Type 2 diabetes is a long-term condition where your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use the insulin it makes properly, causing blood sugar levels to rise. Keeping an eye on your blood sugar is essential for managing the condition and protecting your overall health. A blood sugar chart can help you understand what’s normal, too high, or too low. By getting familiar with these ranges, you can work with your doctor to maintain healthy levels and reduce the risk of complications. Below, we break down everything you need to know about type 2 diabetes.What is Type 2 diabetes?Type 2 diabetes (T2D) occurs when blood sugar (glucose) remains consistently high. Normal blood sugar levels fall between 70 and 99 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). If undiagnosed, Type 2 diabetes often shows levels of 126 mg/dL or more.T2D happens because the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin, the body can’t use insulin effectively, or a combination of both. This differs from Type 1 diabetes, which arises when the immune system attacks the pancreas, leaving the body unable to produce insulin at all.How Common Is Type 2 Diabetes?Type 2 diabetes is widespread. Over 37 million people in the U.S. have diabetes (around 1 in 10), with 90–95% of cases being T2D. Globally, it affects roughly 6.3% of the population. While it’s most common in adults over 45, younger adults and even children can develop it.Blood Sugar Range For Adults With Type 2 Diabetes And Children With Type 2 DiabetesThe American Diabetes Association recommends the following ranges for adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and children with type 2 diabetes:TimeRecommended Blood Sugar RangeFasting (before eating)80 to 130 mg/dL1 to 2 hours after mealLower than 180 mg/dLIs Type 2 Diabetes Genetic?T2D has complex causes, but genes play a significant role. If one biological parent has T2D, your lifetime risk is around 40%, and if both parents do, it rises to 70%. Scientists have identified over 150 DNA variations linked to T2D risk, some increase the chance of insulin resistance or reduced insulin production, while others influence obesity risk. These genetic factors interact with lifestyle and health habits to determine overall risk.How is Type 2 Diabetes Diagnosed?Doctors use several blood tests to confirm T2D:Fasting plasma glucose test: Measures blood sugar after an eight-hour fast. A result of 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes. Random plasma glucose test: Measures blood sugar at any time without fasting. A reading of 200 mg/dL or higher signals diabetes.A1C test: Reflects average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months. A level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.What Is A1C?A1C shows your average blood sugar for the past three months. When sugar circulates in your blood, it attaches to a protein called hemoglobin. Higher blood sugar levels result in a higher percentage of hemoglobin coated with sugar. Your A1C result helps indicate whether your blood sugar is normal, prediabetic, or diabetic.The chart below shows where your A1C result stands, whether it is within a healthy range or could indicate prediabetes or diabetes.DiagnosisAIC ResultNormalless than 5.7%Prediabetesbetween 5.7% and 6.4%Diabetes6.5% and higher