QUESTION: I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes six months ago and took Glucophage 500 mg for one month. My doctor then stopped the medicine, and I have been controlling my glucose with walking and food changes. My fasting sugar is 105 mg/dL and after-food readings are 130–145 mg/dL. Are these levels okay?
These readings are generally within common glucose targets for many adults with type 2 diabetes. A fasting result of 105 mg/dL falls within the usual premeal target of 80–130 mg/dL, and after-food readings of 130–145 mg/dL are below the common target of 180 mg/dL when measured one to two hours after the meal begins. However, home readings alone cannot confirm diabetes remission. You still need an HbA1c and regular medical follow-up.
Answer by Dr. Albana Greca, MD, MMedSc
Hi Raja Khalid,
Your current readings suggest that your glucose is well controlled at the times you are testing. Walking regularly and improving your eating pattern may be contributing to this improvement, especially because your diabetes was diagnosed recently.
For many nonpregnant adults with diabetes, common individualized targets are:
Your fasting glucose of 105 mg/dL is within the common premeal target for someone already diagnosed with diabetes. Your after-food results of 130–145 mg/dL are also reassuring if they were measured one to two hours after starting the meal. See our guide to blood sugar after eating for correct testing times.
Not necessarily. Type 2 diabetes can sometimes enter remission, particularly when it is diagnosed early and lifestyle changes produce sustained improvement. Remission is generally defined as an HbA1c below 6.5% that persists for at least three months without glucose-lowering medicine.
You have been off metformin for about five months, so an HbA1c can now help determine whether you meet this definition. Even if remission is confirmed, it is not considered a permanent cure. Glucose can rise again with weight gain, illness, reduced activity, aging, or progression of the condition.
It is appropriate that medication decisions were discussed with your doctor. Do not restart metformin simply because one reading rises, and do not remain off it indefinitely without follow-up. Medication decisions should consider HbA1c, kidney function, weight, cardiovascular and kidney risks, side effects, and the overall glucose pattern.
Some people benefit from glucose-lowering medicines even when home readings look good because certain treatments may also protect the heart or kidneys. Our overview of diabetes medicines and their benefits explains why treatment is individualized.
Continue regular walking if it is medically safe. A 45-minute walk before or after dinner can help insulin sensitivity, but the best schedule is one you can maintain consistently. Include resistance exercise two or three times weekly when appropriate.
Focus on balanced meals rather than only avoiding oily foods. Limit sugary drinks and large portions of refined carbohydrates, and include vegetables, protein, healthy fats, and measured portions of high-fiber carbohydrate. Our guide to foods and blood sugar provides practical examples.
Do not add cinnamon capsules, bitter melon, gymnema, or another supplement merely because your readings are good. Herbal products have not been proven to maintain diabetes remission or prevent complications, and they may interact with medicines or affect the liver, kidneys, or glucose.
Ask your clinician how often to check glucose and HbA1c. Continue routine blood pressure, cholesterol, kidney, eye, and foot checks because previous diabetes still carries long-term health risks, even during remission.
Record occasional fasting and consistently timed after-meal results in a blood sugar log. Contact your clinician if fasting glucose repeatedly rises above 130 mg/dL, after-meal glucose repeatedly reaches 180 mg/dL or higher, or symptoms develop.
Seek medical review sooner for excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, recurrent infections, or unexplained weight loss. Seek urgent care for persistent glucose around 300 mg/dL or higher with illness or dehydration, and emergency care for vomiting, abdominal pain, difficult breathing, confusion, fainting, high ketones, glucose above 400 mg/dL, or a meter displaying “HI.”
Your current readings are encouraging and generally within common targets. The next important step is an HbA1c and a follow-up appointment. If HbA1c remains below 6.5% after at least three months without medicine, your clinician may describe this as type 2 diabetes remission—not a cure—and continued monitoring remains necessary.
Educational safety note: This answer is for general diabetes education only. It does not replace personal medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not start, stop, or change medicines, supplements, diet, or exercise plans without speaking with your healthcare provider.
Last reviewed: July 2026.
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