Chapter 14: Observations
Skip chapter table of contents and go to main content
Source: Adapted from Diabetes.co.uk.
Blood glucose
Definition
Blood glucose is the amount of glucose in the blood (Whitmore [212]). Table 14.15 outlines the normal target ranges, which are expressed as millimoles per litre (mmol/L). Normally, blood glucose levels stay within narrow limits (4–8 mmol/L) throughout the day. However, some fluctuations can occur throughout the day: readings are usually slightly higher after meals and lowest in the morning (Whitmore [212]).
Table 14.15 Normal target blood glucose ranges
| Target levels by type | Upon waking (mmol/L) | Before meals (pre‐prandial) (mmol/L) | At least 90 minutes after meals (post‐prandial) (mmol/L) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non‐diabetic | 3.9–5.4 | 4.0–5.9 | under 7.8 |
| Type 2 diabetes | 5.0–7.0 | 4.0–7.0 | under 8.5 |
| Type 1 diabetes | 5.0–7.0 | 4.0–7.0 | 5.0–9.0 |
| Children with type 1 diabetes | 4.0–7.0 | 4.0–7.0 | 5.0–9.0 |
