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.

Recommended Blood Sugar Range for People With Diabetes*

*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 glucose 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.

Reviewed by Certified Diabetes Educators in the Department of Patient Education and Health Information and by physicians in the Department of Endocrinology at The Cleveland Clinic.