Topic Overview

Keeping your blood sugar in a target range reduces your risk of problems such as diabetic eye disease ( retinopathy ), kidney disease ( nephropathy ), and nerve disease ( neuropathy ).

Some people can work toward lower numbers, and some people may need higher goals.

For example, some children and adolescents with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, people who have severe complications from diabetes, people who may not live much longer, or people who have trouble recognizing the symptoms of low blood sugar may have a higher target range.

And some people, such as those who are newly diagnosed with diabetes or who don't have any complications from diabetes, may do better with a lower target range.

Work with your doctor to set your own target blood sugar range. This will help you achieve the best control possible without having a high risk of hypoglycemia.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) suggests the following A1c and blood glucose ranges as a general guide. ^{footnote 1}

• Children of any age with type 2 diabetes and most adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes (non-pregnant)
  • A1c: Lower than 7.0%
  • Before meals: 80 to 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)
  • 1 to 2 hours after meals: Lower than 180 mg/dL
• Youth (younger than 18 years old) with type 1 diabetes
  • A1c: Lower than 7.5%
  • Before meals: 90 to 130 mg/dL
  • Bedtime and overnight: 90 to 150 mg/dL
• Women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who could become pregnant
  • A1c: Lower than 6.5%
• Women with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who become pregnant
  • A1c: Lower than 6.0% if possible, 7.0% if risk of hypoglycemia is high
  • Before meals: Lower than 95 mg/dL
  • 1 to 2 hours after meals: 120 to 140 mg/dL or lower
• Women who have gestational diabetes
  • Before meals: Lower than 95 mg/dL
  • 1 to 2 hours after meals: 120 to 140 mg/dL or lower