Based on clinical research, recommended targets for glucose levels in diabetes have been established. The target range for glucose levels will depend on specific individual needs. Targets may be different for children, women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, elderly individuals and those with multiple medical problems. The article focuses on the recommended target ranges for non-pregnant adults.
Pre-meal Targets
The pre-meal, or fasting, glucose level is lower because it measures the amount of glucose in the blood before eating. The American Diabetes Association recommends a pre-meal glucose target of 70 to 130mg/dl. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommends 110 mg/dl as the pre-meal glucose target.
After-Meal Targets
An after-meal glucose level is measured two hours after the start of a meal. At this point, food has been digested in the body and glucose has entered the bloodstream, causing a peak in blood glucose levels. The American Diabetes Association recommends an after-meal glucose target of less than 180 mg/dl. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists has established less than 140 mg/dl as the after-meal blood glucose target.
Special Needs
Many individuals with diabetes have special needs that require their target glucose levels to be tailored. The goal is to keep the glucose levels as close to normal as possible, while avoiding severe or frequent hypoglycemia -- also known as a low blood sugar reaction. Children, women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, the elderly and those with multiple health problems are examples of cases where glucose targets are often adjusted.
Hemoglobin A1C targets
Another measure of blood glucose levels over a longer period of time is the blood test known as a hemoglobin A1C (or HbA1C). This test measures a person's blood glucose levels over the previous three to four months, and is expressed as a percentage. The American Diabetes Association recommends an HbA1C target for people with diabetes to be 7 percent or less. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists has established a recommended target of less than or equal to 6.5 percent.
Learning More
Consult your doctor about the best glucose targets for you. A diabetes educator is a health care professional who can also work with you and your doctor to help you reach your diabetes treatment goals. Always consult your health care team before making changes in your diabetes treatment plan.
