Blood sugar targets: Should you always aim for the normal range?

Understanding blood sugar and type 2 diabetes

What is blood sugar?

Blood sugar refers to the level of sugar in the blood, mainly glucose, which fuels the body. In a healthy person, blood sugar remains stable thanks to insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. In people with type 2 diabetes, this regulation is disrupted, leading to spikes after meals and sometimes persistently high fasting blood sugar. Understanding blood sugar is therefore essential for managing diabetes and reducing the risk of long-term complications.

Normal blood sugar vs. blood sugar in type 2 diabetes

For a healthy adult, fasting blood sugar usually ranges between 70 and 100 mg/dL (0.7–1.0 g/L), while postprandial (after-meal) blood sugar does not exceed about 140–160 mg/dL (1.4–1.8 g/L). In people with type 2 diabetes, these values are often higher. The goal of regular monitoring is to reduce these imbalances and quickly detect any issues so that diet, physical activity, or treatment can be adjusted.

HbA1c: a key marker of blood sugar control

HbA1c, or glycated hemoglobin, reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months. It provides a more complete picture of blood sugar control than one-off finger-prick tests. For people with diabetes, it is a valuable tool that guides treatment decisions and helps set personalized blood sugar goals.

Standard blood sugar targets in type 2 diabetes

Fasting and postprandial glucose: What levels to aim for?

General recommendations suggest that fasting blood sugar for people with type 2 diabetes should be between 80 and 120 mg/dL (0.8–1.2 g/L), and postprandial blood sugar should stay below about 160 mg/dL (1.8 g/L). These numbers serve as a guideline to help reduce the risk of complications and adjust treatment. However, they are not absolute and can vary from one person to another.

Recommended HbA1c: Which target for which patient?

An HbA1c target of around 7% is commonly recommended for adults with type 2 diabetes. But this goal can be adjusted depending on age, other health conditions, risk of hypoglycaemia, and tolerance to treatment. For older or more fragile patients, aiming for a slightly higher HbA1c may be safer and more realistic.

Why were these targets established?

These targets were set to lower the risk of long-term complications such as cardiovascular disease, kidney problems, or neuropathy. They also help prevent hypoglycaemia, which can be dangerous if severe or recurrent. They represent a balance between safety and effective blood sugar control.

Should you always aim for the standard range?

The limits of “one-size-fits-all” targets: Risk of hypoglycaemia

Strictly aiming for normal blood sugar levels can sometimes cause hypoglycaemia, especially in people treated with medication or insulin. These episodes may be serious, leading to fainting, accidents, or a significant impact on quality of life.

Personalized targets based on age, health, and treatment

Current recommendations highlight the importance of individualized blood sugar goals. Age, coexisting conditions, life expectancy, and medication tolerance all play a role in setting safe and realistic targets.

Recent studies and recommendations on personalized goals

Research shows that people who follow personalized goals often achieve better blood sugar control with fewer hypoglycaemia episodes. Medical associations now recommend combining tailored goals with regular monitoring, nutrition guidance, and ongoing medical support.

Factors influencing blood sugar control

Diet and blood sugar

Diet plays a central role in managing blood sugar. Meals rich in fibre, vegetables, and protein support more stable blood sugar, while quick sugars and ultra-processed foods trigger spikes. A tailored nutrition plan helps reach blood sugar goals without raising the risk of hypoglycaemia.

Physical activity and blood sugar control

Regular physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and helps regulate blood sugar. Even moderate exercise, like daily walking, can have a significant effect on both blood sugar and cardiovascular health.

Medication and treatment adjustment

Diabetes treatment should be adjusted according to blood sugar control and the individual’s profile. Combining regular monitoring with tailored treatment allows blood sugar to remain close to personal targets while limiting risks.

Preventing complications of poor blood sugar control

Cardiovascular and kidney complications

Poor blood sugar control increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney problems, and neuropathy. Keeping blood sugar close to target levels helps reduce these risks and improves quality of life.

The impact of blood sugar on overall health

Beyond typical complications, poorly controlled blood sugar can cause fatigue, poor concentration, and reduced well-being. Better blood sugar management therefore supports overall health and helps prevent secondary issues.

Blood sugar monitoring strategies

Regular monitoring of fasting blood sugar, postprandial levels, and HbA1c is essential. Modern continuous glucose monitoring devices can help detect fluctuations, guide treatment adjustments, and support real-time, personalized goal setting.

Practical tips for managing blood sugar every day

Monitoring blood sugar: Tools and methods

Checking your blood sugar regularly, keeping a diary, or using a continuous glucose monitoring device makes it easier to spot patterns and make informed decisions. These tools are essential to achieving the goals set with your healthcare provider.

Adopting a supportive lifestyle

Balanced eating, regular physical activity, good-quality sleep, and stress management are all pillars of stable blood sugar. These habits support better control and reduce the risk of complications.

Working with your doctor to set personalized goals

Talking through your results with your doctor, adjusting goals to your personal profile, and following an individualized plan are crucial for optimal control. This collaborative approach ensures that blood sugar stays within a safe range adapted to each patient.

Conclusion: Aim for the norm or adapt to yourself?

The “normal” blood sugar range can serve as a useful reference, but it is not a rule set in stone. The best control is the one that is personalized, adapted to age, health status, treatment, and lifestyle. The ultimate goal remains safety, prevention of complications, and maintaining the best possible quality of life.

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