Blood sugar (glucose) is the key indicator for managing type 2 diabetes. Continuous monitoring helps prevent complications and maintain quality of life. Below is an overview of normal values, the dangers of deviations, and ways to maintain optimal glucose levels.
1. Target Glucose Levels in Type 2 Diabetes
Parameter | Normal range | Target range in diabetes | Dangerous values
Fasting glucose
Normal: 4.0–5.9 mmol/L
Target in diabetes: 4.5–7.0 mmol/L
Dangerous: <3.9 or >8.0 mmol/L
2 hours after meals
Normal: <7.8 mmol/L
Target in diabetes: <9.0 mmol/L
Dangerous: >11.0 mmol/L
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c)
Normal: <5.7%
Target: <7.0% (individualized)
Dangerous: >8.0%
Important: Targets may be adjusted based on age, duration of diabetes, and comorbidities. For example, in older adults, higher values (up to 8.5 mmol/L fasting) may be acceptable.
2. Why Is High Blood Sugar Dangerous? (Chronic Hyperglycemia)
✔ Vascular complications:
Damage to blood vessel walls → atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke
Retinopathy (damage to the retina) → blindness
Nephropathy → kidney failure
✔ Neurological disorders:
Polyneuropathy (numbness, pain in the legs)
Diabetic foot → risk of amputation
✔ Other consequences:
Reduced immunity → frequent infections
Accelerated aging of the body
3. Why Is Low Blood Sugar Dangerous? (Hypoglycemia)
At levels below 3.9 mmol/L, the following may occur:
Tremors, sweating, palpitations (mild)
Confusion, seizures (severe)
Hypoglycemic coma (life-threatening)
Main causes:
Overdose of insulin or glucose-lowering drugs (sulfonylureas)
Skipping meals after taking medication
Physical activity without therapy adjustment
4. How to Monitor Blood Sugar
🔹 Self-monitoring of glucose
Glucometer: measurements fasting, before meals, 2 hours after meals, and at bedtime
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM): helps detect hidden fluctuations
🔹 Medical tests
Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c): reflects average glucose over 3 months
Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): used to уточнить diagnosis
5. How to Maintain Normal Blood Sugar Levels
✅ Diet
Low glycemic index (GI): vegetables, legumes, whole grains
Fractional meals: 5–6 small meals per day
Limit: sugar, white flour, sweetened beverages
✅ Physical activity
150 minutes per week (walking, swimming, yoga)
Strength training 2–3 times per week (improves insulin sensitivity)
✅ Medication therapy
Metformin (first-line treatment)
SGLT-2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists (lower glucose and body weight)
Insulin (in progressive diabetes)
6. When to Seek Urgent Medical Care
✔ Blood sugar >15 mmol/L for more than 24 hours
✔ Hypoglycemia occurring more than 1–2 times per week
✔ Presence of ketones in urine (risk of ketoacidosis)
Conclusion
Maintaining blood sugar within the target range is the foundation of preventing complications of type 2 diabetes. Regular self-monitoring, proper diet, and physical activity are the three main tools for managing the condition.
Important: Individual treatment targets should be set by an endocrinologist, taking into account your age, duration of diabetes, and comorbid conditions.