It’s a good question: what is normal blood sugar, and what should people with diabetes be aiming for? Diabetes is such a balancing act – don’t go too high or there are long-term complications to worry about. Don’t go too low, or you could need emergency help. In between, there’s a magic range.
Normal blood sugar range
The goal for people with diabetes is 4mmol/l to 7mmol/l. Lower than 4mmol/l (and particularly lower than 3mmol/l) is low (hypoglycemia) which is immediately dangerous and can lead to an emergency situation where you lose consciousness.
Between 7mmol/l and 10mmol/l is also a good zone, although some doctors and diabetics like to keep tighter control and don’t go higher than 9mmol/l. Higher than 10mmol/l is too high.
How to keep your blood sugar in control
If you’re struggling to see the numbers you want, there are a few things you can do.
- Change your diet. Are you eating a healthy diabetes diet? Do you need to cut your carbs (starches) to control your blood sugar? Here’s a simple way to eat LCHF.
- Exercise. No matter what kind of exercise you choose to do, it’s important to get active for 20 to 30 minutes every single day. Take a look at all the fun ways to get fit here.
- Take your medication. Taking medication regularly is essential for good blood sugar control. If your medication makes you feel unwell, talk to your doctor.
- Join a community. It’s so important to have support of other people with diabetes in your daily journey. Diabetic South Africans is SA’s largest online diabetes community – join us!
Just do your best
We are all living different lives, and our blood sugar reacts differently to different things. Just do your best – that’s all you can do. We’re all in this together!
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