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Information about Diabetes Medicines (Continued)

Your personal A1C goal might be higher or lower than 7 percent. Keeping your A1C as close to normal as possible—below 6 percent without having frequent low blood glucose—can help prevent long-term diabetes problems. Doctors might recommend other goals for very young children, older people, people with other health problems, or those who often have low blood glucose.

Talk with your doctor or diabetes educator about whether the target blood glucose levels and A1C result listed in the charts above are best for you. Write your own target levels in the charts. Both ways of checking your blood glucose levels are important.

If your blood glucose levels are not on target, you might need a change in how you take care of your diabetes. The results of your A1C test and your daily blood glucose checks can help you and your doctor make decisions about:
  • what you eat
  • when you eat
  • how much you eat
  • what kind of exercise you do
  • how much exercise you do
  • the type of diabetes medicines you take
  • the amount of diabetes medicines you take
What happens to blood glucose levels in people with diabetes?

Blood glucose levels go up and down throughout the day and night in people with diabetes. High blood glucose levels over time can result in heart disease and other health problems. Low blood glucose levels can make you feel shaky or pass out. But you can learn how to make sure your blood glucose levels stay on target—not too high and not too low.

What makes blood glucose levels go too high?

Your blood glucose levels can go too high if

  • you eat more than usual
  • you’re not physically active
  • you’re not taking enough diabetes medicine
  • you’re sick or under stress
  • you exercise when your blood glucose level is already high
Some diabetes medicines can also lower your blood glucose too much. Ask your doctor whether your diabetes medicines can cause low blood glucose. See Insert N for information about low blood glucose.

The results of your blood glucose checks can help you make decisions about your diabetes medicines, food choices, and physical activity.

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