What is "Euglycemia"?

Euglycemia is a fancy word that means "normal blood sugar," as in blood sugar levels that people without diabetes have.

Meter readings: 75 mg/dl to 165 mg/dl. (Optimal reading ranges vary from person to person, according to age and other factors. Ask your doctor for your target range.)
How you might feel: good, effective, clearheaded, energetic, having fun.

What is Hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia is a state of low blood sugar.

Meter readings: about 75 mg/dl and under. (Optimal reading ranges vary from person to person, according to age and other factors. Ask your doctor for your target range.)
How you might feel: sluggish, weak, tired, shaky.
Action plan: Eat sugar, check blood sugar, eat light snack with carbohydrate, call doctor (50 mg/dl and under).

What is Hyperglycemia?

Hyperglycemia is a state of high blood sugar.

Meter readings: 165 mg/dl and above. (Again, optimal reading ranges vary from person to person, according to age and other factors. Ask your doctor for your target range.)
How you might feel: irritable, faint, quesy, thirsty.
Action plan: Check blood sugar, take insulin dose, check for ketones in urine, drink water, call doctor (250 and above).

About HBA1c Tests

HBA1c's are another measure of how "normal" your blood sugars are. Since glucose sticks to your red blood cells, lab tests of your blood every three months can tell how high your sugars were on average.

If your blood sugar levels are in the "normal range" at least half the times you test, your HBA1c will probably be "good."

It's All in the Balance

To achieve good control, or normal blood sugar levels, you need to pay attention to all of these factors:

The good news: research shows that when you can achieve the right balance for good control, you not only feel better, but you also reduce your risk for developing long-term problems with diabetes. So keep up the hard work!