Gestational Diabetes Numbers: ADA Blood Sugar Targets in Pregnancy
The ADA goals in pregnancy are fasting under 95 mg/dL (5.3 mmol/L), and either under 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) at 1 hour or under 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L) at 2 hours after a meal. Use the check below to see where a reading falls. Your care team may set different targets.
| When | mg/dL | mmol/L |
|---|---|---|
| Fasting (on waking) | under 95 | under 5.3 |
| 1 hour after a meal starts | under 140 | under 7.8 |
| 2 hours after a meal starts | under 120 | under 6.7 |
| A1C, ideally | under 6% (42 mmol/mol), if reachable without significant lows; under 7% (53 mmol/mol) may be used to prevent lows | |
These are the ADA Standards of Care, Recommendations 15.8 and 15.9, 2026. “Under” means a reading equal to the number is not under the goal.
Where does a reading fall?
Nothing you type is stored or sent. This compares with published numbers; it is not a diagnosis.
How to use the numbers
- Pick the timing your team uses. Check 1 hour or 2 hours after the first bite, not after the last. Be consistent.
- Look for patterns. A single reading above a goal is common. Several in a row at the same time of day is what your care team wants to see.
- Record meals with the numbers. The gestational diabetes log has meal tags and marks readings at or above target.
- Convert units with the blood sugar converter.
Lows and urgent help
If you use insulin or another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, ask your care team what to do for a low. See rule of 15 for the general steps. Call your care team or seek urgent care for vomiting that will not stop, severe thirst, or feeling very unwell.
Frequently asked questions
What should blood sugar be during pregnancy with gestational diabetes?
The ADA goals are fasting under 95 mg/dL (5.3 mmol/L) and either 1 hour after a meal under 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) or 2 hours after a meal under 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L). Your care team picks 1-hour or 2-hour checks and may set different goals.
Is it 1 hour or 2 hours after eating?
The ADA lists both. Your care team usually chooses one timing for you to use consistently. The 1-hour goal is higher because glucose peaks soon after a meal.
What A1C goal applies in pregnancy?
The ADA says that ideally the goal is under 6% (42 mmol/mol) if it can be reached without significant low blood sugar, and it may be relaxed to under 7% (53 mmol/mol) to prevent lows. The ADA also says GMI and estimated A1C should not be used in pregnancy.
Are the targets the same if I have type 1 or type 2?
The fasting and after-meal goals are the same upper limits. For type 1 or type 2 diabetes the ADA adds lower limits of 70 mg/dL fasting, 110 mg/dL at 1 hour and 100 mg/dL at 2 hours, with some exceptions.
What if I am above target?
Tell your care team. One reading above target does not mean something is wrong, and patterns matter more. Do not change food or medicine on your own because of a number. Keep a log to show them.
Information only, not medical advice. Your care team may set different targets for you, and only a lab test ordered by a clinician can diagnose diabetes or prediabetes. See our medical disclaimer.
Sources
Last reviewed: by the Diabetes Blogs editorial team. Information only, not medical advice.
