The important thing to know about blood glucose is that keeping it as close to normal reduces the chance of having eye, kidney and nerve problems, which can occur with diabetes. This makes it important to keep a close eye on the blood glucose level. For most people with diabetes the normal reading for blood glucose level under 7, higher than this means there is a greater chance for eye disease, kidney disease and nerve damage.

Even during pregnancy the glucose level should be kept under the level of 6 to ensure having a healthy baby with no complications. When possible the woman should begin working on lowering her level of blood glucose to 6 prior to becoming pregnant to ensure a safe pregnancy.