Blood Pressure Chart: Ranges, Diabetes Goal and Printable Log
Normal blood pressure is below 120/80 mm Hg. For people with diabetes, the ADA’s on-treatment goal is below 130/80 mm Hg if it can be reached safely. Type your reading below to see which category it falls in, or print the log to track readings at home.
Where does my reading fall?
Information only. Not a diagnosis, and nothing you type leaves your browser.
Blood pressure categories (AHA/ACC)
| Category | Systolic (top), mm Hg | Diastolic (bottom), mm Hg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | below 120 | and | below 80 |
| Elevated | 120 to 129 | and | below 80 |
| Hypertension stage 1 | 130 to 139 | or | 80 to 89 |
| Hypertension stage 2 | 140 or higher | or | 90 or higher |
| Higher than 180 and/or 120 | above 180 | and/or | above 120 |
Categories from the 2017 ACC/AHA guideline as shown by the American Heart Association and CDC. If the two numbers fall in different categories, the higher category applies. The AHA says a diagnosis is based on readings over time, not one.
The goal for people with diabetes
The ADA 2026 Standards of Care (Section 10) define hypertension as 130/80 mm Hg or higher, based on an average of two or more measurements on two or more occasions. If it can be safely attained, the on-treatment goal is below 130/80 mm Hg, and a systolic goal below 120 should be encouraged for people with high cardiovascular or kidney risk. The ADA advises people with hypertension and diabetes to monitor at home after proper education, and to set goals with their care team, weighing risks and preferences. Medicines are a decision for you and your clinician.
How to take a home reading
Ask your care team or pharmacist to show you the technique and check your cuff size. In general: sit quietly for a few minutes, feet flat, back supported, arm resting at heart level. Take the same time each day and write down the date, time and both numbers. Bring the sheet to visits. Your kidney checks and A1C are part of the same picture.
Frequently asked questions
What is a normal blood pressure?
The American Heart Association lists normal as below 120 systolic and below 80 diastolic mm Hg. Elevated is 120 to 129 with diastolic below 80. Stage 1 hypertension is 130 to 139 or 80 to 89, and stage 2 is 140/90 or higher.
What blood pressure goal does the ADA set for people with diabetes?
The ADA 2026 Standards say the on-treatment goal is below 130/80 mm Hg if it can be safely reached, and that a systolic goal below 120 should be encouraged for people at high cardiovascular or kidney risk. Goals are individualized with your care team.
How does the ADA define hypertension?
A systolic of 130 or higher or a diastolic of 80 or higher, based on an average of two or more measurements on two or more occasions.
Should I check my blood pressure at home?
The ADA advises that people with hypertension and diabetes monitor their blood pressure at home after appropriate education. Print the log below to bring readings to your visit.
What is a hypertensive crisis?
A reading above 180 systolic and/or above 120 diastolic. With symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, back pain, numbness, weakness, change in vision or trouble speaking, call 911. Without symptoms, contact your health care professional.
Information only, not medical advice. Your care team may set different targets for you, and only a lab test ordered by a clinician can diagnose diabetes or prediabetes. See our medical disclaimer.
Sources
- American Heart Association: Understanding blood pressure readings
- CDC: About high blood pressure
- ADA Standards of Care in Diabetes—2026, Section 10: Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Management
Last reviewed: by the Diabetes Blogs editorial team. Information only, not medical advice.
