ver feel like you’re on thin ice when it comes to dependable blood glucose results? Whether you have Type 1 (formerly called juvenile-onset) or Type 2 (formerly called adult-onset) diabetes, unexplainable high and low blood sugar levels can leave you frustrated with your diabetes regimen. Regardless of the treatment you use, you’ll have better control over your diabetes by checking your blood sugar more often. After all, keeping your blood sugar under control is important for preventing long-term complications. Are you willing to check your glucose levels two to four times a day? Then ask your diabetes care team to help you set some blood glucose level goals. These goals will reflect factors such as your age, your work and other medical conditions. The American Diabetic Association suggests the following goals for most people: 80 to 120 mg/dl* before meals 100 to 140 mg/dl at bedtime less than 160 mg/dl two hours after meals *milligrams per deciliter The next step is for your doctor to prescribe the best combination of medications based on your weight, your type of diabetes and your sensitivity to insulin. Also, carefully follow your prescribed eating plan. © Your HealthStyle, 1999.