What are the target glucose levels for night time (as opposed to “normal”)

  • What are the target glucose levels for night time (as opposed to “normal”)

    Posted by hayden1 on June 30, 2025 at 9:40 am EDT

    I am trying to define night time hypoglycemia. The standard sources appear to give what is normal for the US population, which I doubt is healthy.

    The best source I could find was info from a company called Levels that specializes in glucose monitoring. The company co-founder is Casey Means, MD, the same Casey appointed to be surgeon general. So I am expecting it be aware of the corruption of the present normal standards .

    I could only get the info via a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZbgTzDxBFg

    There are the “normal” and “optimal” levels from the video.

    Glucose Levels – Normal

    Fasting 80-86

    Baseline 70-120

    Post meal spike <+30

    Post meal <140

    Glucose Levels – Optimal

    Fasting 72-85

    Baseline 72-90

    Post meal spike <+30

    Post meal <110

    Low-glycemia* <55, *From another source.

    I am trying to guide a young woman who thinks her night time glucose readings of 70 to 90 means she is hypoglycemic. They look perfect to me, but evidently the “trusted” sources say that is low.

    Thanks.

    IMA-HelenT replied 1 week, 1 day ago 2 Members · 2 Replies
  • 2 Replies
  • hayden1

    Member
    June 30, 2025 at 10:15 am EDT

    More info… the young woman was using a Libre Freestyle monitor which showed a few short night time dips below 70 during the startup of the meter the first 3 or 4 days. The monitor dips lasted about 30 minutes on average. These dips did not wake her. Her daytime glucose levels are perfect.

  • IMA-HelenT

    Organizer
    July 1, 2025 at 9:48 am EDT

    A very interesting question @Hayden1 – I am sure some of the community will offer answers soon. In the meanwhile I did a search on the IMA website for glucose – and there are a fair few links that may be of interest https://imahealth.org/search/?q=glucose

    I also asked AI – and here’s the answer

    Nighttime Glucose Targets: A Closer Look

    For Non-Diabetics:

    Bedtime: 70–100 mg/dL (3.9–5.6 mmol/L)

    Overnight: 70–90 mg/dL (3.9–5.0 mmol/L)

    Morning (fasting): 70–90 mg/dL (3.9–5.0 mmol/L)

    These ranges are considered optimal for metabolic health. Maintaining glucose levels within these parameters overnight supports restorative sleep and reduces the risk of insulin resistance over time.

    nutrisense.io

    For Individuals with Diabetes:

    Bedtime: 90–140 mg/dL (5.0–7.8 mmol/L)

    Overnight: 90–150 mg/dL (5.0–8.3 mmol/L)

    Morning (fasting): 70–130 mg/dL (3.9–7.2 mmol/L)

    These targets aim to balance the prevention of nocturnal hypoglycemia with the avoidance of morning hyperglycemia.

    Nocturnal hypoglycemia refers to blood glucose levels dropping below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) during sleep. This condition can be particularly dangerous as symptoms may go unnoticed, leading to potential complications.

    diatribe.org

    Common symptoms include:

    Night sweats

    Restless sleep or nightmares

    Morning headaches

    Feeling unusually tired upon waking

    Preventative strategies:

    Monitor blood glucose levels before bedtime.

    Avoid excessive insulin or glucose-lowering medications in the evening.

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