Effective Strategies for Managing Blood Glucose Levels in Diabetes

Practical Approaches to Monitor and Control Blood Glucose in Diabetes

Individuals diagnosed with diabetes need consistent blood sugar monitoring at home to manage their condition effectively. A blood glucose chart plays a vital role in this process.

What is a blood glucose chart?
It serves as a reference guide allowing you to compare your blood sugar test results against standard levels.

Managing diabetes often involves keeping blood sugar within target ranges. Regularly recording your levels helps you and your healthcare provider assess your progress. Doctors may also recommend periodic testing at clinics.

The blood glucose chart outlines normal and abnormal blood sugar ranges for both diabetics and non-diabetics. Blood glucose measurement indicates the glucose present in your bloodstream at any time.

By comparing your readings with the chart, you can gauge your diabetes management effectiveness. It also acts as an early warning system, alerting you to consult your doctor and prevent complications like eye problems and nerve damage.

Understanding the Blood Glucose Chart
Blood sugar levels fluctuate throughout the day, typically lowest before breakfast and rising after meals. These levels can vary individually, so charts provide acceptable ranges rather than fixed values.

For people with diabetes, target ranges are usually higher than those for non-diabetics. In our country, blood sugar levels are measured in mg/dL, often including targets based on A1C test results. The A1C test offers an average of blood sugar over two to three months and indicates how well your diabetes is controlled.

Different health organizations like ADA, JDC, and AACE have slightly varying recommended ranges for blood sugar control. For children aged 6 to 12, the guidelines specify levels depending on the time of testing:

Fasting (before breakfast): 70–99 mg/dL (non-diabetic), with targets for diabetics varying from 70–130 mg/dL to less than 110 mg/dL

Before meals: <110 mg/dL (non-diabetic), 70–130 mg/dL (diabetic)

Two hours after meals: <140 mg/dL (non-diabetic), less than 180 mg/dL (ADA & JDC), less than 140 mg/dL (AACE)

Bedtime: <120 mg/dL (non-diabetic), 90–150 mg/dL (diabetic)

A1C: less than 5.7% (non-diabetic), less than 7% (diabetic)

For older children and teens, the normal and target levels align closely with adult standards. Factors influencing individual targets include age, health status, duration of diabetes, and presence of other conditions.

Some forms of temporary diabetes, like gestational diabetes, require specific levels. Today, home blood sugar testing uses modern plasma glucose monitors for more accurate readings. Multiple tests over time provide a clearer picture of your blood sugar trends.

Maintaining a blood sugar log and regularly comparing results to recommended levels can greatly enhance your diabetes management. For non-diabetics, ideal fasting levels are 60–90 mg/dL, with bedtime levels between 110–200 mg/dL, depending on the guidelines.