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How Do Blood Glucose Levels Relate to Diabetes?

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By Debra A. Sokol-McKay,
MS, CVRT, CDE, CLVT, OTR/L, SCLV

Research has shown that maintaining blood glucose levels within an acceptable range can lower and delay your risk for complications. You and your physician must decide together what blood glucose levels are achievable for you, based upon your age, abilities, medical status, personal needs, and any other special circumstances.

The current acceptable blood glucose target ranges set by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) are as follows:

  • Fasting/pre-meal: between 80 and 130 mg/dL
  • One to two hours after meal: below 180 mg/dL

It is important to remember that the purpose of your blood glucose readings is to let you know how close you are to your target range. Try not to label your readings as either “bad” or “good”; instead, think of them as indicators that describe (a) which aspects of your treatment are working for you and (b) which aspects need to be changed.