In this Article

• Eating and Diabetes
• Diabetes and Blood Glucose Levels
• Your Diabetes Medicines
• Diabetes and Exercise
• Diabetes and Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
• Diabetes and the Food Pyramid
• How much should I eat each day?
• Starches
• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Milk
• Meat and Meat Substitutes
• Fats and Sweets
• Diabetes and Your Meal Plan
• Diabetes and Measuring Your Food
• Diabetes - When You Are Sick
• How to Find More Help - Living with Diabetes
• Diabetic Diet Index

Diabetes and Blood Glucose Levels

What should my blood glucose levels be?

Talk with your health care provider about your blood glucose target levels and write them here. (Print out this chart for handy reference)

Ask your doctor how often you should check your blood glucose on your own. Also ask your doctor for an A1C test at least twice a year. Your A1C number gives your average blood glucose for the past 3 months. The results from your blood glucose checks and your A1C test will tell you whether your diabetes care plan is working.

How can I keep my blood glucose levels on target?

You can keep your blood glucose levels on target by

• making wise food choices
  
  
• being physically active
  
  
• taking medicines if needed

For people taking certain diabetes medicines, following a schedule for meals, snacks, and physical activity is best. However, some diabetes medicines allow for more flexibility. You'll work with your health care team to create a diabetes plan that's best for you.

Talk with your doctor or diabetes teacher about how many meals and snacks to eat each day. Fill in the times for your meals and snacks on these clocks.