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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/diab-time-below-70

For many adults on a CGM, how much time below 70 mg/dL does the ADA accept as a goal?

Less than 4% (less than 1% for older adults).

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  1. 20% to 40%
  2. Less than 4% ✔
  3. 10% to 20%

Why: ADA's 2026 Standards set a goal of less than 4% of time below 70 mg/dL for many people using a CGM, and less than 1% for older adults. Less time low means fewer risky lows.

Huh, didn't know that: Lows can happen overnight, and a CGM can alert you during sleep.

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My CGM beeped at 3 a.m. I thought it was the smoke detector. It was just being caring.
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References

Answer: Less than 4%. ADA's 2026 Standards set a goal of less than 4% of time below 70 mg/dL for many people using a CGM, and less than 1% for older adults. Less time low means fewer risky lows.

  1. ADA Standards of Care in Diabetes 2026, Section 6: Glycemic Goals, Hypoglycemia, and Hyperglycemic Crises pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12690178
    A goal percent time <70 mg/dL (<3.9 mmol/L) of <4% (or <1% for older adults)
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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