What is a good blood sugar for type 2 diabetes

A1C level. This is a blood test, typically given at doctor's appointments, that measures your average blood sugar levels over a longer period. “It gives you a picture of what’s been going on over the past two to three months,” says Dawn Sherr, RD, a certified diabetes educator and spokesperson for the American Association of Diabetes Educators. Essentially, your A1C result shows how well your diabetes treatment plan is working.

Depending on your results, you may need to have the test from two to four times a year. For most people, an A1C level of 7 percent or less is ideal. If your A1C level is higher, you and your doctor may discuss making changes to your diabetes treatment plan. Healthy lifestyle practices, like consistent blood sugar control and regular physical activity, can help keep your A1C levels low.

Blood pressure. Monitoring your blood pressure is another important way to maintain your health. “People with diabetes are more likely to develop heart disease, and blood pressure is a big factor in that,” Sherr says.

Your blood pressure should be checked several times a year — ideally, every time you see the doctor who is treating your diabetes, Sherr says. Most people with diabetes should aim for a blood pressure of less than 140/80. To prevent high blood pressure, cut back on salt in your diet, exercise regularly, and quit smoking. Some people with type 2 diabetes may need to take medications to lower their blood pressure.

Cholesterol. This is a substance in your body with two components. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is known as bad cholesterol; it can build up in your arteries and contribute to heart disease. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is called the good cholesterol and has a protective effect on your arteries. Your doctor will perform a blood test once a year to check your cholesterol levels, though you may have it checked more often if your numbers are high, Sherr says.

A test result of less than 100 mg/dl of LDL cholesterol is ideal, while HDL cholesterol should be above 40 mg/dl for men and 50 mg/dl for women. Triglycerides, a type of blood fat that can increase your risk of heart disease, should be less than 150 mg/dl for both men and women. If your cholesterol levels are outside these ranges, you can improve them by losing excess weight, exercising, and eating a healthy diet that’s rich in fresh produce and low in fat.

BMI. Short for body mass index, this is a measure that uses your height and weight to estimate how much body fat you have. Since managing weight plays a role in controlling type 2 diabetes, a healthy BMI is important.

Your doctor will probably review your BMI annually, but you can also calculate it yourself by dividing your weight in pounds by your height in inches squared, and then multiplying that number by 703. Online calculators are also available to do the math for you. A healthy BMI ranges from 18.5 to 24.9 — anything over that is considered overweight, and a BMI over 30 is considered obese.

However, the measurement may not be accurate for some people, such as those with a large amount of muscle. “The BMI score can sometimes be deceiving and not the best way to look at the health effects of someone’s weight,” says Fernando Ovalle, MD, an endocrinologist and professor of medicine at University of Alabama at Birmingham College of Medicine. In these cases, other measurements may be used, such as waist-to-hip ratio and abdominal circumference.

Microalbumin. This test measures the amount of protein, or albumin, in your urine, which helps your doctor know how well your kidneys are working. Your doctor should administer this test at least once a year.

The test compares the level of albumin with the level of creatinine, a waste product. Your albumin-to-creatinine ratio should be less than 30, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. To keep your microalbumin results within a healthy range, it’s important to keep your kidneys healthy. High blood pressure and high blood sugar can both damage your kidneys, so controlling those factors will go a long way toward preventing kidney problems — and many other health problems — in the future.

You’ll need to get your blood sugar tested to find out for sure if you have prediabetes or type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes. Testing is simple, and results are usually available quickly.

Tests for Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, and Prediabetes

Your doctor will have you take one or more of the following blood tests to confirm the diagnosis:

A1C Test

The A1C test measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2 or 3 months. An A1C below 5.7% is normal, between 5.7 and 6.4% indicates you have prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher indicates you have diabetes.

Fasting Blood Sugar Test

This measures your blood sugar after an overnight fast (not eating). A fasting blood sugar level of 99 mg/dL or lower is normal, 100 to 125 mg/dL indicates you have prediabetes, and 126 mg/dL or higher indicates you have diabetes.

Glucose Tolerance Test

This measures your blood sugar before and after you drink a liquid that contains glucose. You’ll fast (not eat) overnight before the test and have your blood drawn to determine your fasting blood sugar level. Then you’ll drink the liquid and have your blood sugar level checked 1 hour, 2 hours, and possibly 3 hours afterward. At 2 hours, a blood sugar level of 140 mg/dL or lower is considered normal, 140 to 199 mg/dL indicates you have prediabetes, and 200 mg/dL or higher indicates you have diabetes.

Random Blood Sugar Test

This measures your blood sugar at the time you’re tested. You can take this test at any time and don’t need to fast (not eat) first. A blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher indicates you have diabetes.

*Results for gestational diabetes can differ. Ask your health care provider what your results mean if you’re being tested for gestational diabetes.
Source: American Diabetes Association

If your doctor thinks you have type 1 diabetes, your blood may also tested for autoantibodies (substances that indicate your body is attacking itself) that are often present in type 1 diabetes but not in type 2 diabetes. You may have your urine tested for ketones (produced when your body burns fat for energy), which also indicate type 1 diabetes instead of type 2 diabetes.

Tests for Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is diagnosed using blood tests. You’ll probably be tested between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. If your risk is higher for getting gestational diabetes (due to having more risk factors), your doctor may test you earlier. Blood sugar that’s higher than normal early in your pregnancy may indicate you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes rather than gestational diabetes.

Glucose Screening Test

This measures your blood sugar at the time you’re tested. You’ll drink a liquid that contains glucose, and then 1 hour later your blood will be drawn to check your blood sugar level. A normal result is 140 mg/dL or lower. If your level is higher than 140 mg/dL, you’ll need to take a glucose tolerance test.

Glucose Tolerance Test

This measures your blood sugar before and after you drink a liquid that contains glucose. You’ll fast (not eat) overnight before the test and have your blood drawn to determine your fasting blood sugar level. Then you’ll drink the liquid and have your blood sugar level checked 1 hour, 2 hours, and possibly 3 hours afterward. Results can differ depending on the size of the glucose drink and how often your blood sugar is tested. Ask your doctor what your test results mean.

Prevent Type 2 Diabetes

If your test results show you have prediabetes, ask your doctor or nurse if there is a lifestyle change program offered through the CDC-led National Diabetes Prevention Program in your community. You can also search for an online or in-person program. Having prediabetes puts you at greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes, but participating in the program can lower your risk by as much as 58% (71% if you’re over age 60).

Diabetes Treatment Plan

If your test results show you have type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes, talk with your doctor or nurse about a detailed treatment plan—including diabetes self-management education and support services—and specific steps you can take to be your healthiest.

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