Blood sugar can be measured at any time of day. Understanding blood sugar can be hard, but it doesn't have to be!
If you have not eaten for 8 hours or more, this is called a "fasting" blood sugar. In people without diabetes, "fasting" blood sugar is usually between 70 and 110 (mg/dL).
What is my "fasting" blood sugar goal?
The goal for "fasting" blood sugar is often to be between 80 and 130 (mg/dL). Ask your doctor what your goal is.
There is a way to measure your long-term blood sugar control. It's called A1c. A1c is short for hemoglobin A1c. A1c measures your sugar control over 3 months.
What is my A1c goal?
Below 6.5
If you ate a meal about 2 hours ago, this is called a "2-hour post-prandial" blood sugar. In people without diabetes, blood sugar is highest 1 hour after eating and is usually less than 140 (mg/dL). What is my "post-prandial" blood sugar goal? The goal for "2-hour post-prandial" blood sugar is often to be less than 180 (mg/dL). Ask your doctor what your goal is.
• 1-2 hours after beginning of the meal (post-prandial blood sugar)*: Less than 180 mg/dL
The goal for most adults with diabetes is an A1C that is less than 7%.
Results give you a picture of your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. The higher the levels, the greater your risk of developing diabetes complications.