Diabetics must balance the food they eat with their activity and with the insulin in their body so that blood glucose and blood fats (cholesterol and triglycerides) stay as close to normal as possible. It is important to keep blood glucose near normal to prevent problems that can result from too high a level (ketoacidosis or diabetic coma), or if using insulin, too low a level (insulin reactions or insulin shock). It is important to match the amount of food you eat with the amount of insulin in your body, whether your body still produces insulin on its own or with the help of diabetes pills, or if your insulin comes from injections. This will help you to feel better - the symptoms of diabetes should disappear - but more important, it may help to reduce or prevent the complications of diabetes.

Blood-glucose monitoring can be very useful in keeping track of your diabetes, and can show you the effects of certain foods or activities on your own blood-glucose levels. You can measure your own blood-glucose using a finger-stick device and test strip. Your monitoring record will help you match your meal plan to other aspects of your diabetes management.

What is the optimal blood sugar range?

You should check with your doctor to determine the range of blood sugar levels best for you. In general, optimal blood sugar goals are:

Before Meals: 70–110 mg/dl

At Bedtime: 100–140 mg/dl

If your before-meals blood sugar is consistently lower than 70 mg/dl or higher than 140 mg/dl, or your bedtime blood sugar is consistently lower than 100 mg/dl or higher than 160 mg/dl, you probably need a change in your treatment plan and should consult your doctor. Blood sugar goals may be modified for children and others who are at greater risk for hypoglycemia.