Blood Glucose Level Target Ranges, New Ones For UK

Blood glucose level target ranges have been adopted. Diabetes UK has updated this in light of the NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) recommendations. Before this, the IDF (the International Diabetes Federation) suggested that changes be made to the target ranges after meal. We know that a blood glucose test measures how much sugar which is called glucose, in the blood.

Then in 2008, NICE prepared and published their rules on the blood glucose level target ranges for type 2 diabetes. Several different types of blood glucose tests are used and so Diabetes UK since it continually updates their own data, decided to follow NICE recommendations. They have therefore made the changes to reflect the new guidelines.

In order to understand the new guidelines, it is good to see what is to target for. Of course the best target is to aim for the blood glucose level that is as close to normal ranges as possible like for those who do not have diabetes. Usually, the blood glucose levels increase slightly after eating. And this is their reading before meals: 3.5-5.5 mmols/L before meals while for two hours after meals, it is less than 8 mmols/L.

Opinions as to the blood sugar target to aim for vary. This is understandable because each individual has his own needs. Therefore, the target should be one that is agreed by both the person with diabetes and his diabetes care team. Both have a say on what to aim for when it comes to the blood glucose levels.

In 2004, NICE recommendations for children with type 1 diabetes before meals is 4-8 mmols/L. Two hours after meals, the recommendation is less than 10 mmols/L. For adults with type 1 diabetes, it is 4-7 mmols/L and for two hours after meals, it is less than 9 mmols/L. We know that blood glucose tests are done to test to see if one has diabetes or to keep an eye on the treatment of diabetes.

In 2008 NICE recommendations for type 2 diabetes have changed to 4-7 mmol/L for before meals and less than 8.5 mmols/L for two hours after meals. So you see it is important to self-monitor the blood sugar level as part of the routine every day. This way we can determine if an abnormally low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia) has occurred. This way, we can watch for symptoms for either hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia as well as those of possible complications. That's how important it is to check one's blood glucose level.