🩸 Blood Sugar Calculator Enter your readings to check if you're in the normal, prediabetic, or diabetic range →Understanding HbA1c
HbA1c reflects your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months. It can be tested at any time regardless of fasting and is the most reliable indicator of long-term blood sugar control. The Korean Diabetes Association recommends an HbA1c target of under 6.5% for diabetic patients.
| HbA1c (%) | Est. Average Glucose | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 5.0% | ~97 mg/dL | Normal |
| 5.7% | ~117 mg/dL | Prediabetes threshold |
| 6.5% | ~140 mg/dL | Diabetes diagnostic threshold |
| 7.0% | ~154 mg/dL | Upper management target |
Types of Diabetes
| Feature | Type 1 | Type 2 | Gestational |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cause | Autoimmune destruction of insulin cells | Insulin resistance + decreased secretion | Hormonal changes during pregnancy |
| Proportion | 5-10% of all diabetes | 90-95% of all diabetes | 10-15% of pregnancies |
| Treatment | Insulin injections required | Lifestyle changes + medication | Diet management, insulin if needed |