Taking care of your blood sugar can be a demanding job that comes with a steep learning curve. You can empower yourself by learning more about what a healthy blood sugar range looks like, understanding what affects blood sugar levels.
Learn how advancements in technology has enabled people just like you, to take better control of their lives.
Main Takeaways
- Keeping your glucose within a healthy range (generally between 3.9 and 10.0 mmol/L) can help you reduce the risk of diabetes complications.
- Understanding how glucose works in the body can empower you to manage diabetes with more confidence.
- Learning more about what might affect your glucose can help you take control of your diabetes management.
- Using a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system can support healthy glucose levels.
Diabetes and Blood sugar Health
Blood sugar is an important part of how our bodies use the foods and drinks we consume for energy. The sugar that’s in our blood is known as glucose. We need to have glucose circulating in our blood so that our muscles, nerves, brain cells, and all of the other tissues in our bodies can grow and perform the functions that keep us alive.1 Diabetes is a complex condition that directly affects blood sugar health. Learning how to manage blood sugar is an essential part of a diabetes management routine.
Depending on the type, diabetes can affect either the production or the effectiveness of a hormone called insulin, which plays a critical role in controlling how glucose gets absorbed and used for energy.1 Individuals living with diabetes typically have blood sugar levels that are higher or lower than the healthy blood sugar range because of issues with how insulin is produced or used in the body. There are differences in how well insulin works in the body depending on what type of diabetes you’re experiencing.
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) happens when the body attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make insulin, known as beta cells, in an autoimmune response. The body can’t make insulin anymore once the beta cells are damaged. T1D is more commonly diagnosed in children, but adults over 30 can also develop a type called latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA).2,3
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) happens when the tissues in the body become less responsive to insulin over time, which is called insulin resistance, or when the beta cells can no longer make enough insulin to meet the body’s needs.4
Prediabetes is an early stage of T2D when there is still insulin in the body, but blood sugar levels are higher than normal. If addressed early, prediabetes is potentially reversible.5
💡Learn More: Types of Diabetes
- Type 1 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes
- Gestational diabetes
- Diabetes in children
- Prediabetes
- Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA) or type 1.5 diabetes
How Glucose and Insulin Work in the Body
Glucose is a type of sugar molecule that primarily comes from carbohydrates in our diet.1 However, we can also get glucose from things we don’t usually think of as “carbs” such as dairy products, which contain a type of sugar called lactose, or fruits and fruit drinks, which contain a sugar called fructose.1 When we eat carbs or anything that contains sugar, our digestive system breaks it down into its smallest component: glucose. That glucose is absorbed into our bloodstream so that it can be carried around the body to be used for energy.1
Blood sugar health depends on insulin. When we eat and drink, and our blood glucose begins to rise, the pancreas releases insulin into the bloodstream.1 You can think of insulin as a key that opens up the cells for glucose molecules to enter. If the pancreas is no longer producing insulin, the cells can’t be “unlocked” to absorb the incoming glucose that’s in the blood. If the body experiences insulin resistance, there may be plenty of insulin in the blood but the cells can’t “unlock” when insulin comes by to open them up. This means the cells won’t be able to absorb the glucose they need to function.1
Because the pancreas can no longer produce insulin, individuals living with T1D need to inject insulin into their bodies to absorb glucose.2 Individuals living with T2D might still be able to produce insulin to support glucose absorption, so they may be able to manage their blood sugar through lifestyle changes. However, those living with T2D often need insulin and glucose-regulating medication to support diabetes management.4
Everyone’s body is unique, and a healthy blood sugar range may look different from person to person. In general, normal blood sugar levels for adults who don’t live with diabetes are:6
- An overall A1C at or below 6.0%
- Under 6.1 mmol/L before eating
- Up to 7.8 mmol/L two hours after eating
Those living with diabetes need to look after their blood sugar health by keeping their levels within their target glucose range more often. This range may be different for every individual living with diabetes, so it’s important to talk to your doctor to get personalized advice.
