People with diabetes have higher blood sugar levels (also called glucose levels) at around 80–180 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Hence, diabetics are urged to keep track of their blood glucose levels to stay within their desired ranges. Maintaining a stable blood sugar level will help you avoid long-term diabetes consequences like eyesight loss, heart disease, and kidney illness. Before diving into blood sugar checking steps, let’s understand what’s an ideal blood sugar level for you.
Throughout the day, blood sugar levels fluctuate. Blood sugar levels are usually lowest first thing in the morning or after a fasting period. As the body digests food, blood sugar levels rise during and after meals.
According to the time of day, the following chart shows normal blood sugar values for people with and without diabetes:
Time of day | Target blood sugar for diabetics | Target blood sugar for diabetics |
Before meals/while fasting | 72–99 mg/dL | 80–130 mg/dL |
2 hours after a meal | less than 140 mg/dL | less than 180 mg/dL |
HbA1C: Average of 3 months | less than 5.7%
| less than 7% |
What are Abnormal Sugar Levels
Abnormal blood sugar levels occur when there is either too much or too little sugar in the blood.
- High blood sugar levels are called hyperglycemia (more than 180 mg/dL)
- Low blood sugar levels are called hyperglycemia (70 mg/dL or less)
Blood Glucose Test
You can check your blood glucose levels in two ways:
- By normally checking it via Glucometer.
- And by going for an HbA1c test after every 3 months to track your overall sugar.
Steps for Blood Sugar Test
A blood sugar meter or a continuous glucose monitor can be used to measure a person's blood sugar levels.
A continuous glucose monitor measures blood sugar levels using a sensor. The sensor is placed beneath the skin by a doctor, usually in the abdomen or arm. Every few minutes, the sensor sends data to a monitor, which displays glucose levels.
A blood sugar meter(
glucometer) determines the amount of glucose in a drop of blood, typically taken from the finger.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and disinfect the meter.
- Bring the meter, a test strip, a lancet, and an alcohol wipe with you.
- Rub your hands together to stimulate blood flow to your fingertips.
- Insert the test strip into the meter and turn it on.
- Allow the alcohol to evaporate after wiping the fingertip with the alcohol pad.
- Using the lancet, prick the finger.
- Squeeze the base of your finger gently until a drop of blood forms on the tip of your finger.
- Place a droplet of blood on the test strip.
- Wait for the blood sugar meter to display the reading on your connected app.
- Dispose of the wipe, lancet, and test strip properly.
How to Control Sugar Levels
People can keep their blood glucose levels within a healthy range by using the following tips:
- keep a close eye on blood sugar levels.
- maintain a healthy weight, exercise on a regular basis, and consume foods with a low glycemic index.
- Increase your fiber intake and drink plenty of water.
- Eat at regular intervals and don't skip meals.