What Is Considered High Blood Sugar?

For diabetics, knowing what is considered high blood sugar and what is not, can be a real lifesaver.

The body naturally has glucose in the blood which gives the organs and cells energy to function. Blood sugar mainly comes from carbohydrates and the body needs insulin in order to maintain blood glucose levels within the normal range. Insulin helps cells absorb glucose from the blood and use it for energy or store it.

what is considered high blood sugarIf insulin doesn’t work properly or there’s not enough of it, blood sugar levels rise. Too much blood glucose is known as hyperglycemia, a condition that can cause various health problems.

In this article, we’ll explore what high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) feels like, why it happens and how you know if you have hyperglycemia.

So what is considered high blood sugar?

Anything over 120 mg/dl is what is considered high blood sugar and once blood sugar levels reach 140 mg/dl they begin to damage the body. There are several things you can do to help control your blood sugar. The first is to talk to your doctor. Use a blood glucose meter, these help by allowing you to check your blood sugar at any time.

What are the Symptoms of High Blood Sugar?

  • Headache and other pains and aches
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Feeling tired or drowsy
  • Blurred vision
  • Dry mouth
  • Frequent urination
  • Slow healing of cuts, wounds, and bruises
  • Bloating

Low insulin and high blood sugar can lead to a build-up of ketones, or even lead to DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis), a complication that required immediate medical attention.

If this happens, you may experience:

  • A rapid heartbeat
  • Fruity smell or taste
  • Disorientation
  • Confusion
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dehydration
  • Vomiting
  • Coma

Moreover, your blood sugar level may be over 250 ml/dL. Most people with diabetes typically experience the symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) in the morning.

Effects of high blood sugar on the body.

High blood sugar can cause a wide range of symptoms. Here are some that you need to be aware of:

What is considered high blood sugar

  • Thirst and frequent urination: Excess sugar in the blood goes into the kidneys and the system works to get rid of it through the urine, causing frequent urination and increased thirst. People with high blood sugar tend to experience increased thirst, despite drinking the recommended amount of liquids.
  • Tingling and numbness: High blood sugar levels can also cause tingling, burning, or numbness in the feet, legs, and hands. This can be caused by diabetic neuropathy, a condition that arises after many years of consistently high blood sugar levels.
  • Weight loss: Unexplained or sudden weight loss can occur in people with high blood sugar levels because cells are not getting the nourishment (glucose) they need. As a result, the body burns stored fat and muscle for energy instead.

What is considered high blood sugar

Can High Blood Sugar be Dangerous?

When insulin levels are too low the sugar levels begin to rise and this can damage the body. The damage often associated with high blood sugar is heart damage, nerve damage, eye damage, and kidney damage. This kind of damage will impair diabetes later on in life so it is best to control your blood sugar.

Causes of High Blood Sugar

High blood sugar can be caused by various conditions, including:

  • Gestational diabetes occurs when high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance appear during pregnancy. If this happens, the mother should be closely monitored as high blood sugar levels during pregnancy can lead to various complications for the baby and the mother as well.
  • Type 1 diabetes is where the immune system launches an attack on insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, insulin production is reduced or stopped and blood glucose levels rise. People diagnosed with type 1 diabetes regulate their blood sugar level by taking insulin through a pen, insulin pump, or needle. According to the American Diabetes Association, only 5% of people with diabetes have type 1 Diabetes.
  • Type 2 diabetes is where the pancreas produces insulin but the body does not use it properly. In this case, the body is unable to use insulin to keep blood glucose levels steady (insulin resistance). If you have type 2 diabetes, you may need to make exercise or diet changes or take pills or insulin to help manage your blood sugar levels.
  • Cystic fibrosis: Studies suggest there may be a link between cystic fibrosis and diabetes
  • Medications: Certain steroids and beta-blockers can raise blood sugar levels.

Long-term complications of high blood sugar.

Consistently high blood sugar levels can damage the body’s systems and organs. This can lead to serious complications such as:

  • Kidney disease
  • Stroke
  • Heart attack
  • Damage to the eyes and loss of vision
  • Nerve damage leads to infections, sores, and wound healing problems

Risk factors

  • Type 1 Diabetes

Although researchers have not yet established exactly what causes high blood sugar levels and diabetes, there are certain factors that increase the risk.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, certain genes have been shown to have an impact. Moreover, infections and viruses may play a role. Studies also show that certain environmental or genetic factors may increase the risk of getting type 1 diabetes.

You can be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at any age, but it usually starts during early adulthood or childhood.

