Articles
Blood sugar testing: Why, when and how
Avoiding problems with meter usage
Content
Why test your blood sugar
When to test your blood sugar
Type 1 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes
What if you have a continuous glucose monitor (CGM)?
Know your target range
How to test your blood sugar
Recording your results
Avoiding problems with your meter
Know your target range
Ask your doctor what a reasonable blood sugar range is for you. Your doctor will set target blood sugar test results based on several factors, including:
- Type and severity of diabetes
- Age
- How long you've had diabetes
- Pregnancy status
- The presence of diabetes complications
- Overall health and the presence of other medical conditions
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) generally recommends the following target blood sugar levels:
- Between 80 and 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 4.4 to 7.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) before meals
- Less than 180 mg/dL (10.0 mmol/L) two hours after meals
But the ADA notes that these goals often vary depending on your age and personal health and should be individualized. For example, Mayo Clinic generally recommends that healthy adults under 60 can aim for slightly lower blood sugar targets.
Some people will have slightly higher blood sugar goals, including people who:
- Are age 60 and older
- Have other medical conditions, such as heart, lung or kidney disease
- Have a reduced ability to sense low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia unawareness)
