Diabetes Safety Zones: A Simple Color Chart for Safer Days

Managing diabetes day-to-day is easier when everyone uses the same simple language. A “traffic-light” color chart—Green, Yellow, and Red—turns numbers and symptoms into quick, confident actions. Post this guide on the fridge, save it in your phone, and review it with your care team so your whole household knows what to do.

This article adapts patient education from a printable handout that organizes diabetes targets and action steps into clear zones. Source:

Safety Zones at a Glance

🟢 Green Zone — “All Clear”
You’re on track and can continue your routine when:

Fasting blood sugar: 80–130 mg/dL
1–2 hours after meals: <180 mg/dL
A1c: <7% (personal goals may vary)
No symptoms of low or high blood sugar
Keep up your plan: take medications as prescribed, follow your meal plan, stay active, and keep your appointments.

🟡 Yellow Zone — “Caution”
Something needs attention. Use these quick actions.

If blood sugar is LOW (hypoglycemia):

Number: <70 mg/dL
Common symptoms: shakiness, sweating, dizziness, headache, hunger, weakness, blurry vision, feeling nervous.
Do this now (the fast sugar rule):

Check your blood sugar (if possible).
Take fast-acting sugar: e.g., 4 oz fruit juice or regular soda, 4 glucose tablets, 1 tbsp sugar, or 4 hard candies.
Recheck in 15 minutes. If still <70 mg/dL, repeat step 2. diabete color zone chart easy t…

If blood sugar is HIGH (hyperglycemia):

Number: >240 mg/dL
Common symptoms: thirst, frequent urination, tiredness, dry skin, blurry vision, increased hunger, fruity breath.
Do this now:
Call your doctor/primary care provider to report the high reading.
Continue medications as prescribed.
Follow your meal plan.

If your numbers don’t improve after these steps, contact your doctor—you may need a medication or meal-plan adjustment.

🔴 Red Zone — “Medical Alert”
This is a danger situation. Your care team should help you set personal “red line” numbers. The handout instructs:

If your blood sugar is greater than ______ mg/dL OR less than ______ mg/dL, call your doctor, call 9-1-1, or go to the emergency room.
Fill these blanks with your clinician and post them where you test. Keep your doctor’s name and phone number visible.

How to Use the Color Chart Every Day

Test with purpose. Log fasting, post-meal (1–2 hours), and any symptom-based checks.
Match the color. Compare your reading + how you feel to the chart above.
Act fast in Yellow. Use the fast sugar → recheck in 15 minutes approach for lows; call your provider and follow your plan for highs.
Don’t hesitate in Red. Use your pre-agreed emergency numbers.
Bring logs to visits. Patterns help your clinician fine-tune meds, meals, and movement.

Know Your Numbers (and Why They Matter)

Fasting 80–130 mg/dL: This is your morning or 8-hour fast target. It helps gauge overnight control.
Post-meal <180 mg/dL (1–2 hours): Shows how food and meds work together after eating.
A1c <7% (personalized): A 3-month average that predicts long-term risk; your clinician may set a different goal.

The ABCs That Protect Your Heart

Diabetes care is more than sugar. Control the A-B-C trio:

A — A1c: aim <7% (individualized)
B — Blood pressure: <140/90 (or your clinician’s target)
C — Cholesterol: total <200, LDL <100, HDL >40 (men) / >50 (women), Triglycerides <150.

Quick Daily Wins

Take meds exactly as prescribed.
Eat on a plan (carb awareness, balanced plates).
Move your body most days.
Don’t smoke; avoid secondhand smoke.
Check feet daily to catch small problems early.
Limit alcohol and stay hydrated.

Caregiver Corner: Post It, Pack It, Practice It

Post it: Put the color chart by your meter and in the kitchen.
Pack it: Keep glucose tablets or juice boxes in your bag, car, and nightstand.
Practice it: Role-play the Yellow Zone steps so the whole family can act quickly.

Print-Friendly Mini Chart (copy/paste)

GREEN (All Clear)

Fasting: 80–130 mg/dL
1–2 hr after meals: <180 mg/dL
A1c: <7%
No low/high symptoms → Continue plan

YELLOW (Caution)

LOW <70 mg/dL → Fast sugar (4 oz juice or 4 glucose tabs), recheck 15 min, repeat if needed
HIGH >240 mg/dL → Call provider, continue meds, follow meal plan

RED (Medical Alert)

BG > ______ mg/dL OR < ______ mg/dL → Call doctor/9-1-1/ER
Doctor: __________ Phone: __________

Final Notes & Disclaimer

Your targets may differ based on age, medications, and other conditions. Always follow the plan you set with your clinician and update your “Red Zone” numbers together. This guide is for education only and doesn’t replace medical advice. If you think you’re having an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Source: adapted from a patient education handout on diabetes management and safety zones.

Need help customizing this chart for you or a family member?
Clare Senior Care can walk you through the steps, help set personal targets with your PCP, and print bilingual versions for home use. Book a free consultation.

Daily Living Tips, Senior Education