Glycemic control

A1C level less than 7 percent*

Blood pressure less than 130/80 mm Hg

Peak postprandial capillary plasma glucose level less than 180 mg per dL (10 mmol per L)†

Preprandial capillary plasma glucose level 90 to 130 mg per dL (5.0 to 7.2 mmol per L)

Lipid levels‡

HDL cholesterol level greater than 40 mg per dL (1.05 mmol per L)§

LDL cholesterol level less than 100 mg per dL (2.60 mmol per L)

Triglyceride level less than 150 mg per dL (1.70 mmol per L)

Key concepts in setting glycemic goals

A1C is the primary target for glycemic control.

Certain populations (e.g., children, pregnant women, elderly persons) require special considerations.

Goals should be individualized.

Less intensive glycemic goals may be indicated in persons with severe or frequent hypoglycemia.

More stringent glycemic goals (i.e., normal A1C level of less than 6 percent) may further reduce complications at the cost of increased risk of hypoglycemia.

Postprandial glucose levels may be targeted if A1C goals are not met despite reaching preprandial glucose goals.