Diabetes and Blood Sugar Control
The chart below gives you an idea of what your blood sugar level should be. Your goal blood sugar (or glucose) range may be different from another person's and will change throughout the day. Your health care provider will tell you what range is good for you.
Is Your Type 2 Diabetes Under Control?
Recommended Blood Sugar Range for People With Diabetes*
Time of Test | Goal plasma glucose |
Before meals | 70-130 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) |
Before bedtime snack (1-2 hours after a meal/postprandial) | less than 180mg/dL |
Every 3 months HbA1c | less than 7% |
*Source: American Diabetes Association, 2007
For women with gestational diabetes, experts recommend the following goals for diabetes management:
- A fasting glucose less than 105 mg/dL (plasma) or less than 95 mg/dL (whole blood)
- A 2-hour post meal less than 130mg/dL (plasma) or less than 120 md/dL(whole blood)
When to Call the Doctor About Your Blood Sugar
If your blood sugar is less than 70 mg/dL, and you have more than one unexplained low blood sugar reaction in one week, call your health care provider.
If your blood sugar is more than 180 mg/dL for more than a week, or if you have two consecutive readings greater than 300 mg/dL, call your health care provider.
In most cases, your health care provider will suggest changes in your diabetes management.
WebMD Medical Reference
Is This Normal? Get the Facts Fast!
Answer:
0-69
70-130
131+
Your level is currently
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Did You Know Your Lifestyle Choices
Affect Your Blood Sugar?
Use the Blood Glucose Tracker to monitor
how well you manage your blood sugar over time.
This tool is not intended for women who are pregnant.
Step: of
Today on WebMD
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.