What Are Normal Blood Sugar Levels When You Have Diabetes?
Having diabetes means that your body cannot use insulin to lower your blood sugar levels, so invariably diabetics will have higher blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) than people who do not suffer from diabetes. This will either be because your body doesn’t produce any/ enough insulin, or because your body’s cells have stopped responding to insulin when it is released by the pancreas.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes your doctor will likely ask you to monitor your blood sugar levels (up to 4 times a day) so that you can ensure your blood sugar levels stay within your target range and it allows you to manage your condition as carefully as possible. Usually you will be given a blood glucose monitor, which is a device that will test your blood sugar levels with a small blood sample from your fingertip.
Your doctor will give you instructions and advice that are specific to you in terms of how and when to test your blood sugar and you will be asked to keep a record of your results.
So what are normal blood sugar levels when you are diabetic?
The standard target blood sugar levels for diabetic adults aged 20 and above are as follows:
Fasting | Below 100 mg/dL |
Before a meal | 70-130 mg/dL |
1-2 hours after a meal | Below 180 mg/dL |
Before exercising | 100 or more mg/dL |
Bedtime | 100-140 mg/dL |
If you measure your blood sugar levels and they are drastically different from those shown on this table, then it’s important to consult your doctor straight away.
There are certain other factors that the doctor may also ask you to record along with your blood glucose reading, for example you may be asked to make a note of:
- What medication/ dosage you had taken
- The time of day
- What you had eaten before you took the test
- How long before the test you had eaten
- Whether or not you had exercised that day
All of these factors can affect blood sugar levels, so it will help you and your doctor understand how your body is working to ensure that your condition is being managed in the best possible way
Why is it important to monitor your blood sugar levels when you have diabetes?
It’s also important to monitor blood sugar levels because they can sometimes change unpredictably, even when you are carefully following a healthy lifestyle and are on medication. Regularly checking your blood sugar will also allow you to see how your body responds to different things, such as exercise, food, and alcohol. For women with diabetes you will also be able to observe how your blood sugar levels are affected by the changes in your hormones throughout your monthly cycle.
Properly controlling your blood sugar levels is essential if you have been diagnosed with diabetes because it will reduce your risk of developing associated health conditions such as heart disease or kidney failure.
