What Are Glycemic Targets?
Glycemic targets are your body’s sugar goals they tell you what blood sugar levels help your body feel its best.
Think of it like a “sweet spot” your sugar should stay in most of the time, or stay near normal range.
Important Diabetes Measurements
HbA1c: Your “Three-Month Sugar Report Card”
HbA1c tells you how your blood sugar has been doing over the last 3 months.
The goal for most children: less than 7% (ISPAD 2024).
Lower is good, but not too low! We want to avoid hypoglycemia.
TIR: Time in Range
TIR means how much of the day your sugar stays in the healthy range.
TARGET RANGE 3.9–10 mmol/L (70–180 mg/dL)
GOAL: TIR over 70% of the day ✔
Time Above Range (TAR)
TAR means time above range, or when your sugar is too high.
We try to keep this as low as possible.
A little is normal: a lot can make your body tired.
Time Below Range (TBR)
TBR means time below range, or when your sugar is too low.
Kids should have very little time in low sugar.
Low sugar can make you shaky or dizzy.
ISPAD 2024 Glycemic Targets for Kids & Teens
Why Is It Important to Stay in Your Target Range?
When your sugar is in the “happy zone,” your body works great!
Keeps your heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves healthy for the future
Clearer thinking: easier to focus
Better mood: less cranky or tired
Better sleep
Stronger immune system
More energy for school, play, and sports
