Understanding blood sugar

Blood sugar can be measured at any time of day.  Understanding blood sugar can be hard, but it doesn't have to be!

Information you need to know:

1. It is important to know (and write down) what time of day you measured your blood sugar (for example, 3:15 PM).
2. Also, write down how much time has passed since you last ate and drank (for example, "ate a turkey and cheese sandwich on white bread 2 hours ago").

"Fasting" Blood Sugar...just a shapshot of your blood sugar control on an empty stomach

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

"Post-Prandial" Blood Sugar...a shapshot of your mealtime blood sugar control

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

A1c...It's like a 3-month video of your blood sugar control

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.