What is the typical preprandial plasma glucose target for most nonpregnant adults with diabetes?

What is the typical preprandial plasma glucose target for most nonpregnant adults with diabetes?

• A. 90-130 mg/dL
• B. 70-100 mg/dL
• C. 80-130 mg/dL
• D. 100-140 mg/dL

Answer: (C)

This item focuses on the preprandial, or before-meal, glucose target for most nonpregnant adults with diabetes. Targets before meals are set to balance two risks: too-low glucose before eating can cause hypoglycemia, while too-high glucose before meals means sustained hyperglycemia that contributes to complications over time. The standard target for most adults is about 80 to 130 mg/dL. This range is chosen to minimize hypoglycemia risk while keeping fasting glucose levels in a range that reduces long-term damage from high blood sugar. If the lower bound is much lower, like 70 or 60 mg/dL, hypoglycemia becomes a bigger concern; if the range is much higher, such as 100–140 mg/dL, chronic hyperglycemia is more likely. Therefore, 80–130 mg/dL best represents the balance most guidelines use for nonpregnant adults.

This item focuses on the preprandial, or before-meal, glucose target for most nonpregnant adults with diabetes. Targets before meals are set to balance two risks: too-low glucose before eating can cause hypoglycemia, while too-high glucose before meals means sustained hyperglycemia that contributes to complications over time. The standard target for most adults is about 80 to 130 mg/dL. This range is chosen to minimize hypoglycemia risk while keeping fasting glucose levels in a range that reduces long-term damage from high blood sugar.

If the lower bound is much lower, like 70 or 60 mg/dL, hypoglycemia becomes a bigger concern; if the range is much higher, such as 100–140 mg/dL, chronic hyperglycemia is more likely. Therefore, 80–130 mg/dL best represents the balance most guidelines use for nonpregnant adults.