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Where Should My Blood Sugar Be


How Often Is A1c Tested

What should my blood sugar level be on average?

To keep A1C levels in check, patients should have the test repeated regularly. If the A1C is less than 5.7, indicating you dont have diabetes, you should have it checked every three years, according to Robert Williams, MD, a family doctor and geriatrician in Lakewood, Colorado, and a medical advisor for eMediHealth. If it is between 5.7 and 6.4, indicating you are at risk of developing diabetes, you should have it rechecked every one to two years. If you have a confirmed diabetes diagnosis, and your blood sugar is well-controlled, you should have an A1C test every six months. If you already have diabetes and your medications change, or your blood sugar is not well-controlled, you should have an A1C test every three months.

The Big Picture: Checking Your Blood Sugar

Blood sugar monitoring is the primary tool you have to find out if your blood glucose levels are within your target range. This tells you your blood glucose level at any one time.

Its important for blood sugar levels to stay in a healthy range. If glucose levels get too low, we can lose the ability to think and function normally. If they get too high and stay high, it can cause damage or complications to the body over the course of many years.

The logging of your results is vital. When you bring your log to your healthcare provider, youll have a good picture of your body’s response to your diabetes care plan. To help keep track of your levels, we have a glucose log. We also have a blood glucose log available for purchase that is smaller so you can carry it with you.


What Is Hemoglobin A1c

Hemoglobin A1C is a lab test. It indicates an average blood glucose reading for the last 90 days. It is done when you find out you have diabetes, and every 3 months after that at clinic visits. A person without diabetes has a Hemoglobin A1C of less than 5.6%.

Target Hgb A1C is 7.5% for all children and adults with diabetes.

The chart below shows the Hemoglobin A1C result compared with the blood glucose number.

Also Check: Average A1c For Non-diabetic

Late Evening Meals Or Snacks

Glucose readings may fluctuate depending on the amount of time that has passed since your last meal. If you experience high blood sugar at night, one of the first things to consider is how long itâs been since you last ate.


A small study conducted on healthy men and women observed participants wearing continuous glucose monitors for almost three days and provided dinner to one group at 6 p.m. and the other at 9 p.m. Only data from the mornings of days 2 and 3 were used for analysis, and results showed a significant decrease in postprandial respiratory quotient after breakfast on day 3 in the early dinner group. Researchers concluded that eating an earlier dinner had a positive impact on blood glucose fluctuation< sup> 1< /sup> and metabolism.

Who Should Monitor Blood Sugar Levels

Diabetics, This Is the Only Blood Sugar Chart You

If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, monitoring your blood sugar regularly will help you understand how medication like insulin, food, and physical activity affect your blood glucose. It also allows you to catch rising blood sugar levels early. It is the most important thing you can do to prevent complications from diabetes such as heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation.

Other people who may benefit from checking their blood glucose regularly include those:

  • Taking insulin

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Avoid Excessive Exercise Late At Night

Try to avoid any exercise late at night before going to bed. If your blood sugar is less than 5.6 mmol/L or 100 mg/DL before sleeping and you do want to exercise make sure you double your food portion. If you do excessive exercise late at night this can lead to increased blood sugar during the next day.


Why Test Blood Sugar Levels

If you take certain medication, like insulin or sulphonylureas, checking your blood sugars is a vital part of living with diabetes. It can help you work out when you need to take more medication, when you need to eat something or for when you want to get up and move around more.

Routine checks can help you know when you might be starting to go too low or too high . Its a way of getting to know your body and how it works. It can help you and your healthcare team spot patterns too. Do you write your results down? You might find that helpful.

But importantly, it will help you stay healthy and prevent serious diabetes complications now and in the future. By complications, we mean serious problems in places like your feet and your eyes. This happens because too much sugar in the blood damages your blood vessels, making it harder for blood to flow around your body. This can lead to very serious problems like sight loss and needing an amputation.

The higher your blood sugar levels are and the longer theyre high for, the more at risk you are.

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How To Prevent Hyperglycaemia

There are simple ways to reduce your risk of severe or prolonged hyperglycaemia:


  • Be careful what you eat be particularly aware of how snacking and eating sugary foods or carbohydrates can affect your blood sugar level.
  • Stick to your treatment plan remember to take your insulin or other diabetes medications as recommended by your care team.
  • Be as active as possible getting regular exercise can help stop your blood sugar level rising, but you should check with your doctor first if you’re taking diabetes medication, as some medicines can lead to hypoglycaemia if you exercise too much
  • Take extra care when you’re ill your care team can provide you with some “sick day rules” that outline what you can do to keep your blood sugar level under control during an illness.
  • Monitor your blood sugar level your care team may suggest using a device to check your level at home, so you can spot an increase early and take steps to stop it.