Diabetes Canada has established general guidelines for doctors to use so they can determine the glucose range that’s best for their patients. These recommendations suggest glucose target ranges for adults, children, elderly individuals, and those with different levels of mobility and independence living with T1D or T2D. Here’s a healthy blood sugar range chart that outlines Diabetes Canada’s general recommendations:6,7,8
Measuring Blood Sugar Levels
Doctors administer different types of blood tests to check blood sugar health and confirm if a person has diabetes. One of the most common tests is an A1C test, also known as an HbA1C or hemoglobin A1C test. An A1C test measures the average amount of glucose that has been in your blood over the previous 2–3 months. , If a person’s A1C is higher than normal, the doctor may also perform a fasting blood sugar test or a glucose tolerance test. These two blood tests measure your glucose level after fasting overnight and and two hours after you consume a set amount of glucose.11
Individuals living with diabetes typically get an A1C test at their regular check-ups to see if their levels are within a healthy blood sugar range and assess how their glucose management is going. They may need to monitor their glucose levels every day. You can measure your glucose levels at home with a blood glucose meter (BGM), also known as a glucometer, or a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system.
High Blood Sugar Symptoms
High blood sugar is known as HYPERglycemia. The symptoms of high glucose levels in the body may also be among the first signs of diabetes and a signal to check your blood sugar health. A few common symptoms of hyperglycemia include:11,12
- Urinating more than usual
- Feeling extremely thirsty or hungry
- Having blurry vision
- Feeling weak or exhausted
- Losing weight without trying
- Having slow-healing sores or frequent infections
As blood sugar levels get higher, more serious symptoms may occur. These can include indications of a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. This happens when the body begins to burn fat for fuel, releasing a chemical called ketones into the blood. Too many ketones in the blood can be toxic, and the condition requires urgent medical attention.13 Common symptoms of very high glucose and diabetic ketoacidosis include:12
- Having fruity-smelling breath
- Having a dry mouth
- Experiencing abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting
- Experiencing shortness of breath
- Feeling confused
- Losing consciousness
Low Blood Sugar Symptoms
Low blood sugar is known as HYPOglycemia. Diabetes Canada generally defines hypoglycemia as going lower than 3.9 mmol/L.14 Low blood sugar symptoms may be more common in individuals using insulin to treat diabetes. Just a handful of common symptoms of hypoglycemia include:15
- Feeling shaky, light-headed, or nauseated
- Being sweatier than usual
- Feeling anxious or irritable
- Having an increased heart rate
- Feeling weak or drowsy
- Feeling confused or unable to concentrate
- Experiencing numbness or tingling on your tongue or lips
- Feeling hungry
Over time, individuals who experience low blood sugar frequently may develop hypoglycemia unawareness, also known as hypo unawareness. Hypo unawareness happens when the body no longer triggers symptoms of low glucose levels. This can make it challenging to know when you’re low.16
What Affects Blood Sugar Levels?
Blood sugar health depends on effective glucose regulation in the body. Glucose management is a complex process, and there are many factors that can influence your glucose levels. It’s not always easy to tell what affects blood sugar levels. You may find that your glucose levels change in unexpected ways even if you follow exactly the same routines. The diaTribe Foundation has identified at least 42 factors that can influence your glucose level.
Here are just a handful of the many factors that can affect blood sugar levels in the body:
Food
Eating balanced meals rich in whole foods can help you keep within a healthy blood sugar range. What you eat can also be just as important as when you eat it. For example, eating fibre and protein before carbs can reduce blood sugar spikes after your meal.17 Your doctor and registered dietitian can collaborate with you to create a diabetes diet plan that works for you.
Physical Activity
Movement and exercise support blood sugar management by changing the way glucose is used in the body. When we exercise, our muscles can absorb glucose without needing insulin. Vigorous aerobic exercise (like cycling, swimming, or running) can increase insulin sensitivity and keep glucose levels low for up to 24 hours or more.18 Activities like cleaning the house, shovelling the driveway, playing with kids or pets, and simply taking a walk can also be effective ways to get movement into your everyday routine.
