Recommended blood glucose levels
The levels indicated in the following tables are recommended for most people with diabetes. They were established by the American Diabetes Association
Talk to your doctor about this information.
They can tell you if these levels are recommended for you, or if other levels are recommended for you.
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The levels they recommend for you are your "desired levels".
Record these levels in the appropriate sections of the tables below. It is important to write down your desired blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c test levels.
Recommended glucose levels for most people with diabetes:
Before meals: 70 to 130 mg / dl (*)
1 to 2 hours after meals: Less than 180 mg / dL
* Milligrams per deciliter.
Glycosylated hemoglobin A1c
Your desired level of glycated hemoglobin A1c test could be plus or minus 7 percent.
Keeping it as close to normal as possible will help prevent long-term diabetes-related problems.
"Normal" means less than 6 percent without frequently having low blood glucose.
Recommended hemoglobin A1c test level for people with diabetes: less than 7%.
Doctors may recommend other levels for the following groups:
Very young children
Elderly or with other health problems
People who have low blood glucose levels frequently
Do the following to see if you are achieving your desired levels:
Measure your blood glucose levels daily with your blood glucose meter. If you have questions, talk to your doctor or diabetes educator.
Ask your doctor to do a hemoglobin A1c test blood test at least twice a year. The hemoglobin A1c test test indicates your average blood glucose level for the past 3 months.
If you cannot achieve your desired blood glucose levels, you may need to change the way you control diabetes.
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Hemoglobin A1c test results and your daily blood glucose measurements can help you and your doctor make decisions about
What it eats
When you eat
How much do you eat
What kind of exercise do you do
How much exercise do you do
The type of diabetes medicine you take
How much diabetes medicine you take
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Blood glucose levels in people with diabetes
In people with diabetes, blood glucose levels rise and fall during the day and night. Over time, high blood glucose levels can lead to heart problems and other health problems.
Low blood glucose levels can cause weakness or fainting.
People with diabetes must take steps to achieve and maintain levels that are not too high or too low.
Causes of high blood glucose level
Your blood glucose level may go too high if
Eat more than usual
Do not do physical activity regularly
Not taking enough diabetes medicine
Are sick or stressed
Exercise when your blood glucose level is already too high
Causes of low blood glucose
Your blood glucose level may drop too low if
Eat less than usual
Skip a meal or snack, or eat later than usual
Do more activity than usual
Drink alcoholic beverages on an empty stomach