Initial Testing

In diagnostic tests, after an overnight fast, a blood sugar level between 70 and 99 milligrams per decileter is considered normal. A level of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests is considered diabetes. If you ate before the test, a level of 200 mg/dL may indicate diabetes.

Self Testing

If you are diabetic, your doctor will instruct you to test your own blood sugar levels at home using a blood glucose meter. He or she will tell you how often to do this.

Desirable Levels

According to the American Diabetes Association, the desirable range for diabetics before eating is 70-130 mg/dL. One to two hours after eating, you should aim for 180 or lower.

Treatments

For mildly high blood sugar levels, your doctor may recommend a healthy diet and exercise to bring down blood sugar levels. For type 1 diabetics, options include taking insulin shots, wearing an insulin pump or undergoing a pancreas transplant. In type 2, medications can stimulate increased insulin production or reduce the liver's output of glucose.

Low Levels

Diabetic hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can occur when a diabetic takes insulin or medication but skips a meal. Symptoms include confusion, fainting or even seizures and coma. To prevent this, diabetics should check blood glucose before sports and have a snack or drink fruit juice if the level is below 100 mg/dL.

Source:

American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Basics

National Institutes of Health: Hypoglycemia

Mayo Clinic: Diabetes Treatments and Drugs

More Information:

Mayo Clinic: Diabetes

American Diabetes Association