Target Blood Sugar Ranges 

Your goals (typical targets, confirm with your doctor): 

• Fasting (morning): Below 95 mg/dL (5.3 mmol/L) 
• 1 hour after meals: Below 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) 
• 2 hours after meals: Below 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L) 

Write your personalized targets here: ___________ 

When to Test 

Standard testing schedule: 

• First thing in the morning (fasting) 
• 1-2 hours after breakfast 
• 1-2 hours after lunch 
• 1-2 hours after dinner 
• Before bed (if recommended) 

That's 4-7 times per day. Yes, it's a lot. No, you can't skip. 

How to Test (Glucometer) 

Step-by-step: 

1. Wash hands with warm water (improves blood flow) 
2. Insert test strip into meter 
3. Prick side of fingertip with lancet (less painful than pad) 
4. Apply small blood drop to strip 
5. Wait for reading 
6. Record result immediately 

Pro tips: 

• Rotate fingers to prevent soreness 
• Use lowest lancet setting that works 
• Test strips expire - check dates 
• Keep meter at room temperature 
• Bring meter to all appointments 

Recording Your Results 

Log every reading with: 

• Date and time 
• Blood sugar number 
• What you ate (for post-meal readings) 
• Any exercise or stress 
• How you felt 

Most meters store readings, but written logs help identify patterns. 

Use app, notebook, or provided logbook - just be consistent. 

What Numbers Mean 

Your reading is HIGH if: 

• Fasting above 95 mg/dL 
• Post-meal above target 

If high: 

• Don't panic - one high reading isn't disaster 
• Review what you ate 
• Note any stress or illness 
• Test again at next scheduled time 
• Call doctor if consistently high (2+ days) 

Your reading is LOW if: 

• Below 60 mg/dL 

If low (hypoglycemia): 

• Eat 15g fast-acting carbs immediately (glucose tablets, juice, honey) 
• Rest 15 minutes 
• Test again 
• If still low, repeat 
• Call doctor if frequent lows 

Most women with GDM don't experience lows unless on insulin/medication. 

Troubleshooting Common Issues 

"My fingers hurt": 

• Use sides of fingers, not pads 
• Rotate fingers systematically 
• Lower lancet depth setting 
• Consider alternate site testing (forearm) - ask doctor 

"I keep forgetting to test": 

• Set phone alarms for each testing time 
• Keep meter visible on counter 
• Link to meals (test when you clear your plate) 
• Ask partner to remind you 

"My readings are all over the place": 

• This is normal at first 
• Patterns emerge over 1-2 weeks 
• Bring logs to appointments 
• Dietitian will help adjust meal plan 

Testing is tedious but essential. Your baby's health depends on it.