Diabetes & Blood Sugar
Diabetes means there is too much sugar (glucose) in your blood. Over time, high blood sugar can harm your heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Daily habits keep it in range.
- Before meals80–130 mg/dL (general target)
- About 2 hours after a mealBelow 180 mg/dL (general target)
These are general references, not personal goals. Ask your care team what is right for you.
- Eat regular meals with vegetables, protein, and whole grains.
- Limit sugary drinks, sweets, and white bread.
- Stay active — movement helps your body use sugar.
- Take diabetes medicine or insulin as prescribed.
For many adults with diabetes, common general targets are:
- Before a meal: 80–130 mg/dL
- About 2 hours after the start of a meal: below 180 mg/dL
Your personal targets may be different. Follow the goals provided by your healthcare team.
Blood sugar below 70 mg/dL is considered low and should be treated promptly. Follow the low-blood-sugar plan provided by your healthcare team.
The 15-15 Rule
- 1Take 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate.
- 2Wait 15 minutes.
- 3Check your blood sugar again.
- 4If it is still below 70 mg/dL, repeat the steps.
- 5Once your blood sugar returns to your target range, eat a balanced snack or meal if your next meal is not soon.
About 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate
- 4 ounces of regular juice
- 3 to 4 glucose tablets, depending on the product label
- 1 tube of glucose gel, depending on the product label
- 1 tablespoon of sugar, honey, or syrup
- 4 ounces of regular soda, not diet soda
Blood sugar below 54 mg/dL is severely low and requires immediate action.
Do not give food or drinks to someone who is unconscious, having a seizure, severely confused, or unable to swallow safely. Use glucagon if it has been prescribed and you know how to use it. Call 911.
At 180 mg/dL or higher, consider meal timing and compare the reading with your personal target. At 240 mg/dL or higher, follow your ketone and sick-day plan; check ketones if your healthcare team has taught you how, and do not exercise when ketones are present. Contact your healthcare team when readings remain high, ketones are present, or you feel sick. Do not take extra insulin or medication unless your personal plan tells you to do so.
Go to the emergency room or call 911 for persistent readings of 300 mg/dL or higher with vomiting, heavy or difficult breathing, fruity-smelling breath, severe confusion, difficulty staying awake, or another medical emergency.