Monitoring Blood Sugar for Diabetes Management

Monitoring blood sugar is an important self-care behavior in the management of diabetes. Your blood sugar should be checked before a meal and within 1-2 hours of completing your meal. The American Diabetes Association recommends a target blood sugar reading between 80 and 130 before a meal and <180 after a meal.  

Based on your blood sugar readings, a registered dietitian can make dietary recommendations if necessary. Increasing consumption of vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole-grain products, dairy products, and fiber-rich foods during meals are strategies that can help your blood sugar stay within a normal range. Other strategies include decreasing your consumption of added sugars at meals. Added sugars are found in bakery items, sweets, and soda products.

Monitoring blood sugar is a very important part in managing diabetes. Awareness of your blood sugar can help you develop strategies to help you feel your best.