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What Is A Good Number For Type 2 Diabetes


Causes Of High Blood Sugar

Diabetes in a Minute: Numbers Diagnosing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes

High blood sugar can happen if you:

  • Skip a dose of your type 2 diabetes medicine or skip a required dose of insulin.
  • Eat too much.
  • Exercise less than what you are used to doing.
  • Are taking medicines that raise blood sugar as a side effect, such as sleeping pills, some anti-inflammatory medicines , and some decongestants.
  • Are stressed or ill, especially if you aren’t eating or drinking enough. Plan ahead with your doctor and write down sick-day guidelines, which may include testing for ketones.

Being pregnant can also make your blood sugar levels go up.

If you take insulin, you may have some mornings when your blood sugar level is very high, even if it was low when you went to bed. This could be caused by the dawn phenomenon or the Somogyi effect. Talk with your doctor if this happens. You may need to check your blood sugar during the night to find out why your levels are high in the morning.

Are The Test Results Ever Wrong

Initially, your test results may vary. For instance, a blood sugar test may show that you have diabetes but an A1C test may show that you dont. The reverse can also be true.


How does this happen? It could mean that youre in an early stage of diabetes, and your blood sugar levels may not be high enough to show on every test.

The A1C test can be wrong in some people of African, Mediterranean, or Southeast Asian heritage. The test can be too low in people with anemia or heavy bleeding, and too high in people with iron deficiency anemia. Dont worry your doctor will repeat the tests before making a diagnosis.

Exactly How Blood Sugar Affects Your Body

When you have diabetics issues, your blood sugar level levels may be consistently high. With time, this could damage your body and also lead to lots of other problems.

Just how much sugar in the blood is as well much? And also why is high glucose so negative for you? Heres a check out exactly how your degrees impact your health and wellness.

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A Tool For Simplifying The Recommendations: The Trilogy Of Sevens

The variability in the recommendations results in difficulties for diabetes management. Trying to struggle with the jumble of recommendations and values is obviously more complicated for health care providers than memorizing a single number. As a consequence, the targets should be as simple as possible. An answer to this problem can be obtained from data that we have previously published .

The most important result of this study was that a value of 7 mmol/l measured at 2 h after lunch appeared to be the optimal threshold value for predicting treatment success defined by high specificity A1C levels of < 7%. By considering first that the criteria for the diagnosis of diabetes is a fasting plasma glucose level 7 mmol/l and second that 7% has, for a number of years, been the American Diabetes Association’s A1C threshold value for satisfactory diabetic control , we suggest that these two number sevens can be joined by an additional postprandial seven to complete the series. As a consequence, the glucose triad could be translated for clinical purpose into the trilogy of sevens that integrates a cluster of measures, including diagnosis , interventional threshold values for completing treatment: A1C goals < 7% and postprandial glucose targets < 7 mmol/l at 2-h after lunch. This seven rule is certainly easier to remember than many recommendations that have been made around the world .

How to translate the glucose triad into the trilogy of sevens.

How To Measure Blood Sugar Levels

Ultimate Guide to the A1C Test: Everything You Need To ...

There are two main ways to check your blood sugar levels:

  • Blood glucose test. There are many at-home devices such as finger-prick monitoring kits or continuous glucose monitors that you can use to measure blood sugar on your own.
  • An A1C test.A1C is a blood test, conducted by your doctor, that describes your average blood sugar levels for the past three months.
  • Type 1 diabetics, along with some type 2 diabetics, who require insulin medication, must check their blood sugar at least four times per day, says Mathioudakis. Typically, this should be done before a meal, one to two hours after a meal, and at bedtime.


    The timing of these measurements can help determine how much insulin to use. For example, it can be important to use more insulin after a high-sugar meal, or to avoid falling into hypoglycemia while you’re sleeping.

    To check your blood sugar at home, you should use blood glucose tests, such as a glucose meter or continuous glucose monitor . Both devices measure blood sugar with the unit mg/dL, which means a milligram of sugar per deciliter of blood.

    If you don’t have diabetes, but you may be at risk, your doctor might have you take an A1C test during a yearly check-up. This test reports results as a percentage the higher the percentage, the higher your blood sugar has been in the past three months. Those with diabetes should get an A1C test at least twice a year and sometimes every three months.

    Read Also: How Many People Die From Diabetes Each Year

    Omelet With Roasted Vegetables

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    What Are Normal Blood Glucose Degrees

    Theyre less compared to 100 mg/dL after not consuming for a minimum of 8 hrs. As well as theyre less than 140 mg/dL 2 hours after eating.

    During the day, degrees tend to go to their lowest simply prior to meals. For many people without diabetes mellitus, blood sugar levels prior to dishes hover around 70 to 80 mg/dL. For some people, 60 is regular for others, 90.

    Whats a reduced sugar degree? It differs commonly, as well. Many individualss sugar will not ever drop listed below 60, despite having long term fasting. When you diet or fast, the liver keeps your degrees typical by turning fat as well as muscle into sugar. A couple of individualss levels might fall rather lower.Type 2 Diabetes Blood Sugar Levels Chart Canada

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    What Are Normal Blood Sugar Levels

    They’re less than 100 mg/dL after not eating for at least 8 hours. And they’re less than 140 mg/dL 2 hours after eating.


