Diabetes Target Blood Sugar Levels

For diabetes, target blood sugar level is extremely important. Diabetes is an illness wherein the body lacks insulin to push the sugar in the blood to the cells for them to utilize as energy. Or when the body has enough insulin but for some reasons does not respond to the insulin’s function to push blood sugar. Both cases result to more blood sugar in the blood since the body fails to put them to where they should be – in the cells.

The main concern of a person with diabetes is to hit his target blood sugar so it stays at a normal level, and life can go on normally too. Blood sugar testing is one of the most crucial and important routines of a diabetic. Diabetes is taking charge of one’s self and one’s health. It’s a challenge and an opportunity as well.

Blood sugar testing

Blood sugar testing does not only make a diabetic feel at his best but also helps avoid long-term complications of the disease. Keeping the blood sugar levels at a safe range means to test it from time to time. Blood testing is as important as taking insulin and some medications.

How often should testing be done? For type 1 diabetes, the doctor may recommend testing to check target blood sugar at least 3 times a day, maybe before and after exercise, and before and after meals. Testing can be done more often if one is ill or if the routine is being changed.

For type 2 diabetes who take insulin, the doctor may require blood testing 1 to 3 times a day, depending on the insulin dose taken. However, if type 2 diabetes is managed by other medications, or with exercise or diet alone, blood testing may be done less often.

When monitoring and testing the blood sugar, how would you know it is the ideal range?

Target range

For diabetic patients, the doctor sets their target blood sugar range. Diabetes target blood sugar levels are usually the following:

* Before meals — between 70 and 130 mg/dL (4 and 7 mmol/L)
* One to two hours after meals — lower than 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L)
* Fasting at least 8 hours (fasting blood sugar level) — between 90 and 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 5 and 7 millimoles per liter (mmol/L)

Take note that target blood sugar range may differ especially if one has developed diabetes complications, or is pregnant or is older. Reaching target blood sugar is a routine for diabetics but at times it is also a challenge. Going closer to it though is a much rewarding experience.