It is important that people with diabetes maintain proper levels of glucose (blood sugar) to ensure optimal health. For most people, unless otherwise instructed by their physician, blood glucose should fall into the following target ranges, with measurements given in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL):

• Fasting (upon waking): 70 mg/dL to 110 mg/dL
• After meals: 70 mg/dL to 140 mg/dL

Levels of blood glucose levels can occasionally drop below 60 mg/dL or even 50 mg/dL and not necessarily indicate a serious problem. However, levels below 45 mg/dL almost always indicate a serious problem.

In some cases, glucose levels can slip out of the normal range and result in conditions such as:

• Hyperglycemia. Abnormally high blood glucose occurs when the body has too little insulin or when the body cannot use insulin properly. All diabetic individuals occasionally have high blood glucose, but serious complications can develop when readings are unusually high or frequently high. Left untreated, hyperglycemia can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hypoglycemic nonketotic syndrome or coma. Ways of preventing hyperglycemia include taking insulin or antidiabetic agents as prescribed and following the recommended diet and exercise plan.

• Hypoglycemia. Abnormally low blood glucose occurs when a person’s levels of glucose and insulin are unbalanced. People with hypoglycemia unawareness (difficulty sensing low glucose) are especially vulnerable. Mild cases of hypoglycemia can cause dizziness or weakness. Severe cases can lead to fainting, convulsions, brain damage or coma. Eating a low-fat food with fast-acting glucose (such as fruit juice or at least five pieces of hard candy) or taking glucose medication in the form of tablets or gels, as recommended in a physician’s treatment plan, can help boost blood sugar quickly.
  
  
• Insulin shock. This is a severe reaction in which hypoglycemia develops quickly and causes unconsciousness. Treatment may include an injection of glucagon or intravenous glucose.
  
  
• Unstable diabetes. Chronic problems with high or low glucose may require changes in the treatment plan to avoid severe consequences.