There are several ways to check blood glucose levels. The most common are Fasting Glucose, the 2-hour Glucose Tolerance Test, and the Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test (A1c). In addition, depending on the severity of the diabetes and other factors, it is wise for diabetics to check their own glucose levels on a regular basis.
Fasting Glucose levels alone can be misleading. For example, an individual with normal fasting glucose levels may have high blood sugar after a meal. An individual with normal fasting glucose, but glucose over 200 mg/dL two hours after a meal has a threefold increase in the risk of diabetic eye disease (retinopathy).
In addition, by regularly monitoring your blood sugar you can identify activities and habits that lower or raise your blood sugar.
Goals for Blood Glucose Measurements and A1C
For People with Type 2 Diabetes
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Time Tested
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Goal
|
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Upon Waking (fasting)
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80-110 mg/dL
|
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Before Lunch, Supper, and/or Snack
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80-130 mg/dL
|
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2 hours after meal
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Less than 140 mg/dL
|
|
Bedtime
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110-140 mg/dL
|
|
A1C
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Less than 7% OK, less than 6% is better
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Diagnosing Diabetes with Laboratory Blood Tests
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Test
|
Level
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What it Means
|
|
Fasting Glucose
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Less than 110 mg/dL
110-126 mg/dL
More than 126 mg/dL
|
Normal
Impaired (Prediabetic)
Diabetic
|
|
Glucose Tolerance Test (at 2 hrs)
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Under 140 mg/dL
140-200 mg/dL
Over 200 mg/dL
|
Normal
Impaired (Prediabetic)
Diabetic
|
What is the A1C Test?
Your A1c score gives you an idea of how your blood sugar control has been over the past 2-4 months. An A1c level below 6% is normal for people who do not have diabetes. People with diabetes should aim for an A1c score of less than 7%.
A 1% decrease in A1c levels results in the following risk reductions:
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Complications
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Reduced Risk
|
|
Nerve damage
Vision loss
Kidney disease
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35%
|
|
Peripheral vascular disease
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22%
|
|
Heart attack
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18%
|
|
All diabetes-related deaths
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25%
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