Understanding Your Glucose Readings for Better Blood Sugar Control

Understanding Normal vs. Abnormal Glucose Levels

Normal fasting glucose ranges from 70-99 mg/dL, while post-meal levels should stay below 140 mg/dL. Levels consistently above 126 mg/dL fasting or 200 mg/dL post-meal may indicate prediabetes or diabetes. Use a glucose chart to compare your readings against medical guidelines. Remember, individual targets may vary based on age, health conditions, and treatment plans.

Timing and Context of Your Readings

When interpreting glucose readings, note the time of day and recent activities. For example:

• Fasting: Measured after 8+ hours without food.
• Pre-meal: Helps identify baseline stability.
• Post-meal (2-hour): Reveals how food impacts spikes.

Record notes about meals, exercise, or stress to identify patterns.

Recognizing Patterns and Trends

Single readings are less informative than long-term trends. Use a glucose log or app to track:

• Recurring high/low readings after specific foods.
• Nocturnal hypoglycemia (low overnight levels).
• Stress or illness-induced fluctuations.

Share this data with your healthcare provider for personalized insights.

Tools for Accurate Interpretation

Use these tools to enhance your understanding:

• Glucose meters: Check fingerstick accuracy against continuous glucose monitors (CGMs).
• Mobile apps: Visualize trends with graphs and alerts.
• A1C tests: Reflect average blood sugar over 2-3 months.

Calibrate devices regularly and follow manufacturer instructions for reliability.