International Diabetes Center > Diabetes Self-care > Blood Glucose Testing

Blood glucose testing

A self-test of your blood glucose (sugar) level is one of the most important things you can do to manage your diabetes, no matter what type of diabetes you have. The most accurate way to do this is to use a blood glucose meter. The meter gives you an immediate reading of your blood glucose level at the moment you test.

Regular testing and record-keeping help you and your health care provider:

• evaluate your blood glucose control
• decide what medication, insulin regimen or dose changes you may need to improve control
• see how food, activity, insulin or medications affect your blood glucose levels
• determine how well your treatment plan is working

Each time you test your blood, you are aiming for a blood glucose level within a target range. The range is different depending on the time of your test. Your health care provider may modify this target to fit your individual needs.

Target blood glucose levels for adults with type 2 diabetes

Test time	Medication type	Target
Before meals	All	70-140 mg/dL
Two hours after meals start	Regular insulin	Less than 160 mg/dL
	Lispro, aspart or glulisine insulin	20-40 mg/dL higher than pre-meal level
	Oral medications	less than 160 mg/dL
Bedtime	All	70-140 mg/dL

It is normal for blood glucose levels to be outside the target range some of the time. The goal is to have at least 50 percent of your readings on target. The best way to tell how your treatment plan is working overall is the A1C test.

To make an appointment with International Diabetes Center, call 952-993-3393 or toll-free at 888-825-6315.