A blood sugar goal is the range you're trying to achieve as much as possible. The A1C test measures the average blood sugar level for the past 2 or 3 months. An A1C lower than 5.7% is normal, between 5.7 and 6.4% indicates that you have prediabetes and 6.5% or more indicates that you have diabetes. For example, if you have several risk factors for diabetes, your doctor may want your blood sugar level to be within a tighter range.
Other medications that your doctor may prescribe besides diabetes medications include medications to lower blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as low-dose aspirin, to help prevent heart and vascular diseases. A higher-than-normal blood sugar level early in pregnancy may indicate that you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes rather than gestational diabetes. Interrupting extended periods of inactivity, such as sitting at the computer, can help control blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels that are consistently within the recommended ranges are a sign that medications, diet, and other treatments for diabetes are working well.
You'll fast (not eat) the night before the test and your blood will be drawn to determine your fasting blood sugar level. Talk to your doctor about how much insulin you should take if your blood sugar level is above a certain level. The OGTT is a two-hour test that measures blood glucose levels before and two hours after drinking a special sweet drink. Monitoring is usually done with a small household device called a blood glucose meter, which measures the amount of sugar in a drop of blood.
Long-acting insulin, for example, is designed to work during the night or throughout the day to keep blood sugar levels stable. If you can't maintain your target blood sugar level with diet and exercise, your doctor may prescribe diabetes medications that help lower insulin levels or insulin therapy. The recommended blood sugar range can be affected by a variety of factors, such as age, general health, and diabetes management goals. Your healthcare provider will tell you how often you should check your blood sugar level to make sure it stays within the ideal range.
GLP-1 receptor agonists are injectable medications that slow digestion and help lower blood sugar levels.
