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    Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.

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  • Living with diabetes blog

  • July 26, 2011

    Know your blood glucose target range

    By Nancy Klobassa Davidson, R.N., and Peggy Moreland, R.N.

102 comments posted

Wow, what a tremendous response to the new diabetes blog. You are showing the huge impact diabetes has on an individual's life, family, community, and society as a whole.

Peggy and I would like to thank all of you for sharing your stories about living with diabetes. As you all know, diabetes is a complex issue and there are many facets involved in managing and living with the disease.

In viewing the comments, we would like to thank you for sharing your personal experiences, challenges, burdens, and successes. This is your opportunity to share information and tips, and Peggy and I plan on choosing a couple items each week to respond to.

This week I would like to talk about the blood glucose target range. What should it be? A normal fasting blood glucose target range for an individual without diabetes is 70-100 mg/dL (3.9-5.6 mmol/L). The American Diabetes Association recommends a fasting plasma glucose level of 70–130 mg/dL (3.9-7.2 mmol/L) and after meals less than 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L).

Individuals with hypoglycemic unawareness (limited or no awareness of low blood glucose symptoms) may require a lower target range. Your healthcare provider may personalize your blood glucose target for specific medical conditions. Blood glucose targets should be in a healthy range to prevent diabetes complications, but also keep you safe from serious low blood glucoses.

Remember, blood glucose targets are targets. Diabetes is a balancing acting and blood glucoses will fluctuate; even sharpshooters don't hit the bull's-eye every time.

Once again, thank you. Keep the comments coming. We will try to address some of your concerns in the upcoming weeks.

- Nancy

102 comments posted

blog index

  • October 28, 2010 2:53 p.m.

    I have recently started testing my glucose level four times a day, fasting, before lunch, dinner and before going to bed. My fasting over the last thre days was between 108 and 124. Before meals I seem to be averaging less than 120, even in the 90's. Today I tested before lunch it was 108. I had a big lunch that included a pepsi (I should not have I guess) Then I tested around 20-30 mins after lunch because I felt very tired and was curious. I tested 246. I haven been reading about these sugar spikes that can occur after meals. How concern should I be? I am a male, 40, about 10-15 lbs overweight. Thanks.

    - Gerardo

  • October 28, 2010 11:26 a.m.

    I am concerned about taking Januvia and so I quit taking it now I am running high BG and would like to take something else. What do you suggest BG 229 fasting in the morning.

    - Emilie

  • August 14, 2010 12:55 p.m.

    I am 58 yrs old,overweight and my last two glucose readings were 131 and 130 six months apart. My previous readings were 83,120,85 and 93 also 6 months apart. My doctor wants to start me on meds. Would it be possible to try and loose weight and exercise more to bring the numbers back down?

    - Diane

  • August 13, 2010 1:23 p.m.

    I am 46, normal weight, hypothyroid with good diet and exercise habits. Strong family history of diabetes. I started testing my own blood sugar, after a random test from the doctor came back a little high. My fasting blood sugar is 105-133. A spike after a baked potato, for example is 200. My a1c is 5.7, which is in the normal range. Do I need to be concerned about the fasting blood sugar numbers? My doctor says diet and exercise, which I've been sticking to, but the fasting continues to slowly climb. When is medication in order?

    - Mary

  • July 14, 2010 9:58 a.m.

    I'm 21.5 wks pregnant & haven't been diagnosed w/ Gestional Diabetes, yet. I'm a military dependent & go to the Army hospital for my care. I am also 35yrs, over weight...I'm wheelchair bound do to an extensive injury to my leg from 2 yrs ago. I have been 'labeld' & had to get a 1hr test done at 13 wks. That number came back 151. I requested to be given a meter to test myself so that I could stay on top of anything that may be wrong. * The highest over night fasting number I had was 95 & stupidly ate the worst fast food combination @ 9pm. I normally average between 72 and 83, when I eat normal stuff at normal times. * During the day, I can eat just about anything & 2hrs after my numbers have never been higher than 117. * I asked if stress played a roll in my blood sugar, since after all my husband is deployed & I help out with our family readiness group. * If sickness palyed a roll, I'm having pain that could be a possible gallstone or kidney stone. I got an ultrasound of that area done yesterday, I will know that answer soon. I have also been having low grade fevers & have lost 4 lbs snce last month so I have only gained 3 lbs this pregnancy. * I have given you a little backround, so I guess my questions would be: What are the standard blood glucose ranges for pregnant women? Does stress, sickness, or fever play a roll in the numbers? Where can I get those answers on paper to take with me to the DR? I have been stressing over this for we

    - Amy

  • June 11, 2010 8:50 a.m.

