Blood sugar, or blood glucose, is the result of carbohydrates breaking down during digestion. In America, blood sugar levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter, or mg/dL. Fasting blood glucose levels are the measurements taken after you haven't eaten for eight hours, while casual blood glucose levels are taken at any time of day, regardless of when you've eaten, according to NetWellness.com. Knowing your blood sugar levels is an important part of controlling diabetes.
Normal Blood Glucose Levels
If you do not have diabetes, normal fasting blood glucose levels are less than 100 mg/dL, and casual blood glucose levels are less than 140 mg/dL, according to NetWellness.com. If you have diabetes, your doctor will set a target range for your blood sugar levels, according to MayoClinic.com. Fasting blood glucose levels should be between 90 and 130 mg/dL. Before meals, they should be between 70 and 130 mg/dL. One to two hours after eating, they should be lower than 180 mg/dL.
Considerations
Your blood glucose levels may change, depending on a few factors such as pregnancy and aging. Also, your at-home readings will be different from laboratory readings. According to the DiabetesMonitor.com, laboratories typically check blood glucose levels in the plasma --- the clear, liquid part of blood --- rather than in the whole blood sample. Make sure you ask your doctor to clarify any readings he gives to you --- either for your target range or as results from a recent test.
Testing Frequency
A few factors influence the amount of times you should test your blood sugar levels, including the type of diabetes you have and how well you control it, according to MayoClinic.com. If you have type 1 diabetes, you might be required to test your blood sugar at least three times daily; if you have type 2 diabetes, you might need to test one to three times.
Testing Method
Blood glucose meters vary, so it's important to read the instructions carefully, advises the American Diabetes Association. Wash your hands thoroughly first, and insert a test strip into the meter. The ADA recommends pricking the side of your fingertip and gently squeezing or massaging your fingertip to get the amount of blood the meter requires. Place the drop of blood on the strip, and wait for the meter to display your results.
