Control Your Blood Sugar
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Why control your blood sugar?
It’s good for your health — and important to those who depend on you.
You’re still the same person you’ve always been. Ask those who care about you most. You just need to learn how to control your blood sugar. The good news is, you may be able to achieve control. And it starts with getting to know your blood sugar levels. Once you do, you and your doctor can make an individualized plan to help get your blood sugar under control. By working closely together to establish and reach your blood sugar goals, you can reduce the risk of long-term complications.
What should my blood sugar levels look like if I’m in control?
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends the following guidelines for blood glucose levels for most patients with type 2 diabetes:
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Before meals or upon waking:
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2 hours after the start of a meal:
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70 - 130 mg/dL
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< 180 mg/dL
(less than 180 mg/dl)
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The ADA also recommends an A1C goal of 7% or less for most people with diabetes. Talk to your doctor to find the A1C goal that’s right for you.
JOANN: Taking Insulin Since 1988
"I didn't want to burden my family with my diabetes, so I ignored it. But I learned that taking care of them meant caring for myself first. My family is my reason for getting my blood sugar under control."
Learn More From People Like JoAnn
What are the symptoms of uncontrolled blood sugar?
It’s natural for your blood sugar levels to rise and fall every day. Even when you’re
very careful about controlling your blood sugar, sometimes it can get too high or
too low.
For some people, there are no symptoms of high blood sugar levels (which is why
it’s so important to check levels often). But for others, you’ll know your blood
sugar is high if you feel very fatigued, very thirsty, or if you find you need to
go to the bathroom too often.
When your blood sugar is low, it’s called hypoglycemia. Some symptoms of hypoglycemia
include dizziness, headache, and irritability. Sometimes there are no symptoms. That’s why it’s good to check your levels often. You should always have glucose
tablets or a piece of hard candy that’s not sugar-free on hand to raise your blood
sugar quickly in case you experience hypoglycemia.
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