Understanding Normal Blood Sugar Readings: A Comprehensive Guide

A glucometer allows people with elevated blood sugar to check their glucose levels on a regular basis. Normal readings vary depending on whether the patient has eaten recently.

Definition

• A glucometer determines the body̵7;s current level of blood sugar (glucose). A patient places a drop of blood in the device to get a numerical reading, according to the American Diabetes Association.

Fasting and Postprandial Readings

• Diabetics or those at risk for diabetes routinely test their blood sugar before meals (the fasting reading) and two hours after a meal (the postprandial reading), according to the All About Diabetes website.

Numbers

• Normal blood sugar registers 3.3 to 6.1 millimoles per deciliter (mmol/dL) when fasting and under 11.1 mmol/dL postprandial.

Establishing a Baseline

• The fasting reading establishes the baseline level for the body̵7;s blood sugar. The postprandial reading demonstrates how significantly food intake impacts blood sugar.

Frequency

• People with Type 1 diabetes should check their glucose levels at least three times a day, while pregnant women with elevated blood sugar should test themselves twice a day. Type 2 diabetics have no strict guidelines for testing but should check their glucose regularly.