Sleep
Rest is essential for your overall blood sugar health. Getting less than seven hours of sleep a night is associated with increased insulin resistance and higher blood pressure. Not getting enough sleep can also make you feel hungrier and make you crave sugary or high-carb foods, which may impact your eating habits during the day.19
Stress
Taking care of your mental health can improve glucose control. When we experience stress, the body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol that allow us to cope with perceived threats. These hormones can spike glucose levels in the moment and keep glucose high in the body if we continue to feel worried or anxious.20,21,22
Hormones
For anyone who experiences menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or menopause while managing diabetes, hormones also play an important role in the way the body processes glucose. For example, you may notice that your glucose changes in different ways depending on whether your period is approaching.23 The hormonal shifts that occur during menopause can influence the metabolism and decrease insulin production, which may put those going through menopause at higher risk of developing diabetes.24
How to Manage Blood Sugar
There is no one-size-fits-all glucose management plan. Understanding what supports your blood sugar health is a process of trial and error that can come with a bit of a learning curve. Managing glucose and keeping your levels within a healthy blood sugar range is a demanding, 24/7 job, so give yourself plenty of grace and congratulate yourself for every small win. Your doctor and diabetes care team can provide you with personalized advice about how to manage blood sugar.
It's important to understand the differences in where glucose is measured. Dexcom CGM accurately and continuously measures glucose levels in the fluid between cells, requiring a compatible smart device† or receiver to view results. BGM measures glucose present in a blood sample, typically through the use of fingersticks* and a measurement device.
Be sure to check in with your team to adjust and improve your diabetes management plan along the way.
Here are a couple of blood sugar control tips from established sources in the diabetes community that may help you improve your glucose management:
Check Your Glucose Levels More Often
Frequently checking your glucose levels is recommended to improve glucose control and overall blood sugar health.25 Regularly checking your glucose levels can give you insights into what’s happening inside your body, allowing you to make adjustments that empower you to stay within a healthy blood sugar range.
At a minimum, Diabetes Canada guidelines recommend that:26
- Individuals living with T1D using insulin more than once a day should measure their glucose at least three times a day.
- Individuals living with T2D using both insulin once a day alongside glucose medication should test at least once a day at different times.
- Individuals living with T2D who do not use insulin should talk to their doctor about how often to measure their glucose.
Studies show that using CGM systems that can provide more glucose readings is proven to lower A1C, increase the time spent within your target glucose range, and, for individuals with hypo unawareness, decrease hypoglycemic events.27-33 Taking glucose readings with a BGM can be uncomfortable and inconvenient, which means you may not want to test more often. Using a CGM system is a great option for glucose monitoring . CGM systems, including Dexcom CGM Systems, can provide continuous, real-time readings throughout the day and night without having to prick your finger to check your glucose levels.*
Focus on Your Overall Well-Being
It can feel overwhelming to address all of the interconnected factors that impact your blood sugar health. Diabetes management may require changes in your lifestyle that might include eating a healthy diet, making movement a regular habit, reducing stressors, and practicing good sleep hygiene. A practical diabetes self-care routine should fit into your everyday life.
Try out some new wholesome recipes with your loved ones. Find physical activities you enjoy and connect you to your community, like local yoga classes, walking and running groups, team sports, or outdoor adventures like hiking or canoe trips.
Increasing your diabetes education can also give you a greater sense of control over the condition, helping you understand what’s happening in your body and providing you with more tools for management.
Using Dexcom CGM to Improve Your Blood Sugar Health
Dexcom CGM Systems provide a more comfortable and convenient way to monitor your glucose levels without the need to constantly prick your fingers.* Dexcom CGM Systems consist of a wearable device that takes glucose readings using a sensor inserted just below the skin. The sensor automatically sends readings to your compatible smart device or receiver up to every five minutes—that’s equivalent to up to 288 readings each day.† With a BGM, it can be painful and frustrating to check your glucose more than a handful of times.
Dexcom CGM Systems can also continue to take glucose readings even while you’re asleep and provide alerts that can wake you up to treat important changes in your glucose. This means you don’t need to wake up to prick your finger to get a view of what’s happening with your glucose at night.
