Abbott Signature Abbott Diabetes Care
Patient helpline: 0500 647 466, HCP Helpline: 0800 032 1016

Your guide to glucose testing - Hitting targets

So, what blood glucose levels should you try to achieve? Diabetes UK has examined the medical evidence and currently recommends that people with diabetes aim for the following targets:

Everyday blood glucose

Before Meals 4-7 mmol/L
Two hours after Meals No higher than 10 mmmol/L
Long-term blood glucose (HbA1c)* 7.0% or less

Studies have shown that keeping to these targets could significantly reduce your risk of developing diabetic complications. Some people may find these levels difficult to reach immediately. Do not feel downhearted. Any improvement could be beneficial.

So, discuss a target to aim for at your clinic; they will help you to set yourself a series of goals and work step by step to bring your levels down.

To try and improve your blood glucose levels you need to regard yourself as your own laboratory. You can try a few simple experiments to see how they affect your blood glucose.

Download Blood glucose testing - a step by step picture guide

* Your long-term blood glucose average is measured by an HbA1C test, which your doctor or nurse will organise for you. It is a measure of how well your blood glucose has been controlled in the past six to eight weeks.