  • Type 2 Diabetes

Risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes include:

  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Being overweight
  • Having certain genes
  • Being over 45 years old
  • Having a sibling or parent with type 2 diabetes
  • Having American Indian, African-American, Pacific Islander, Alaska Native, Hispanic, or Asian-American ethnicity.
  • Having high blood pressure or receiving treatment for it
  • Having high levels of triglycerides or low levels of HDL cholesterol.

What is considered High blood glucose levelsFocus on eating the correct diet for diabetics.

 The correct diet for a diabetic is low sugar items and items with high dietary fiber. This should be discussed with your doctor as he can give you the best information.

What is considered high blood sugar

Avoid foods that are high in fat and refrain from consuming alcohol, because alcohol stays in the bloodstream and its action mimics that of blood sugar. You’re going to need to cut down on the salt intake as well.

American Diabetes Association Diet Plan Food Recommendation

The following foods are considered to be most helpful for diabetics:

  • All kinds of beans – green and black beans, pinto beans, and navy beans. Beans are full of protein and energy. One-half cup of beans contains equal protein to that in an ounce of meat.
  • Berries – raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and fibers.
  • Whole grains – avoid flours that are processed too much (pretty much all white flour falls into this overly-processed category) and instead go for the less processed forms like whole wheat and whole-grain options.

Tomatoes are good antioxidants and are very versatile since you can simply eat them as they are, peel or slice them, and even add them as toppings to your food. These are rich in iron, Vitamin C and E, and are good for your heart as well.

The bottom-line.

Monitoring your blood sugar levels alongside exercise and diet can help you maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Other strategies that can help prevent high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include:

  • taking the amount of insulin prescribed by your doctor if you have type 1 diabetes,
  • planning your exercise routine and food intake,
  • taking precautions to avoid infections,
  • minimizing stress by getting enough sleep
  • including other stress-reducing activities like yoga and meditation in your daily life.

Read about more of the complications that come with diabetes here!

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Normal Random Blood Sugar Levels

Normal random blood sugar levels fall within a standard range of between 70mg/dl to 150mg/dl. This variation can be attributed to various factors including the time, type, and volume of food consumed during previous meals.

When you eat foods that are high in carbohydrates, pancreatic secretions of glucagon and insulin regulate the glucose levels. However, the main problem arises when the pancreas does not secrete sufficient amounts of insulin to convert glucose into energy.

The condition of extremely high blood sugar is known as Hyperglycemia which can damage various organs resulting in kidney damage, nerve damage, loss of vision, and heart disease. The other extreme of low blood sugar is known as hypoglycemia and the patient might lose consciousness in case the blood sugar level is too low.

In case your blood sugar level does not fall within the normal range, appropriate action should be taken to diagnose the condition. Here are some tests to help diagnose diabetes and help diabetics ascertain how to manage the disease in the best way possible.

normal random blood sugar levels, normal blood sugar levels,

  1. Random Blood Glucose Test

Normal random blood sugar levels

Random blood glucose tests are used to measure the amount of blood sugar or glucose circulating in your blood. Random blood sugar levels are used to determine whether you’re likely to have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. However, other tests are usually necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

What is random blood sugar testing?

Random glucose tests measure the amount of blood glucose at any given time during the day. Many blood glucose tests involve either continuous or fasting monitoring, but a random blood sugar test does not. However, random tests are particularly useful for someone who needs a speedy diagnosis and medical attention.  Moreover, random blood sugar testing is an essential tool for diabetics because it helps determine how well the condition is being managed.

Reasons for random testing

Diabetes is a condition that affects the body’s ability to produce, release or use insulin once sugar is converted to glucose. Therefore, your doctor might recommend a random blood sugar test if you’re showing symptoms of diabetes. Early signs and symptoms of diabetes include:

  • Excessive thirst and urination
  • Blurred vision
  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Slow healing of cuts, bruises, and wounds
  • Tingling in legs and arms (diabetic neuropathy as a result of uncontrolled diabetes)

Type 2 diabetes tends to develop slowly and symptoms can be hard to detect especially during the early stages.

Random glucose testing and diabetes management

what are normal random blood sugar levelsIn people without diabetes, blood sugar levels are controlled through the actions of insulin and the cells’ use of glucose for energy. Therefore, their random blood glucose test results would remain relatively stable over the course of the day. There are no significant changes even if they:

  • Experience stress
  • Eat at different times of the day
  • Vary their diet

However, if you have prediabetes or diabetes, your random blood sugar levels can vary significantly throughout the day, especially if the disease is not managed well.

