dLife membership gives you exclusive access! Get free recipes, newsletters, savings, and so much more!
Membership is FREE!

Keeping your blood sugar 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 in your blood sugar will not only make you feel better, but will significantly reduce your risk of diabetes complications. The only way to make sure your blood sugar 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 in your blood sugar testing? 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 sugar 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 sugar 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 sugar average) – 7.0% or lower

These blood sugar 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 sugar 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