Last Updated on July 31, 2025
Time in Range (TIR) is changing how we think about diabetes management. Instead of relying only on A1C, TIR offers a clearer, more actionable view of blood glucose patterns. New technologies, smart insulin delivery, and clinical research are making it easier than ever to improve TIR—and overall health outcomes.
What does Time in Range mean for people with diabetes?
Time in Range (TIR) measures the percentage of time your blood glucose levels stay in a healthy range—usually between 70–180 mg/dL. It’s tracked using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which checks glucose levels 24/7.
The goal for most adults with diabetes is to spend at least 70% of the day—about 17 hours—in this target range. A higher TIR means better day-to-day glucose control and fewer health risks.
Why is TIR more useful than A1C?
While A1C gives a 3-month average of your blood sugar, it doesn’t show daily highs and lows. TIR gives you real-time, detailed feedback, helping you make quick changes that lead to better outcomes.
Benefits of tracking TIR:
- Shows when your glucose is too high or too low
- Identifies patterns that A1C can’t capture
- Helps reduce the risk of complications
- Supports better treatment decisions
What are the recommended TIR targets?
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and international experts recommend the following:
- TIR (70–180 mg/dL): ≥ 70%
- Time Below Range (TBR): < 70 mg/dL – less than 4%
- Severe Low (< 54 mg/dL): less than 1%
- Time Above Range (TAR): > 180 mg/dL – less than 25%
- Very High (> 250 mg/dL): less than 5%
How does TIR relate to A1C?
There’s a strong link between TIR and A1C. As TIR increases, the estimated A1C usually decreases. Here’s a rough guide:
| TIR (%) | Estimated A1C (%) | Average Glucose (mg/dL) |
|---|---|---|
| 90% | 6.2% | ~125 |
| 70% | 7.0% | ~154 |
| 50% | 8.0% | ~183 |
| 30% | 9.0% | ~212 |
What does research say about TIR and diabetes complications?
Clinical trials show that higher TIR leads to lower risks of complications:
- Beck et al. (2019): A 10% drop in TIR was linked to a 64% higher risk of retinopathy and 40% higher risk of kidney issues. Read the study
- Real-world CGM data: In people with type 2 diabetes, low TIR is linked with more severe eye damage and greater glucose variability.
What new technology helps improve TIR?
Exciting advances in diabetes tech are making TIR easier to manage:
- Automated insulin delivery systems like Control-IQ, MiniMed 780G, and Omnipod 5 adjust insulin in real time
- Adaptive insulin algorithms such as ABBA use AI to fine-tune basal and bolus insulin and boost TIR in simulation studies (view study)
- Advanced CGMs provide constant glucose data and trend alerts
How can you improve your own TIR?
Here are simple, evidence-backed ways to raise your TIR:
- Use a CGM for continuous feedback
- Review your AGP (Ambulatory Glucose Profile) regularly
- Adopt smart insulin technology (pumps or AI dosing advisors)
- Stick to consistent meal times and balanced carbs
- Talk to your care team about goal-setting and medication adjustments
Final thoughts
Time in Range is becoming the new gold standard for managing diabetes. It’s more precise than A1C, easier to act on, and backed by strong clinical research. With the right tools and support, anyone with diabetes can improve their TIR—and their quality of life.
Where can I learn more about TIR?
- TIR Hub: Educational Resources
- JDRF: Time in Range Basics
- ADA: Time in Range and CGM
- Dexcom: Time in Range Tools