Is 81 mg/dL A Normal Blood Sugar Level?

iStock

Question

Asked by missypena

I woke up this morning with a massive headache. After 3 cups of coffee (with sugar and creamer), and 2 BC Powders, I still had the headache. I just checked my blood sugar, and it was 81. Is that a normal reading?

Answer

Many diabetic patients are hypertensive, and a headache may indicate a hypertensive crisis. 81 mg/dL is a normal reading though. If your blood sugar is high all the time, 81 is going to make you feel like your blood sugar is low. After meals, glycemia usually goes up. In some rare cases, glucose blood levels may not increase or even decrease. If your readings are above 200 mg/dL 2 hours after a meal, she should talk to your doctor.

Cherise

Community Moderator

You should know: The answer above provides general health information that is not intended to replace medical advice or treatment recommendations from a qualified healthcare professional.

Meet Our Writer

Ask HealthCentral

At its core, HealthCentral is about patients helping patients. That’s why we’ve created Ask HealthCentral, so you – the patient or caregiver – can ask HealthCentral’s experts your pressing questions about living with a chronic condition, or managing a healthy lifestyle. Comprised of patients and medical professionals, our Ask HealthCentral board addresses the questions you submit through our question form. Have a question? Ask HealthCentral.

What to Read Next

Let's Talk About Diabetic Retinopathy

Coconut-Almond Cookies

Festive Dark Chocolate Bark

2-Bite Carrot Cake Cupcakes