Which Diabetes Numbers to Watch
Know your numbers and know where you stand
With diabetes, you’re asked to know a lot of numbers. Knowing your numbers will help you and your doctor see where you are with your blood sugar.
3 Key Blood Sugar Tests
|
A1c
|
What |
Measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months |
|
When |
Usually done every 3-6 months |
|
|
Why |
Tracks how your diabetes is being controlled over time |
|
|
Goal |
Less than 7% (for most non-pregnant adults); ask your doctor what your individual A1c goal should be |
|
|
FPG
|
What |
Measures amount of sugar in the blood after an overnight fast |
|
When |
Usually in the morning before breakfast after not eating for at least 8 hours |
|
|
Why |
Lets you find out if you’re on target for your blood sugar goals |
|
|
Goal |
80-130 mg/dL for most adults; ask your doctor what your individual blood sugar level goal should be |
|
|
PPG
|
What |
Measures blood sugar levels after eating |
|
When |
Test should be done 1-2 hours after beginning of the meal |
|
|
Why |
Important because adding a medication that reduces PPG may help lower your A1C |
|
|
Goal |
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) suggests a target goal of less than 180 mg/dL |
| A1c | |
|
What |
Measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months |
|
When |
Usually done every 3-6 months |
|
Why |
Tracks how your diabetes is being controlled over time |
|
Goal |
Less than 7% (for most non-pregnant adults); ask your doctor what your individual A1c goal should be |
| FPG Fasting Plasma Glucose | |
|
What |
Measures amount of sugar in the blood after an overnight fast |
|
When |
Usually in the morning before breakfast after not eating for at least 8 hours |
|
Why |
Lets you find out if you’re on target for your blood sugar goals |
|
Goal |
80-130 mg/dL for most adults; ask your doctor what your individual blood sugar level goal should be |
| PPG Postprandial Blood Glucose | |
|
What |
Measures blood sugar levels after eating |
|
When |
Test should be done 1-2 hours after beginning of the meal |
|
Why |
Important because adding a medication that reduces PPG may help lower your A1C |
|
Goal |
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) suggests a target goal of less than 180 mg/dL |
Be sure to check with your healthcare provider, because your target goals may be different from the guidelines above.
Why Keep Testing
These numbers are important because they let your healthcare team and you know how you’re doing, and what impact food, activity level (exercise), and your medications have on your blood sugar. Learn how to handle highs and lows.
Why monitoring your blood sugar matters.