Target blood glucose levels for patients over 20 years of age with diabetes:
Fasting: less than 5.56mmol/l;
Pre-meal: 3.89 to 7.22 mmol/l;
Post-meal (1-2 hours): less than 10mmol/l;
Pre-exercise (for those with insulin injections): at least 5.56 mmol/l;
Nighttime: 5.56 to 7.78 mmol/l;
Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c): below or about 7.0%.
Note: These are general medical guidelines, please follow your doctor’s instructions.
Usually when blood glucose rises after a meal, for example, the pancreas releases insulin, which means the body will keep absorbing glucose until blood glucose levels return to normal.
For people with diabetes, whose bodies do not produce insulin (type 1 diabetes) or do not respond properly to insulin (type 2 diabetes), this can lead to high blood sugar for a long time. Over time, this can damage nerves and blood vessels, leading to heart disease and other conditions.
People with diabetes may be asked by their doctor to check their blood glucose at home using a special device called a home blood glucose meter to follow their blood glucose levels. Checking blood glucose requires a small blood sample, usually taken from the fingertip to check the amount of glucose in the blood.
You should follow your doctor’s instructions about the best way to use the device.
Your doctor will tell you when and how to check your blood glucose. After each blood glucose check, record the blood glucose level in a notebook, online tool, or app. Factors such as when you check your blood glucose, your recent activity, and the food you ate at your last meal can affect your doctor’s judgment of your blood glucose level. Therefore, please try to record the following relevant information.
Medications taken and doses.
What food was eaten, when it was eaten, and whether it was fasted.
The amount, intensity and type of exercise (for those who exercise).
This helps determine if the treatment is working.
Managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes can delay or prevent complications that affect the eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Diabetes raises the risk of heart disease and stroke. Fortunately, controlling blood sugar can also reduce the risk of these diseases.
However, tighter blood glucose control means a higher risk of hypoglycemia, so your doctor may recommend keeping your blood glucose at a slightly higher level.