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Blood Sugar and A1C Targets

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The following blood sugar and A1C targets to manage diabetes are recommended by the American Diabetes Association. Discuss what targets are best for you with your healthcare professional.

Fasting and before meals Between 70 – 130 mg/dl*
After eating (1 to 2 hours) Less than 180 mg/dl
A1C (hemoglobin A1C) 7%, 6% or less may further reduce diabetes complications, but may increase the risk of low blood glucose episodes
eAG (estimated average glucose)** 154 mg/dl equals 7% A1C, 126 mg/dl equals 6% A1C

* These goals are for non-pregnant adults who have no history of severe hypoglycemia. Less stringent goals may be needed for some people, such as those who regularly have severe low blood sugar episodes, older people, people with health problems and children and adolescents.

The American Diabetes Association recommends slightly higher A1C goals for young people:

  • less than 6 years old: less than 8.5 but higher than 7.5-%
  • 6 – 12 years old less than 8%
  • adolescents (13-19): less than 7.5%.

Women who have type 1 diabetes and become pregnant should be aware that their blood sugar may fluctuate at different stages of their pregnancy, and that it’s common for lows to increase during the first trimester. It’s important for women with type 1 to get their blood sugar in good control before becoming pregnant. They should also learn about the blood sugar goals for pregnancy.

** Estimated average glucose, eAG for short, is a format your healthcare professional has for providing your A1C result. The eAG result is reported in the same units as you use for blood sugar monitoring and when your blood sugar is checked by the medical lab. You can learn more about eAG at www.diabetes.org.

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