BLOOD SUGAR RANGE

When taking your blood sugar readings it is vital to know the different types of test. That way, you can monitor your sugars appropriately. These tests include:

• Random Blood Sugar Test
• Fasting Blood Sugar Test
• The Oral Glucose Tolerant Test
• HBA1C  Test

Random Blood Sugar Test(RBS)

When taken at any random time, the test is known as a random blood sugar test. At any one point, regardless of when a person last ate, a blood sugar level of 11.1mmol/L is indicative of high blood sugar (diabetes), and should be monitored regularly.

Fasting Blood Sugar Test

A fasting blood sugar test is a test done 8 hours after a meal. It is typically taken in the morning after an overnight fast. According to ADA, the normal blood sugar readings for a fasting blood sugar ranges between 3.9mmol/L to 5.5mmol/L (70 mg/dl - 99 mg/dl). However, for persons with diabetes, a range of 4.4 to 7.2mmol/L (80 mg/dl - 130mg/dl)  is recommended.

Oral Glucose Tolerant Test (OGTT)

This is a test that is taken periodically after taking a sugary liquid. Similar to after taking a meal, the normal reading for an OGTT two hours after ingestion should be below 7.8mmol/L (<140mg/dl). Persons with diabetes should aim for below 10mmol/L according to studies.

HbA1c Test

A hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test measures the amount of blood glucose attached to hemoglobin. It is done in a health facility and gives the average blood sugar readings over the last three months. This is the main test used to diagnose prediabetes or diabetes. A reading of less than 5.7% is considered normal. Between 5.7 and 6.4% indicates prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes. American Diabetes Association recommends below 7% for persons diagnosed with diabetes.

It is important to monitor blood sugar readings regularly in order to adjust one's lifestyle. A healthy low-carb diet, physical activity, medication, and stress and weight management are the basics to diabetes management.