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Understanding Test Results
Suggested Test Times and Target Goals
Tracking your glucose concentrations with regular blood glucose testing is
an important part of managing diabetes. Your healthcare professional will
help you decide the normal target range for you glucose levels and how
often you should test according to your situation. Suggested times to test
include:
More frequent tests may be required when:
When you wake up (before eating)
1-2 hours after breakfast
1-2 hours after lunch
Before dinner
Before bedtime
2-3 o'clock in the morning (if taking insulin)
You adjust your medication dosage.
You think your glucose levels may be too high or too low.
You feel ill.
Before breakfast
Before lunch
Before and after exercises
1-2 hours after dinner
After a snack
Normal blood glucose target ranges (from ADA Clinical Practice
Recommendations, 2011).
Time Target Range (mg/dL) Target Range (mmol/L)
Empty stomach 70-100 3.9-5.6
2 hours after a meal <140 <7.8
(Note: 1 mmol/L = 18 mg/dL)
How many times per day should I test?
Diabetes Type Number of Tests With Empty Stomach
Type 1 At least 3 times per day
Type 2 Test frequently to achieve your target range
Prenatal Diabetes At least twice per day
“HI” and “LO” Messages
Your meter can accurately measure blood glucose concentrations
between 1.1-33.3 mmol/L (20-600 mg/dL). “HI” and “LO” messages
indicate that the test measurement was outside of this range.
If “HI” is displayed, it indicates the test result is above 33.3 mmol/L (600
mg/dL). You should test again to ensure that no mistake was made in the
procedure. If you are sure your glucose meter is functioning properly, no
mistakes were made, and the test results still show “HI”, then you may be
in a state of severe hyperglycemia, please contact your healthcare
professional immediately.
If “LO” is displayed, it indicates the test result is below 1.1 mmol/L (20
mg/dL). You should test again to ensure that no mistake was made in the
procedure. If you are sure your glucose meter is functioning properly, no
mistakes were made, and the test results still show “LO”, then you may be
in a state of severe hypoglycemia, please contact your healthcare
professional immediately.
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“HYPO” and “HYPER” Messages
If “HYPO” is displayed, it indicates the test result is below the
hypoglycemia limit that you entered in the settings.
If “HYPER” is displayed, it indicates the test result is above the
hyperglycemia limit that you entered in the settings.
Research indicates that measuring your blood glucose at least three times
per day will help you control you glucose level. Please discuss the number
of tests and test times with your healthcare professional.
Record your blood sugar levels and other relevant information in your log
book. Bring your records when you visit your healthcare professional. It
will help him understand your condition, and help him modify your
treatment plan.