    Josheph's mom: We recommend that you report Joseph's after meal blood sugars to his physican for more testing for type 2 diabetes. As stated above his blood sugars 2 hours after a meal should be less than 180 mg/dl (10 mmol/L).

    - Nancy and Peggy

  • June 9, 2010 2:14 p.m.

    my son's a1c is 5.6 and his fasting bg is 86 or so, but 2 hrs after eating his bg was 255, and 30 min after drinking a soda it was 401. since his a1c is within normal range, should I be concerned? other random checks were 128, 119, and 182 over the past several days.

    - joseph'sMom

  • May 26, 2010 11:15 a.m.

    MaryAlice, first I would like to commend you on controlling your diabetes all these years with diet and exercise. Type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease and with time the pancreas function decreases and medication is necessary. If exercise or diet control are not effective in controlling your blood glucoses and the BG continues to be above 180 mg/dl (8 mmol/L) 2 hours post meal, contact your health care provider about starting medication.

    - Nancy and Peggy

  • May 26, 2010 10:56 a.m.

    Rico, remember a a diagnosis of diabetes is made if there are two fasting blood glucoses above 126 mg/dl or 7 mmol/L. Follow up with your health care provider in 6-12 months with a fasting blood glucose or if you experience symptoms of diabetes: increased thirst or urination, blurred vision, weight loss, or numbness/ tingling in hands and feet.

    - Nancy and Peggy

  • May 26, 2010 10:49 a.m.

    Lalit, I would give the diet and exercise behavior changes a trial first and if the fasting blood glucose continues above 140 mg/dl or 7.7 mmol in 3 months, contact your physician about starting medication.

    - Nancy and Peggy

  • May 25, 2010 5:15 a.m.

    I am 42 years of age and overweight. My mother & father are diabetic so I started checking my sugar levels once every 2 months. Till 2 months ago, my blood sugar levels very perfect even though I was eating sugar and junk food in moderation, however, recently I noticed that my sugar level have risen. My fasting is 147 but my sugar level after meals are low than my fasting. I have now completely given up sugar and junk food. I have made a routine to exercise atleast 45 min a day ( 30 min brisk walk + 15 minutes stretching) Now my confusion is that my fasting says that I am diabetic, as my fasting is 147 but my post meals is perfect 130 to 150. Anyway, as a precaution I have started exercising and given up sugar compeletly. Do I need to start medicine or should exercise and try to bring the fasting sugar down.

    - Lalit

  • May 22, 2010 10:44 p.m.

    I RECENTLY GOT A BLOOD TEST TO CHECK MY GLUCOSE LEVEL AND IT CAME BACK AT 105. IN THE PAST IT WAS ALWAYS BETWEEN 80 TO 100. HOW CAN I LOWER MY GLUCOSE LEVEL AND SHOULD I BE WORRIED ABOUT A GLUCOSE LEVEL OF 105

    - rico

  • May 17, 2010 2:17 p.m.

    I have had Type 2 for 21 years. I went in to menopause in January and my A1C has gone up and my readings 2 hours after eating is 170-200. The sad thing is I am exercising more than ever. What can I do with out changing my Janumet 50/1000mg?

    - MaryAlice

  • May 12, 2010 1:43 p.m.

    Sara: Your doctor wants test you for type 2 diabetes. A normal fasting blood glucose target range for an individual without diabetes is 70-100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 3.9-5.6 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). The American Diabetes Association recommends a fasting plasma glucose level of 90-130 mg/dL (5.0-7.2 mmol/L) and after meals less than 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L).

    - Nancy and Peggy

  • May 6, 2010 6:22 p.m.

    I have had two blood sugar readings the first was 150 the second was 166, I fasted for both, the Dr wants me to come back for a 3rd finger stick, he said these are high readings, how high are they and what would be normal, I have not been diagnosed with diabetes.

