Suggested Testing Times and Target Goals
Tracking your blood glucose concentration through frequent testing is an important
part of proper diabetes care. Your healthcare professional will help you decide the
normal target range for your glucose levels. They will also help you to determine
when and how often you should test your blood glucose.
Some suggested times are:
When you wake up (fasting level)
Before breakfast
1-2 hours after breakfast
Before lunch
1-2 hours after lunch
Before or after exercise
Before dinner
1-2 hours after dinner
Before bedtime
After a snack
At 2 or 3 AM, if taking insulin
You may need to test more often whenever:
You add or adjust your diabetes medication.
You think your blood glucose levels may be too low or too high.
You are ill, or feeling uncomfortable over long periods of time.
Expected blood glucose levels for people without diabetes:
Time
Fasting and Before Meals
2 hours after meals
Talk to your doctor to set your own daily target ranges.
Time of Day
Waking up (Fasting level)
Before meals
2 hours after meals
Bedtime
2 AM to 3 AM
Other
Use the logbook to record your blood glucose measurements and related
information. Bring the logbook with you when you visit your doctor. Together, you
can determine how well your blood glucose is being controlled. This can help you
and your doctor make the best decisions about your glucose control plan.
1.
Jennifer Mayfield and Stephen Havas, "Self-Control: A Physician's Guide to Blood Glucose
Monitoring in the Management of Diabetes – An American Family Physician Monograph"
2.
ADA Clinical Practice Recommendations, 2013. Diabetes Care, 2013, Vol.36, Supplement 1, S67-S74
1
Range, mg/dL
70-100
Less than 140
(Note: 1 mmol/L = 18 mg/dL)
33
2
Range, mmol/L
Less than 7.8
Your Target Range
3.9 – 5.6