Random blood sugar tests are performed outside the normal testing schedule. If you have normal random blood sugar levels, you may not be suffering from diabetes. However, as mentioned earlier, your doctor may recommend additional tests to confirm the diagnosis. On the other hand, if you have diabetes and your random blood sugar levels are within the acceptable range, your management plan is probably working.

Wide variations in your random blood sugar levels typically suggest the need to change your strategy. It is essential to ensure that your random blood sugar levels are within the normal or acceptable range to avoid the complications caused by consistently high blood sugar levels.

When to test

For people with diabetes, it’s very important to pay attention to the symptoms. If you’re experiencing any signs of low blood sugar, test immediately. Random blood sugar tests can help you detect hyperglycemia and reduce the risk of serious and potentially fatal complications.

If you have diabetes, testing your blood sugar levels at various different times over the course of the day is very important as it can help you manage your condition more effectively and lower the risk of serious diabetes complications.

If random glucose test results indicate that your blood glucose levels are higher than expected, the doctor usually orders follow-up tests to confirm the diagnosis. Follow-up diabetes tests usually include:

Fasting glucose test:

This blood sugar test measures the blood glucose level after staying for at least 8 hours without eating or drinking anything except water. The fasting blood sugar level for a healthy person ranges between 70 mg/dl and 100 mg/dl.  If the fasting glucose level exceeds 125 mg/dl for two consecutive tests, the person might be suffering from diabetes. Fasting glucose tests are usually performed in the morning before you’ve had breakfast.

OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test):

what are normal random blood sugar levels for diabeticsSometimes, people with diabetes can demonstrate normal blood glucose results in the random test or fasting test yet still have diabetes.

If your doctor suspects that you have diabetes, they usually recommend an oral glucose tolerance test which also requires you not to drink or eat for at least 8 hours. After the doctor takes the first blood sample, you’ll drink a glucose solution and then the doctor will take more samples over the next 2 hours.

This test is usually used to evaluate the body’s response to sugar. The present blood sugar level is measured first after which a glucose solution (175 gm glucose) is given to the patient. After this, the blood glucose level should be measured at 30-minute intervals six times. For non-diabetics, the blood sugar level does not rise above 140 mg/dl at any time.

However, a blood glucose level of between 140 mg/dl and 199 mg/dl indicates that the person might be pre-diabetic. A blood glucose level of 200 mg/dl or more suggests that the person is suffering from full-blown diabetes. The main objective of a glucose tolerance test is to assess the reaction of your body to the sudden influx of glucose.

Glycated Hemoglobin Test:

Although the glycated hemoglobin test is not for the diagnosis of diabetic conditions, this test shows how well the patient has been managing diabetes for the past 3 months. These normal blood sugar levels should always be less than 7%. In case the level is above 7%, it is vital for the doctor to change your treatment plan.

Managing the blood glucose level  (and maintaining normal blood sugar levels) is a vital aspect of controlling various diabetic conditions. Moreover, you can test your blood sugar from anywhere by simply using the correct equipment and paying attention to directions. You should also keep a good record of your test results in order to identify potential problems.

Interpreting random blood sugar test results.

The amount of glucose in your blood is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Normal random blood sugar levels for a person without diabetes should be below 200 mg/dL.

According to one 2015 study, random glucose test results of over 100 mg/dL is a great risk factor for diabetes. A result of 200 mg/dl or more indicates that you may have diabetes. However, the doctor may repeat the random test on another day and recommend a different test for a reliable diagnosis.

Normal random blood sugar levelsHelp yourself to Maintain Normal Blood Sugar Levels!

You know a lot of diseases can be managed and even reversed, by regular exercise, a good healthy eating plan, (monitored carefully by your health care professional), keeping well hydrated, and getting plenty of rest. 

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Best Treatment for Low Blood Sugar?

Maintaining your blood glucose levels within the target range can help delay or prevent serious health complications. Although this is very important, close management of blood glucose levels can also increase your risk for hypoglycemia.

Levels below 70 mg/dL are considered low. In case you suspect your blood sugar level is low, be sure to check it and treat it.

If left unresolved, low blood glucose can be very dangerous. Therefore, it’s important for people with diabetes as well as their caregivers to know how to treat it quickly and properly.

You are at a higher risk of having low blood sugar reactions if you:

  • Delay or skip a snack or meal
  • Exercise
  • Consume alcohol without eating carbs
  • Eat too few carbs or administer too much insulin

Check your blood sugar level if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Follow the 15-15 rule

If your blood sugar level is between 55 and 69 mg/dL, you can raise it using the 15-15 rule.