Using Dexcom CGM systems, including the Dexcom G7 CGM System, is proven to support better glucose control and overall diabetes management. Studies show that using Dexcom CGM Systems can help you significantly lower your A1C and spend more time in your target glucose range, so you can feel at your best more often. Real-time readings and proactive alerts‡ have been shown to reduce time spent experiencing hypoglycemia28-33,34 and offer a little extra peace of mind around catching and responding to low glucose levels.
Manage Diabetes with Greater Confidence with Dexcom G7
Dexcom G7 can help you get started with glucose management right after a diabetes diagnosis and empower you to strengthen your diabetes management skills.
* Fingersticks required for diabetes treatment decisions if symptoms or expectations do not match readings.
† Smart devices sold separately. For a list of compatible devices, please visit dexcom.com/compatibility
‡ This predictive alert can be triggered with impending hypoglycemia (glucose of 3.1 mmol/L or below is predicted to occur within the next 20 minutes).
† Smart devices sold separately. For a list of compatible devices, please visit dexcom.com/compatibility
‡ This predictive alert can be triggered with impending hypoglycemia (glucose of 3.1 mmol/L or below is predicted to occur within the next 20 minutes).
1 Hantzidiamantis PJ, et. al. Physiology, Glucose. StatPearls Publishing. Updated September 20, 2021. Accessed February 15, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545201/
2 Type 1 diabetes. Mayo Clinic. Updated September 15, 2023. Accessed February 15, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-1-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20353011
3 Castro MR. Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA): What is it? Mayo Clinic. Updated June 14, 2023. Accessed February 20, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-1-diabetes/expert-answers/lada-diabetes/faq-20057880
4 Type 2 diabetes. Mayo Clinic. Updated March 14, 2023. Accessed February 15, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20351193
5 Prediabetes. Mayo Clinic. Updated November 11, 2023. Accessed February 15, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prediabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355278
6 Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines Expert Committee. Diabetes Canada 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada. Can J Diabetes. 2018;42(Suppl 1):S1-S325
7 Wherrett DK, et al. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: Type 1 Diabetes in Children and Adolescents. Can J Diabetes. 2018:42(S234–S246). doi:10.1016/j.jcjd.2017.10.036
8 Imran AS, et. al. Diabetes Canada 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: Targets for Glycemic Control. Can J Diabetes. 2018:42(S42–S46). doi: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2017.10.030
9 Meneilly GS, et. al. Diabetes Canada 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: Diabetes in Older People. Can J Diabetes. 2018;42(Suppl 1):S283-S295. doi:10.1016/j.jcjd.2017.10.021
10 All About Your A1C. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed September 30, 2022. Accessed February 15, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/managing-blood-sugar/a1c.html
11 Diabetes Tests. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed February 28, 2023. Accessed February 16, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/getting-tested.html
12 Hyperglycemia in diabetes. Mayo Clinic. Updated August 20, 2022. Accessed February 16, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373631
13 Diabetes. Mayo Clinic. Updated September 15, 2023. Accessed February 16, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371444
14 What is DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis)? Diabetes UK. Accessed February 20, 2024. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/complications/diabetic_ketoacidosis
15 Lega IC, et al. Diabetes Canada 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: Hypoglycemia in Adults. Can J Diabetes. 2023;47(7):548-559. doi:10.1016/j.jcjd.2023.08.003
16 Lows and highs of blood sugar. Diabetes Canada. Updated February 20, 2024. Accessed February 20, 2024. https://www.diabetes.ca/resources/tools---resources/lows-and-highs-of-blood-sugar
17 How Hypoglycemia Unawareness Affects People with Diabetes. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. April 5, 2023. Accessed February 16, 2024. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/professionals/diabetes-discoveries-practice/how-hypoglycemia-unawareness-affects-people-with-diabetes
18 Carbs, Protein and Fats – Their Effect on Glucose Levels. Joslin Diabetes Center. July 8, 2021. Accessed February 20, 2024. https://www.joslin.org/patient-care/diabetes-education/diabetes-learning-center/carbs-protein-and-fats-their-effect
