What should my blood sugar measure to avoid complications?
The main goal of treating diabetes is to normalize blood sugar. Strive to get blood sugars close to that of a healthy person who does
not have diabetes. Several organizations provide recommendations of blood sugar testing goals.
The goal of blood sugars depends on
when you are testing - before a meal (pre-prandial), after a meal (post-prandial),
prior to going to bed. Each organization below provides guidelines for a variety
of blood sugar testing times.
The American Diabetes Association acknowledges these as normal
blood sugars for healthy people who do not have diabetes:
- fasting/before eating < 100 mg/dl
- bedtime 120 mg/dl
- A1c blood sugar test (3 month blood sugar indicator) <6%
The American Diabetes Association recommends the following
blood sugar goals for those with diabetes:
- before eating (pre-prandial) 80-120 mg/dl
- bedtime 100-140 mg/dl
- A1c blood sugar test (3 month blood sugar indicator) <7%
The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
(endocrinologists are medical doctors specializing in disorders including
diabetes) recommends the following blood sugar goals for those with diabetes:
- before eating (pre-prandial) 110 mg/dl
- 2 hours after eating (post-prandial) 140 mg/dl
- A1c blood sugar test (3 month blood sugar indicator) 6.5%
Each person may have different goals for treating their diabetes. It is
important to discuss blood sugar control goals with your diabetes educator
or doctor so you know what to personally try to achieve.
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