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Proper Blood Sugar Levels

Maintaining proper blood sugar levels can decrease complications from diabetes and prevent the development of related medical conditions such as kidney disease and blindness. Blood sugar levels change throughout the day depending on what is eaten, the amount of activity, stress levels, and the body's ability to make insulin and process sugar in foods. Proper blood sugar levels are recommendations that include a range depending on the circumstances and time of day of the test.

  1. Identification

    • Proper blood sugar levels can be checked by using a self blood glucose test or by an A1C test, which shows blood sugar control during the previous 3 months and is performed in a doctor's office.

    Types

    • According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, blood sugar levels before a meal or while fasting should be between 80 and 120 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL) when tested using a blood glucose meter.

    Types

    • Proper blood sugar levels taken about one to two hours after eating breakfast, lunch or dinner should be less than 180 mg/dL.

    Types

    • According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, blood sugar levels tested at bedtime should be between 100 and 140 mg/dL.

    Considerations

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, recommendations for blood sugar levels may be lower for pregnant women or for people with complications from diabetes.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Proper blood sugar levels can be maintained by eating a balanced diet with limited amounts of sweets and alcohol, getting regular exercise, checking blood sugar levels with a glucose meter, and taking any blood sugar medications as prescribed by a doctor.

    Warning

    • Blood sugar levels that are not kept in the normal range may result in complications such as blindness, heart disease, nerve damage, kidney disease, amputation of the feet or legs and stroke.

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