19 Blood Glucose and Exercise. American Diabetes Association. Accessed February 16, 2023. https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/fitness/getting-started-safely/blood-glucose-and-exercise
20 Sleep for a Good Cause. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed July 28, 2022. Accessed February 16, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/diabetes-sleep.html
21 Body's Response to Stress. American Psychological Association. Updated March 8, 2023. Accessed February 20, 2024. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body
22 Epinephrine (Adrenaline). Cleveland Clinic. Reviewed March 27, 2022. Accessed February 20, 2024 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22611-epinephrine-adrenaline
23 Thau L, et al. Physiology, Cortisol. StatPearls Publishing. Updated 2022 Aug 29. Accessed February 20, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538239/
24 Periods (Menstruation) and Diabetes. Diabetes.co.uk. Updated January 25, 2023. Accessed February 16, 2024. https://www.diabetes.co.uk/periods-and-diabetes.html
25 Paschou SA, et al. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Menopausal Hormone Therapy: An Update. Diabetes Ther. 2019;10(6):2313-2320. doi:10.1007/s13300-019-00695-y
26 Berard LD, et al. Diabetes Canada 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: Monitoring Glycemic Control. Can J Diabetes. 2018;42 Suppl 1:S47-S53. doi:10.1016/j.jcjd.2017.10.007
27 Cheng AYY, et al. Diabetes Canada 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: Blood Glucose Monitoring in Adults and Children with Diabetes: Update 2021. Can J Diabetes. 2021;45(7):580-587. doi:10.1016/j.jcjd.2021.07.003
28 Beck RW, et al. Effect of Continuous Glucose Monitoring on Glycemic Control in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes Using Insulin Injections: The DIAMOND Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2017;317(4):371-378. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.19975
29 Beck RW, et al. Continuous Glucose Monitoring Versus Usual Care in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Receiving Multiple Daily Insulin Injections: A Randomized Trial. Ann Intern Med. 2017;167(6):365-374. doi:10.7326/M16-2855
30 Martens T, et al. Effect of Continuous Glucose Monitoring on Glycemic Control in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Treated With Basal Insulin: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2021;325(22):2262-2272. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.7444
31 Laffel LM, et al. Effect of Continuous Glucose Monitoring on Glycemic Control in Adolescents and Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2020;323(23):2388-2396. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.6940
32 Welsh JB, et al. Comparisons of Fifth-, Sixth-, and Seventh-Generation Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2024;18(1):143-7.
33 Heinemann L, et al. Real-time continuous glucose monitoring in adults with type 1 diabetes and impaired hypoglycaemia awareness or severe hypoglycaemia treated with multiple daily insulin injections (HypoDE): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2018;391(10128):1367-1377. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(18)30297-6
34 Puhr S, et al. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2019;21(4):155-158.
2 Type 1 diabetes. Mayo Clinic. Updated September 15, 2023. Accessed February 15, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-1-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20353011
3 Castro MR. Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA): What is it? Mayo Clinic. Updated June 14, 2023. Accessed February 20, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-1-diabetes/expert-answers/lada-diabetes/faq-20057880
4 Type 2 diabetes. Mayo Clinic. Updated March 14, 2023. Accessed February 15, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20351193
5 Prediabetes. Mayo Clinic. Updated November 11, 2023. Accessed February 15, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prediabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20355278
6 Diabetes Canada Clinical Practice Guidelines Expert Committee. Diabetes Canada 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada. Can J Diabetes. 2018;42(Suppl 1):S1-S325
7 Wherrett DK, et al. Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: Type 1 Diabetes in Children and Adolescents. Can J Diabetes. 2018:42(S234–S246). doi:10.1016/j.jcjd.2017.10.036
8 Imran AS, et. al. Diabetes Canada 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: Targets for Glycemic Control. Can J Diabetes. 2018:42(S42–S46). doi: 10.1016/j.jcjd.2017.10.030
9 Meneilly GS, et. al. Diabetes Canada 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: Diabetes in Older People. Can J Diabetes. 2018;42(Suppl 1):S283-S295. doi:10.1016/j.jcjd.2017.10.021
10 All About Your A1C. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed September 30, 2022. Accessed February 15, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/managing-blood-sugar/a1c.html
