Glucose FAQs

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1. Why is your glucose measurement important?

Your glucose level is the amount of sugar you have in your blood - also known as blood glucose level.

Normally, blood glucose levels stay within normal limits throughout the day. They are higher after meals and usually lowest in the morning. Blood glucose levels for people with diabetes move outside these limits until treated. Blood glucose levels that are constantly out of control (too high = hyperglycemia OR too low = hypoglycemia) should be treated as it may have serious short- and long-term health consequences.

Exercising regularly (30 min exercise on most days of the week) and eating healthily can help to control your blood glucose levels.

2. How does your glucose level measure up?
Fasting Blood Glucose
(mmol/L)		 2 hours after a meal
(mmol/L)		 Temporary classification How do you measure up?
< 3.9< 4.0HypoglycaemicThis is too low. A healthy high fibre carbohydrate snack and regular meals will help!
4.0 - 6.14.0 – 7.7NormalThis is super.
6.2 – 7.07.8 – 11.0"Impaired" Glucose Tolerancemmm…be careful here. Regular exercise and healthier dietary choices will definately help!
>7.0> 11.0DiabetesWatch out. This is out of control. Consult with your doctor.

Adapted from Journal of Diabetes Care (2004); Krause's food, nutrition and diet therapy 2004