These are the NICE guidance targets used by the NHS
Non diabetic before meals 4 to 5.9, after 2 hours under 7.8
Type 2 before meals 4 to 7, after 2 hours under 8.5.
However, the general feeling is these targets are too generous so many of us aim for under 7.8 at any time after meals and under 6 before meals. Many others aim for less than that. Some people see a lot of 4's, but not many see 3's, and for some people under 4 can make them feel poorly.
Apparently, our lowest readings are normally before our main evening meal, and our morning fasting is the most stubborn one to control.
It is best to set your own targets, and not a wise idea to compare your readings with others. We are all at different stages of controlling this disease, we all have different metabolisms, and some have different types of medication whilst others have no meds at all.
An excellent post!
All I would add is that if you are newly diagnosed and find yourself with numbers which may exceed these recommended ranges, you need to be patient and get your readings within the NICE targets, or even within tighter personal target ranges, gradually over time.
In my opinion, the best way to do this is by concentrating on getting your 2 hour after meal readings within 2 mmol of the corresponding before meal readings. If you are not achieving this, then adjust your next meal to include less carbs or a different type of carb.
Once you start hitting this 2 mmol target consistently, you should see a gradual reducing trend in pre meal counts as well.
If newly diagnosed, treat the low scores posted by more experienced users of this forum as examples of what is achievable once good diabetic habits are established.
Never take any count, no matter how high, as a sign of failure on your behalf. Glucose counts are just data, necessary feedback you need along the way to better glycemic control.
We all learn through our mistakes anyway!
Pavlos