Sugar levels and measurements
Numbers without panic: how and when to measure sugar in type 2 diabetes
Description: clear goals for sugar, when to measure, how different measurements differ, and the role of HbA1c.
To ensure that the figures are comparable, we take measurements at the same times: on an empty stomach/before eating and 1–2 hours after the start of a meal (postprandial peak). These are the times recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). (PMC)
Typical targets for most non-pregnant adults according to the ADA: • Before meals: 80–130 mg/dL (4.4–7.2 mmol/L). • 1–2 hours after starting a meal: <180 mg/dL (<10.0 mmol/L). Targets are set individually: for older adults or those with comorbidities, they may be relaxed to avoid increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. (American Diabetes Association)
Why is it important to check your blood sugar after eating? Postprandial spikes significantly affect HbA1c—if your overall indicator is already close to the target, it is often postprandial monitoring that helps you “reach” the result. (University of Southern Indiana)
About HbA1c. This is the “average sugar” level over 2–3 months. For most adults with diabetes, the target is <7%, but for some, the doctor will set a stricter/more lenient target (for example, <6.5% for some patients or up to <8% for those at risk of hypoglycemia). The main thing is to discuss this individually. (American Diabetes Association)
Diagnosis is not just about a glucometer. There is also an OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test): measurements are taken before and two hours after drinking a sweet solution. A reading of ≥200 mg/dL after two hours is a criterion for diabetes, while 140–199 mg/dL is prediabetes. (American Diabetes Association)
Finally, technique. Record the time, medication doses, food, and physical activity: this will allow your doctor to see cause-and-effect relationships and adjust your treatment plan more accurately. If you need organizational assistance with testing/delivery, MedPutnik will recommend a practice.
Sources: ADA “Checking your blood sugar,” “Glycemic goals”; materials on HbA1c and diagnostics. (American Diabetes Association)
Sources for study:
American Diabetes Association (ADA). Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2023. Glycemic Targets.
https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/46/Supplement_1/S97/148360
ADA. Checking your blood sugar.
https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/medication/checking-blood-sugar
International Expert Committee report on HbA1c and diagnosis of diabetes.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19502545/
WHO. Use of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.
https://www.who.int/diabetes/publications/report-hba1c_2011.pdf
To ensure that the figures are comparable, we take measurements at the same times: on an empty stomach/before eating and 1–2 hours after the start of a meal (postprandial peak). These are the times recommended by the American Diabetes Association (ADA). (PMC)
Typical targets for most non-pregnant adults according to the ADA: • Before meals: 80–130 mg/dL (4.4–7.2 mmol/L). • 1–2 hours after starting a meal: <180 mg/dL (<10.0 mmol/L). Targets are set individually: for older adults or those with comorbidities, they may be relaxed to avoid increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. (American Diabetes Association)
Why is it important to check your blood sugar after eating? Postprandial spikes significantly affect HbA1c—if your overall indicator is already close to the target, it is often postprandial monitoring that helps you “reach” the result. (University of Southern Indiana)
About HbA1c. This is the “average sugar” level over 2–3 months. For most adults with diabetes, the target is <7%, but for some, the doctor will set a stricter/more lenient target (for example, <6.5% for some patients or up to <8% for those at risk of hypoglycemia). The main thing is to discuss this individually. (American Diabetes Association)
Diagnosis is not just about a glucometer. There is also an OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test): measurements are taken before and two hours after drinking a sweet solution. A reading of ≥200 mg/dL after two hours is a criterion for diabetes, while 140–199 mg/dL is prediabetes. (American Diabetes Association)
Finally, technique. Record the time, medication doses, food, and physical activity: this will allow your doctor to see cause-and-effect relationships and adjust your treatment plan more accurately. If you need organizational assistance with testing/delivery, MedPutnik will recommend a practice.
Sources: ADA “Checking your blood sugar,” “Glycemic goals”; materials on HbA1c and diagnostics. (American Diabetes Association)
Sources for study:
American Diabetes Association (ADA). Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2023. Glycemic Targets.
https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/46/Supplement_1/S97/148360
ADA. Checking your blood sugar.
https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/medication/checking-blood-sugar
International Expert Committee report on HbA1c and diagnosis of diabetes.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19502545/
WHO. Use of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) in the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus.
https://www.who.int/diabetes/publications/report-hba1c_2011.pdf