The Most Important Thing You Need To Know About Your Blood Sugar

What Should My Blood Sugar Levels Be to Avoid Diabetes? ��

Your blood sugar levels are closely related to your mood. When youre hungry, you want to feed your brain with the most energy possible. Unfortunately, this leads to high blood sugar.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to lower your blood sugar and improve your mood.

  • Eat a balanced, healthy diet.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Dont drink alcohol.
  • Get enough sleep.
  • Dont stress about your blood sugar level too much. Its likely to go down as you become more aware of your eating habits.
  • Remember to smile while you eat. Youre more likely to eat when youre happy.
  • There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to destroy its own insulin-producing cells. Type 2 diabetes is caused by the body becoming resistant to the effects of insulin. The result is that more glucose enters the bloodstream than can be processed by the bodys cells and organs.
  • Cravings for sweets, salty foods, or fatty foods.

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What Is The Normal Blood Sugar Level For Kids

Blood sugar levels can vary based on age. Children younger than 6 have a different normal blood sugar level range than adults.

The American Diabetes Association provides the following ranges as a guide:


  • Fasting: 80-180 mg/dL
  • Preprandial : 100-180 mg/dL
  • Postprandial : Less than 180 mg/dL
  • Bedtime: 110-200 mg/dL

What Is A Normal Blood Sugar Level

The answer to the question what is a normal blood sugar level is as follows:

Fasting normal blood sugarNormal for person without diabetes: 7099 mg/dl Official ADA recommendation for someone with diabetes: 80130 mg/dl

Normal blood sugar 2 hours after mealsNormal for person without diabetes: Less than 140 mg/dl Official ADA recommendation for someone with diabetes: Less than 180 mg/dl

Normal for person without diabetes: Less than 5.7%Official ADA recommendation for someone with diabetes: Less than 7.0%


Source: American Diabetes Association

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Who Is Most At Risk For Developing Diabetes

The following categories of people are considered “high-risk” candidates for developing diabetes:

  • Individuals who are overweight or obese
  • Individuals who are 45 years of age or older
  • Individuals with first-degree relatives with diabetes
  • Individuals who are African-American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asia American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islanders,
  • Women who developed diabetes while they were pregnant or gave birth to large babies
  • Individuals with high blood pressure
  • Individuals with high-density lipoprotein below 25 mg/dl or triglyceride levels at or above 250 mg/dl
  • Individuals who have impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance
  • Individuals who are physically inactive engaging in exercise less than three times a week
  • Individuals who have polycystic ovary syndrome, also called PCOS
  • Individuals who have acanthosis nigricans — dark, thick and velvety skin around your neck or armpits

In addition to testing the above individuals at high risk, the American Diabetes Association also recommends screening all individuals age 45 and older.

Effects Of Having A High Blood Sugar

25 Printable Blood Sugar Charts [Normal, High, Low] á? TemplateLab
  • High blood sugar can cause a person to become hypoglycemic, which is when the body doesnt have enough insulin to process the glucose.
  • High blood sugar can cause a person to feel hungry all of the time.
  • High blood sugar can cause a person to feel tired or fatigued all of the time.
  • High blood sugar can cause someone to experience mood swings, especially if they are not careful and take their medication at the wrong times or in the wrong amounts.
  • High blood Sugar can make it difficult for people with diabetes to manage their weight because it makes them crave food that is high in fat and carbohydrates and prevents them from eating more nutritious foods, such as fruits and vegetables, that are low in fat and carbohydrates but high in vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants that help with weight management.
  • High Blood Sugar can lead to dehydration because high amounts of glucose is used up by the body as energy and the body needs water to process that glucose.
  • High blood sugar can lead to frequent urination because the kidneys have to work overtime to filter out all of the excess glucose in the body.
  • High blood sugar can also lead to a persons skin becoming dry and rough, which is called xerosis, which is a form of dry skin disease.
  • High blood sugar can also lead to people experiencing night sweats and increased sweating as well as nighttime leg cramps, joint pain and poor circulation in their legs, feet or arms .
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    What Is The A1c Test

    The A1C test is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 or 3 months. The test is done at a lab or your doctors office in addition tonot instead ofregular blood sugar testing you do yourself.

    A1C testing is part of the ABCs of diabetesimportant steps you can take to prevent or delay health complications down the road:

    The A1C goal for most adults with diabetes is between 7% and 8%, but your goal may be different depending on your age, other health conditions, medicines youre taking, and other factors. Work with your doctor to establish a personal A1C goal for you.

    Recommended Target Blood Glucose Level Ranges

    The NICE recommended target blood glucose levels are stated below for adults with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes and children with type 1 diabetes.

    In addition, the International Diabetes Federations target ranges for people without diabetes is stated.


    The table provides general guidance. An individual target set by your healthcare team is the one you should aim for.

    NICE recommended target blood glucose level ranges

    Target Levels

    *The non-diabetic figures are provided for information but are not part of NICE guidelines.