    - sara

  • March 30, 2010 6:51 p.m.

    I've asked this question of everyone....no one seems to have a good answer. Why do I get such different readings when testing my blood from one finger to another. One says 97, the next finger reads 138. How can a person control their diabetes with such wide ranges in the numbers? Sometimes the same drop of blood will give me two readings 40 pts apart. HELP!

    - maran

  • March 24, 2010 3:20 a.m.

    This blog really helps! I have had II for about 3 years and am still learning my way. A1C is good 5.7, average fasting runs from 94-114 average in the a.m. Concerned because management seems very much like a 'crap shoot' - try this, try that, etc. Have lost 30 lbs (yea!), limit carbs, am doing more walking, take 750 mg metformin daily. Worried about the future, however...percentages of II people with eye/nerve/other problems? When do they show up? What to look for? It's a jungle of info - much and little at the same time. I feel great - readings are good - but worried about an eventual downward spiral. Scary. Ricky

    - Ricky

  • March 17, 2010 12:49 a.m.

    My blood glucose level after 12 hours of fasting a year ago was 88. This year it is 99. Should I be alrmed at the trend even if the absolute is within the "safe" range? My mother had diabetes. If the trend is a wake up call, what should I do to arrest it?

    - alarmed

  • December 8, 2009 9:33 a.m.

    Sarita, it sounds like your diabetes has been out of control and you are currently working with your health care team to control the diabetes. I would continue to work with your health care providers. Initially, it may take a few weeks to get the blood glucoses under control and also find the right medication treatment for you. I generally tell people; if the blood glucose has been under control and you are suddenly getting blood glucose readings greater then 300 mg/dl (16.6 mmol/l twice in a row and there is no reason for the higher blood glucose readings and or you are ill, contact your health care provider immediately.

    - Nancy and Peggy

  • December 8, 2009 9:16 a.m.

    Bob, check out www.CalorieKing.com

    - Nancy and Peggy

  • December 6, 2009 10:19 a.m.

    I have looked at at least 10 web sites to see if there is a 'recommended' Type 2 Diabetes food planner, to no avail. What I would like to see is a listing of foods and portion sizes recommended to be consumed on a daily basis for a week. Is there anyplace that publishes a 'simple' listing to be used as a guide? That doesn't seem to me to be such a huge problem, but Mayo, ADA and lots of others talk in generalities or couch their recommendations so convoluted that the ordinary person is pressed to find help - unless you have a professional chef preparing meals. I need something that I can follow on a daily basis that gives me some specific foods and portions such as - for breakfast on Monday - eat an egg, or lunch each 1 slice of bread, etc. Is such a plan anywhere for a 1500-2000 calorie per day plan?

    - Bob

  • October 22, 2009 11:50 p.m.

    I was just diagnosed w/ type 2 and I have been trying to get an answer... I cant reach my doctor by phone, and er's wont answer questions. In blood sugar levels.... what number for high blood sugar says go to the hospital? When I was at the doctor my level was 484... no hospital trip.... when would I go? One article I found on a website said if you are ( puking AND its over 300) my blood sugar hasnt been under 350 since the doctor appt 2 days ago, I'm not puking... now what? I started taking metformin 2 nights ago.

    - sarita

  • October 22, 2009 6:41 p.m.

    my blood glucose reading was 129 before fasting. is that in the normal range

    - pat

  • October 7, 2009 1:35 a.m.

    LAST MONTH MY 15 YEAR DAUGHTER WAS DX WITH PCOS. SHE WAS PERCRIBED "METPHORMINE" 500MG PER DAY. I HAVE REFILLED HER MED AND THE DOC STILL INSISTS SHE DOESN'T NEED TO MONITOR HER LEVELS CAUSE HE SD THE PCOS CAUSES HER HIGH LEVELS. TONIGHT 2 HRS AFTER HER MED WAS TAKEN SHE TESTED AT 219. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT RANGE SHE IS IN?

    - FRANCINE

  • September 21, 2009 1:44 p.m.

    Kathy: Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can either increase or decrease your blood sugar. Not everyone will have the same experience.

    - Nancy and Peggy

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