One of the biggest challenges that you have to face while suffering from diabetes is controlling it and this is possible only if you know your diabetes numbers and keep them in control. If you keep the diabetes numbers within your target range, then you can lead a healthy life. If you think that those suffering from diabetes are solely responsible for tracking the numbers, then you are wrong. It is important for everyone to evaluate the level of blood sugar, so as to keep your eyes open for the disease.
Tracking the numbers
Monitoring and tracking diabetes numbers is not a very hard job nowadays, because of the availability of meters in the market. The numbers that are associated with blood sugar level include fasting and Post-prandial. Fasting is the number that is determined by testing blood sugar prior to having meals. Doctors consider Fasting to be the best determinant of diabetes in many cases. The lab test of diabetes is known as A1C. For majority of people the ideal A1C target is under 7. Your doctor will determine the correct A1C target for you. You can also conduct diabetes tests at home with diabetes monitors. However, the numbers related to tests might differ.
Numbers related to different types of tests
You should know the diabetes numbers about different types of test, to decide your target numbers. A normal blood sugar level shows the numbers like fasting should be below 100, one-hour post-prandial should be below 140 and the same for two hours should be below 120. If in any case the numbers falls in between 140 to 200 then you should consult a doctor. The key to control your blood glucose level is to keep the numbers in mind. If you do blood glucose test at home, then the numbers differ for different time.
Time of tests
For home test, the common target of diabetes numbers should be amid 80 and 120 mg/dl, for test done before meals. At bedtime, it should be amid 100 and 140 mg/dl and if you take the test 2 hours after having your meals, then it should not be more than thirty to fifty points over the numbers that you measured prior to having your meals. Taking the home test after two hours of having meals is an ideal way of checking the way your food affects the level of your blood sugar. It is better to keep a record of the numbers and the changes, and take it with you when you visit the doctor.
Numbers are for help
Apart from the diabetes numbers, you should also keep a check on your cholesterol and blood pressure. The main problem with testing blood sugar levels is the time. You should keep in mind that the numbers of A1C and home test is only for your help and not for judging you. If you have a medical insurance or Medicare, then these pay for A1C tests. The patients who take insulin have to take the tests more often as compared to other diabetics.