August 2023 Time in Range for Diabetes Management Newsletter
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Time in Range: A Tool to Advance
Diabetes Management
By Sara Herbelin, MS, MCHES, CDCES, CD(DONA), LCCE
Sara Herbelin is a certified diabetes care and education specialist, Health Edco & Childbirth Graphics health educator, and a member of our Health Edco & Childbirth Graphics advisory boards.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people around the world. It requires careful management of blood glucose levels to prevent serious health consequences, including blindness, kidney disease, and heart disease. One important tool for some people managing diabetes is tracking “time in range.”
What Is Time in Range?
Time in range refers to the amount of time a person’s blood glucose levels stay within a target range. For example, if a person’s target range provided by his healthcare professional is 70–180 mg/dL, and his time in range is 55%, he is spending a little more than half of his time above 70 and below 180. The goal is to keep blood glucose levels within range as much as possible to prevent highs and lows that can cause damage to the body over time.
How Is Time in Range Measured?
One common method to track time in range is by using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). A CGM uses a sensor to measure glucose levels in the interstitial fluid (the fluid between the cells) every few minutes. The data is then sent to a receiver or app, where it can be viewed and analyzed by the person with diabetes and the diabetes care team.
Tracking time in range can help identify patterns and trends in blood glucose levels, which can inform treatment decisions. Additionally, if a person is reaching her A1C goal but having symptoms of high or low blood glucose, monitoring time in range can give additional insight.
With careful attention to nutrition, physical activity, and medication, a person can improve the amount of time in range and achieve his diabetes management goals.
Discover More Diabetes Education Resources
Covering essential diabetes education topics from different types of diabetes to A1C levels, diabetic complications, healthy eating with diabetes, and diabetes management, Health Edco offers a full range of engaging diabetes education materials. Visit our section of diabetes teaching resources and models to learn more.
The information contained in this newsletter is not intended to replace the advice of a healthcare professional.
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