    During the day, levels tend to be at their lowest just before meals. For most people without diabetes, blood sugar levels before meals hover around 70 to 80 mg/dL. For some people, 60 is normal for others, 90.

    What’s a low sugar level? It varies widely, too. Many people’s glucose won’t ever fall below 60, even with prolonged fasting. When you diet or fast, the liver keeps your levels normal by turning fat and muscle into sugar. A few people’s levels may fall somewhat lower.

    Healthy Breakfast Ideas For Type 2 Diabetes

    Is Intermittent Fasting Good for Type 2 Diabetes?

    After my husband was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, we had to relearn how to cook and eat. Knowledge equals power.

    This yogurt bowl is just one of 10 delicious diabetic-friendly breakfast options!

    Peggy Woods


    Much more thought goes into meal-planning since my husband’s diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. While he still likes to get up and enjoy a cup of coffee before eating breakfast, that first meal of the day has become essential in maintaining his blood sugar control throughout the day.

    The goal now is to find the right balance between protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. We also seek foods high in fiber and nutrients while avoiding too many added sugars.

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    Low Blood Sugar Chart And Action Plan

    Low blood sugar is also called hypoglycemia. The numbers below represent values in the hypoglycemic range and require action to bring blood sugar levels up into a normal range.

    Alert Level and Treatment Plan
    50 mg/dL or under Red Flag: Blood sugar is critically low and requires immediate treatment.


    If a person is unable to speak and/or is not alert, treat with glucagon via injection or nasal spray. Call emergency medical response if necessary. Do not place food or drink into the mouth.

    If a person is alert and able to speak clearly, treat with 15 grams of rapid-acting carbohydrate such as glucose gel, 4 oz regular soda, or fruit juice. Re-test blood sugar in 15 minutes and repeat as needed to bring blood sugar within range.

    51-70 mg/dL Red Flag: Blood sugar is below normal levels and requires immediate treatment.

    Treat with 15 grams of rapid-acting carbohydrate and re-test in 15 minutes. Repeat treatment as needed to bring blood sugar within range.

    71-90 mg/dL Yellow Flag: Blood sugar levels should be watched and treated as needed.


    If youre having symptoms of low blood sugar, treat with 15 grams of rapid-acting carbohydrate and re-test in 15 minutes.

    Repeat treatment or follow with a meal. If it is meal time, move forward with eating the meal. People often fall into this range when they are late for a meal or have been especially active.

    Know Your Numbers: A1c

    The blood test A1C shows how well your diabetes treatment is working. This laboratory test measures your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. You should have an A1C test at least twice a year, according to the American Diabetes Association. Most people with type 2 diabetes should keep A1C levels below 7 percent. If your levels are higher, you may need to change your diabetes self-management strategy. “Elevated blood sugar over the short term doesn’t hurt,” says George Grunberger, MD, chairman of the Grunberger Diabetes Institute and a clinical professor at the Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit. “But the higher the blood sugar, the more complications can develop.”

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    Target Blood Sugar Levels For People With Diabetes

    People with diabetes have difficulty creating or using enough insulin, which is the hormone that helps convert glucose into energy. Although there is no universal blood sugar chart for everyone with diabetes, clinical organizations like the ADA and American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists offer guidelines on target blood sugar levels as a starting point.


    Healthcare providers typically tailor normal blood sugar target ranges to an individual diabetes care plan. This includes considering your:

    • Age

    Lets Crunch Some Numbers

    Diabetes Blood Sugar Levels Table

    Ill give these numbers to you in a written, chart, and visual format because it will make sense to you depending how you read it.

    Depending where you live in the world, numbers can vary slightly. And your numbers will either be mg/dl or mmol/l. Youll find the numbers for both of these readings below.

    Normal Blood Sugar Levels

    Fasting glucose 70-99 mg/dl or 4-6 mmol/l


    2 hours post meal glucose Less than 140 mg/dl or less than 7.8 mmol/l

    Pre-diabetes diagnostic ranges also called impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance

    Fasting glucose 100-125 mg/dl or 6.1-6.9 mmol/l

    2 hours post meal glucose level 140-199 mg/ dl or 7.8-11 mmol/l

    Type 2 Diabetes diagnostic ranges


    Fasting glucose More than 126 mg/dl or more than 7.0 mmol/l

    2 hours glucose level More than 200 mg/dl or more than 11.1 mmol/l

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    What Should Type 2 Diabetics Eat

    For people with type 2 diabetes, figuring out a healthy diet and food choices can be an uphill battle. In addition to having to adjust lifelong eating habits, theres a great deal of conflicting information about what you can eat, what you should eat, and what you might want to eat.

    Well try to offer a bit of a simplification. For most people with type 2 diabetes, the number one goal is to reverse insulin resistance, as this is the most surefire way to reverse type 2 diabetes and ensure that your pancreas is healthy in the long term.


    Add in a secondary goal of maintaining healthy blood glucose along the way, and the evidence points very clearly to one type of diet: a low-fat, plant-based, whole-food diet high in whole carbohydrates.