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    Its Easy To Get The Care You Need

    See a Premier Physician Network provider near you.


    Whether you know it or not, every morning you experience a natural biological event called the dawn phenomenon. For most, this passes without health risk. Thats not the case, however, if you have diabetes.

    But to ease your concerns, if you do have diabetes, Miguel Parilo, MD, of Bull Family Diabetes Center, offers advice on ways to control the effects of dawn phenomenon on your health.

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    Is Fasting Blood Sugar 119 High

    What should my blood sugar level be? | Patient

    Diabetes patients experience hypoglycemia when their blood sugar levels fall below 70 mg/dL, while healthy persons experience levels around 55 mg/dL . When your blood glucose levels are excessively high, exceeding 126 mg/dL or 7 mmol/L, you have high blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia. In healthy persons, the usual fasting blood sugar range is 70 125 mg/dL .

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    High Blood Glucose: Hyperglycemia

    Hyperglycemia means that you have too much blood glucose. It happens when your blood glucose level is around 200 mg/dL or higher. Hyperglycemia can happen if you miss taking your diabetes medications, eat too much or do not get enough exercise. Sometimes, the medications you take for other problems cause high blood glucose.

    Symptoms of hyperglycemia include:

    • Having blurry vision
    • Having to urinate often

    If you have these symptoms, check your blood glucose right away. If its too high, follow these steps:

    • Check your blood glucose every four hours. If your level does not go down after two checks or your symptoms get worse, call a member of your diabetes team.
    • Drink water or other sugar-free liquids, such as diet soda or Crystal Light.
    • You may need to take an extra dose of insulin. Your diabetes educator talks with you more about this.

    How To Test Your Blood Sugar Levels

    After you wake up in the morning, check your fasting blood sugar levels using a blood glucose meter or continuous glucose monitor . Before you use a blood glucose meter, the ADA recommends washing your hands and using the lancing device to get a drop of blood. After you hold the test strip against the drop of blood, your blood sugar levels should appear on the meter.

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    Some Ways To Help You Prevent High Morning Readings

    What should my blood sugar be when I wake up? It depends if you already have diabetes or not. However, you should also know what you could do to keep your blood sugar levels from rising in the morning. Here are few suggestions:

    1. Manage Your Body Weight

    If you are overweight, consider losing weight to make it easy to manage your blood sugar levels. It really helps when you have been recently diagnosed with type-2 diabetes. Weight loss usually helps regulate hormones and increase insulin sensitivity to lower your blood sugar levels. To lose weight, pay attention to your diet first avoid processed foods, eat veggies and fruits, and cut the intake of less-healthy foods. Cranking up your physical activity may also help.

    2. Have a Bedtime Snack

    Eating something before you go to sleep may help stabilize your blood sugar. Your snack should contain no more than 20g of carbs. This keeps your liver from producing excess glucose while you sleep. Some of the most impressive carb-friend snack options are low-fat yogurt, frozen grapes, small piece of fruit, a serving of fresh salsa and tortilla chips, and soybeans.

    3. Have an Active Lifestyle

    A Quick Tip

    Why Your Blood Sugar Level May Be High

    how to lower your fasting blood sugarhow to lower your fasting blood ...

    Based on the ADA guidelines above, if your blood sugar is above 180 mg/dL two hours after a meal, it is considered above the normal range. What might cause your glucose or blood sugar to rise? Consider the following factors:

    • Consuming more carbohydrates or a larger meal than usual
    • Not taking enough insulin or oral diabetes medication based on carbohydrates or activity levels
    • Reduced physical activity
    • Side effects from medications like steroids or antipsychotics

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    Recommended Blood Sugar Targets

    For people with type 1 diabetes, the American Diabetes Association recommends that blood sugar targets be based on a person’s needs and goals. Talk to your doctor and diabetes educator about these goals. A general guideline is:

    Before meals, your blood sugar should be:

    • From 90 to 130 mg/dL for adults
    • From 90 to 130 mg/dL for children, 13 to 19 years old
    • From 90 to 180 mg/dL for children, 6 to 12 years old
    • From 100 to 180 mg/dL for children under 6 years old

    After meals , your blood sugar should be:

    • Less than 180 mg/dL for adults

    At bedtime, your blood sugar should be:

    • From 90 to 150 mg/dL for adults
    • From 90 to 150 mg/dL for children, 13 to 19 years old
    • From 100 to 180 mg/dL for children, 6 to 12 years old
    • From 110 to 200 mg/dL for children under 6 years old

    For people with type 2 diabetes, the American Diabetes Association also recommends that blood sugar targets be individualized. Talk to your doctor and diabetes educator about your goals.

    In general, before meals, your blood sugar should be:

    • From 70 to 130 mg/dL for adults

    After meals , your blood sugar should be:

    • Less than 180 mg/dL for adults

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