Blood Sugar Testing
Blood sugar testing is important for Diabetics because their bodies do not process
blood sugars properly. Since a Diabetic cannot break down sugar
molecules, the sugar cannot be absorbed by the muscles and organs and
stored for later use as energy. Learn more about sugar molecules interactively.
High blood sugar levels can also lead to a multitude of complications, including hypertension, eye problems and poor circulation.
In order to avoid the complications associated with Diabetes
disease, glucose control is essential. Glucose control can be achieved
through nutrition, exercise and medication.
The A1C test (pronounced A-one-C) reflects your average blood glucose level over the last 3 months.
It is the best way to know if your overall glucose control program is
working for you. This test used to be called hemoglobin A-1-C
(pronounced he-mo-glow-bin A-one-C) or H-b-A-1-C.
|
Level of Control |
A1C Number |
|
|
6 or less |
|
Goal |
less than 7 |
|
Take action |
7 or more |
- Blood Glucose Test
|
A1C Level |
Average self-test glucose numbers (plasma) |
|
12 |
345 |
|
11 |
310 |
|
10 |
275 |
|
9 |
240 |
|
8 |
205 |
|
7 |
170 |
|
6 |
135 |
Proper glucose control can be accomplished by testing blood sugar levels several times daily using a meter. The ideal blood glucose levels are as follows:
|
Normal blood glucose levels (measured in mg/dL) |
|
|
Morning (before breakfast) |
70-110 |
|
After meals |
70-140 |
|
Target blood glucose levels for Diabetics |
|
|
Morning (before breakfast) |
90-130 |
|
1-2 hours after a meal |
Less than 180 |
|
Low blood sugar |
70 or below |
