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Blood Sugar Management

Keeping your blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible through proper dietary changes, exercise, and/or medication and insulin therapy is the key to good diabetes control. Avoiding highs and lows will not only make you feel better, but will significantly reduce your risk of diabetes complications. The only way to make sure your blood glucose levels are in target range is to test frequently each day and to get regular A1c tests from your healthcare provider. What numbers should you be looking for? While individual goals will vary, there are some general guidelines that are suggested by diabetes professionals.

The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE)1 recommends the following general blood glucose testing goals for adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes:
  • Preprandial* (fasting, or before a meal) - <110 mg/dl (6.1 mmol/l)
  • Two hours postprandial (after the start of a meal) - <140 mg/dl (7.8 mmol/l)
  • A1c (three month blood glucose average) – 6.5% or lower

    The American Diabetes Association (ADA)2 suggests slightly different targets:
  • Preprandial* – 70-130 mg/dl (3.9-7.2 mmol/l)
  • Postprandial* (1-2 hours) - <180 mg/dl (<10.0 mmol/l)
  • A1c (three month blood glucose average) – 7.0% or lower

    These goals aren’t for everyone, and your personal testing targets may run higher or lower. Your diabetes care team will work with you to determine self-testing blood glucose goals based on your individual medical history and lifestyle requirements.

    *Note: Measurements are for blood plasma; whole blood values would be approximately 15% lower.

    SOURCES:

    1 - American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. AACE Medical Guidelines for Clinical Practice for the Management of Diabetes Mellitus © 2007. (PDF accessed 2/8/08).

    2- Diabetes Care. ADA Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2007. (PDF accessed 2/8/08).

    Reviewed by Francine Kaufman, MD. 4/08

    • Last Modified Date: May 12, 2008


    All content on dLife.com is created and reviewed in compliance with our editorial policy.
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