11 Diabetes Tests. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed February 28, 2023. Accessed February 16, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/getting-tested.html
12 Hyperglycemia in diabetes. Mayo Clinic. Updated August 20, 2022. Accessed February 16, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373631
13 Diabetes. Mayo Clinic. Updated September 15, 2023. Accessed February 16, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371444
14 What is DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis)? Diabetes UK. Accessed February 20, 2024. https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/complications/diabetic_ketoacidosis
15 Lega IC, et al. Diabetes Canada 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: Hypoglycemia in Adults. Can J Diabetes. 2023;47(7):548-559. doi:10.1016/j.jcjd.2023.08.003
16 Lows and highs of blood sugar. Diabetes Canada. Updated February 20, 2024. Accessed February 20, 2024. https://www.diabetes.ca/resources/tools---resources/lows-and-highs-of-blood-sugar
17 How Hypoglycemia Unawareness Affects People with Diabetes. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. April 5, 2023. Accessed February 16, 2024. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/professionals/diabetes-discoveries-practice/how-hypoglycemia-unawareness-affects-people-with-diabetes
18 Carbs, Protein and Fats – Their Effect on Glucose Levels. Joslin Diabetes Center. July 8, 2021. Accessed February 20, 2024. https://www.joslin.org/patient-care/diabetes-education/diabetes-learning-center/carbs-protein-and-fats-their-effect
19 Blood Glucose and Exercise. American Diabetes Association. Accessed February 16, 2023. https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/fitness/getting-started-safely/blood-glucose-and-exercise
20 Sleep for a Good Cause. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Reviewed July 28, 2022. Accessed February 16, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/diabetes-sleep.html
21 Body's Response to Stress. American Psychological Association. Updated March 8, 2023. Accessed February 20, 2024. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/body
22 Epinephrine (Adrenaline). Cleveland Clinic. Reviewed March 27, 2022. Accessed February 20, 2024 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22611-epinephrine-adrenaline
23 Thau L, et al. Physiology, Cortisol. StatPearls Publishing. Updated 2022 Aug 29. Accessed February 20, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538239/
24 Periods (Menstruation) and Diabetes. Diabetes.co.uk. Updated January 25, 2023. Accessed February 16, 2024. https://www.diabetes.co.uk/periods-and-diabetes.html
25 Paschou SA, et al. Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Menopausal Hormone Therapy: An Update. Diabetes Ther. 2019;10(6):2313-2320. doi:10.1007/s13300-019-00695-y
26 Berard LD, et al. Diabetes Canada 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: Monitoring Glycemic Control. Can J Diabetes. 2018;42 Suppl 1:S47-S53. doi:10.1016/j.jcjd.2017.10.007
27 Cheng AYY, et al. Diabetes Canada 2018 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada: Blood Glucose Monitoring in Adults and Children with Diabetes: Update 2021. Can J Diabetes. 2021;45(7):580-587. doi:10.1016/j.jcjd.2021.07.003
28 Beck RW, et al. Effect of Continuous Glucose Monitoring on Glycemic Control in Adults With Type 1 Diabetes Using Insulin Injections: The DIAMOND Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2017;317(4):371-378. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.19975
29 Beck RW, et al. Continuous Glucose Monitoring Versus Usual Care in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Receiving Multiple Daily Insulin Injections: A Randomized Trial. Ann Intern Med. 2017;167(6):365-374. doi:10.7326/M16-2855
30 Martens T, et al. Effect of Continuous Glucose Monitoring on Glycemic Control in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Treated With Basal Insulin: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2021;325(22):2262-2272. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.7444
31 Laffel LM, et al. Effect of Continuous Glucose Monitoring on Glycemic Control in Adolescents and Young Adults With Type 1 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2020;323(23):2388-2396. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.6940
32 Welsh JB, et al. Comparisons of Fifth-, Sixth-, and Seventh-Generation Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2024;18(1):143-7.
33 Heinemann L, et al. Real-time continuous glucose monitoring in adults with type 1 diabetes and impaired hypoglycaemia awareness or severe hypoglycaemia treated with multiple daily insulin injections (HypoDE): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial. Lancet. 2018;391(10128):1367-1377. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(18)30297-6
34 Puhr S, et al. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2019;21(4):155-158.