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Below 70? The 15-15 rule

All forDiabetes

Diagnostic Criteria for Diabetes Mellitus Prior to Pregnancy

All for DiabetesPublished August 7, 20061 min read

Key points

  • There are three ways to diagnose preexisting diabetes mellitus and each way must be confirmed by a follow-up test.
  • A positive value on any of these tests should be confirmed on a subsequent day by repeating any of these tests.
  • (3) Two-hour plasma glucose of equal to or greater than 200 mg/dL after drinking a 75-gram glucose load.

There are three ways to diagnose preexisting diabetes mellitus and each way must be confirmed by a follow-up test. Criteria for diagnosing diabetes mellitus include:

(1) Symptoms of diabetes (polyuria, polydipsia, and/or unexplained weight loss) plus a casual plasma glucose concentration of equal to or greater than 200 mg/dL,

(2) Fasting plasma glucose (at least 8 hours without eating) equal to or greater than 126 mg/dL,

(3) Two-hour plasma glucose of equal to or greater than 200 mg/dL after drinking a 75-gram glucose load.

A positive value on any of these tests should be confirmed on a subsequent day by repeating any of these tests.

The content on this site is for information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If someone with diabetes is confused, unconscious or cannot swallow, call 911 or your local emergency number.

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Low blood sugar

Below 70? Use the 15-15 rule.

Hypoglycemia can happen to anyone who takes insulin or certain diabetes tablets. Treat it straight away. If someone is confused, unconscious or can’t swallow, don’t give food or drink: use glucagon if it is available and call 911 or your local emergency number.

Call 911

Common signs

  • Shaking or trembling
  • Sweating, clammy skin
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Dizziness
  • Hunger
  • Confusion or irritability
  1. STEP 115 gTake fast-acting sugar4 oz (½ cup) of juice or regular soda, 4 glucose tablets, or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey.
  2. STEP 215 minWait, then recheckStill below 70 mg/dL? Take another 15 g and check again.
  3. STEP 3SnackOnce back in rangeEat a meal or snack if your next one is more than an hour away.

Based on American Diabetes Association guidance. Your care team may give you a different plan, for example for children or after severe lows. Outside the US, call your local emergency number.