    In this article, well explain our research-backed approach for diabetes management , which works well for type 1 diabetes management, prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, along with some of the principles behind how it works.

    Then, well touch on how this diet compares to the alternatives, and touch on a recommended meal plan and some tips for healthy eating.

    How Is Diabetes Treated

    Treatments for diabetes depend on your type of diabetes, how well controlled your blood glucose level is and your other existing health conditions.

    • Type 1 diabetes: If you have this type, you must take insulin every day. Your pancreas no longer makes insulin.
    • Type 2 diabetes: If you have this type, your treatments can include medications , insulin and lifestyle changes such as losing weight, making healthy food choices and being more physically active.
    • Prediabetes: If you have prediabetes, the goal is to keep you from progressing to diabetes. Treatments are focused on treatable risk factors, such as losing weight by eating a healthy diet and exercising . Many of the strategies used to prevent diabetes are the same as those recommended to treat diabetes .
    • Gestational diabetes: If you have this type and your glucose level is not too high, your initial treatment might be modifying your diet and getting regular exercise. If the target goal is still not met or your glucose level is very high, your healthcare team may start medication or insulin.

    Oral medications and insulin work in one of these ways to treat your diabetes:

    • Stimulates your pancreas to make and release more insulin.
    • Slows down the release of glucose from your liver .
    • Blocks the breakdown of carbohydrates in your stomach or intestines so that your tissues are more sensitive to insulin.
    • Helps rid your body of glucose through increased urination.

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    Commonly Asked Questions About Blood Sugar Levels

    What is the difference between blood sugar and A1c?

    Blood sugar is a daily reading while A1c is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar from the previous 3 month period.

    You can read more about the difference between the two over here.

    Will weight loss help with my diabetes management?

    Yes, by default weight loss helps because it reduces inflammation in your body and improves overall metabolic function. However, weight loss alone wont lower blood sugar levels. You often have to make several diet and lifestyle changes to bring your levels within normal range.

    Ive been prescribed Metformin, will that help with my blood glucose levels?

    Yes, Metformin is one of the most commonly prescribed diabetes medications worldwide. It belongs to a class of medications known as Biguanides, which lower blood glucose by decreasing the amount of sugar put out by the liver. And it is one of the medications that does not increase weight gain.

    We have detailed information about Metformin here.

    Why does high blood sugar cause complications like neuropathy?

    The body is designed to have a blood sugar level within a certain range, with a maximum of 140 after meals. Levels above normal for extended periods promote inflammation in the blood vessels throughout the body, along with damage to cells simply because the body isnt designed to operate with levels above normal.

    What type of diet helps to lower blood sugar levels?

    Is there a different blood sugar levels chart by age?

    A Tool For Integrating The Different Periods Of Daytime

    Type 2 Diabetes and Daily Blood Sugar Monitoring

    Duration of the postprandial, postabsorptive, and fasting states. The postprandial and the postabsorptive states last for 4 and 6 h, respectively. Therefore, the cumulative duration of postprandial state is 12 h, which is equivalent to a full half-day period of time, and the real fasting state is limited to a 3-h time interval at the end of the night.

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    Diagnosing Prediabetes Type 2 And Type 1 Diabetes

    Depending on which country or medical organization you ask, the qualifying numbers for normal versus prediabetes versus diagnosed type 1 or type 2 diabetes can vary slightly. The following blood sugar and A1c the general results are used to diagnosed prediabetes and diabetes according to sources including the American Diabetes Association and Diabetes UK:

    Prediabetes

    • HbA1c: 5.7 to 6.4 percent
    • Fasting: 100 to 125 mg/dL
    • 2 hours after a meal: 140 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL

    Type 1 or 2 diabetes

    • HbA1c: 6.5 percent or higher
    • Fasting: 126 mg/dL or higher
    • 2 hours after a meal: 200 mg/dL or higher

    Please note: Type 1 diabetes tends to develop very quickly which means that by the time symptoms are felt, blood sugar levels are generally well above 200 mg/dL all the time. For many, symptoms come on so quickly they are dismissed as the lingering flu or another seemingly ordinary virus.

    By the time blood sugar levels are tested, many newly diagnosed type 1 patients will see levels above 400 mg/dL or higher. If you do suspect that you or a loved-one has type 1 diabetes, visit your primary care or urgent care immediately and ask for a urine test to measure ketones in addition to testing blood sugar levels and A1c.

    Read more about ketones at diagnosis in Diabetes StrongsDiabetic Ketoacidosis Guide.

    Normal Blood Sugar Ranges In Healthy Non

    For a person without any type of diabetes, blood sugar levels are generally between 70 to 130 mg/dL depending on the time of day and the last time they ate a meal. Newer theories about non-diabetic blood sugar levels have included post-meal blood sugar levels as high as 140 mg/dL.

    Here are the normal blood sugar ranges for a person without diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association:

    • Fasting blood sugar : under 100 mg/dL
    • 1 hour after a meal: 90 to 130 mg/dL
    • 2 hours after a meal: 90 to 110 mg/dL
    • 5 or more hours after eating: 70 to 90 mg/dL

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