Have 15 grams of carbohydrates and check it after 15 minutes.

If your blood sugar is still not within your target range, repeat this procedure until it’s within the target range. After raising it to your target level, eat a snack or nutritious meal to prevent it from getting too low again.

Items that have 15 grams of carbohydrates include:

  • ½ cup (4 ounces) of regular soda or juice (apple, orange, pineapple, grape, prune, or cranberry juice).
  • 1 tsp of syrup, honey, or sugar.
  • Gumdrops, jellybeans, hard candies (check the food label for the amount you should eat).
  • 1 dose (1 tube) of glucose gel (follow instructions).
  • 3-4 glucose tablets.
  • 12 gummy bears
  • 6 large jelly beans
  • 15 skittles How to help someone with hypoglycemia
  • 4 starburst
  • 5 small gumdrops
  • 1 tube glucose gel
  • 3-4 glucose tablets
  • 5 lifesavers
  • 1 tsp sugar in water
  • 1 cup fat-free milk
  • 1 small orange
  • 15 grapes
  • 1 small apple
  • ½ banana
  • ½ cup applesauce
  • 2 tsp of raisins

Note: The foods listed above are easily absorbed and will raise blood sugar levels quickly. Foods that contain protein or fat – such as chocolate, candy bars, ice cream, cookies, crackers, and bread – don’t raise blood sugar quickly enough.

Tips you should keep in mind

  • Young kids usually require less than 15 grams of carbohydrates, especially toddlers and infants. Your doctor can provide guidance on how much carbs your child needs.
  • Avoid eating carbs rich in fiber, such as lentils or beans, or carbs that have fat. Fat and fiber slow down the absorption of sugar.
  • Raising your blood sugar takes time. Allow some time for the 15-15 treatment to work.
  • When the risk of lows is high, check your blood sugar more often. The risk of lows is higher when you travel or when the weather is hotter.

How do you treat severely low blood sugar?

How to increase blood sugarIf your blood sugar is below 55 mg/dL, it is considered too low and you may be unable to regulate it using the 15-15 rule. In fact, checking your blood sugar or treating it by yourself might be impossible, depending on the symptoms.

Therefore, it’s important to ensure that your caregivers, friends, and family know the signs of severely low blood sugar so they can help with treatment if needed.

One of the best ways of treating severely low blood sugar is using glucagon. However, a glucagon kit requires a prescription. Consult your healthcare provider to see if you need a kit and learn when and how to use it. Inform those close to you (friends and family members) where you keep the kit and train them on how to use it.

Contact your healthcare provider for emergency treatment after administering a glucagon injection. In case the person passes out (faints) due to extremely low blood sugar, they typically wake up 10-15 minutes after the injection. Administer one more dose if they don’t wake up 15 minutes after the glucagon injection.

Once they wake up and are able to swallow:

  • Feed them fast-acting sources of sugar (fruit juice or regular soft drink).
  • Have them eat long-acting sources of sugar (a sandwich with meat, cheese, and crackers).

It is important that people you are around often (family, friends, teachers, co-workers, and coaches) know how to test blood sugar and treat low blood sugar as well as severely low blood sugar. Medical IDs such as necklaces and bracelets can be critical in keeping diabetes patients healthy and safe. Emergency medical responders are usually trained to look for medical IDs when caring for people who are unable to speak for themselves.

When should you call 911?

Your helper, relative, or friend should call 911 if:

  • You’ve passed out and a glucagon kit is not available.
  • You had a glucagon injection but are still feeling confused.
  • You’ve had the first dose of glucagon but have not woken up after 15 minutes
  • Your blood sugar is still low 15-20 minutes after administering treatment or does not respond to the usual treatment

After treating low blood sugar

If you had mild low blood sugar (55-69 mg/dL), you can resume your normal activities after successful treatment. Be sure to confirm whether your blood sugar is in your target range.

Early signs of low blood sugar may go unnoticed for 48 to 72 hours. Check your blood sugar level more often to ensure it’s within your target range, especially before physical activity, driving a car, or eating.

If you administered glucagon injection to treat severe low blood sugar (below 54 mg/dL), call your doctor immediately for emergency treatment. Moreover, if you have had several lows close together (whether severe or not), be sure to notify your doctor. They may recommend changing your diabetes treatment plan.

how to help someone with hypoglycemiahypoglycemiaKeep an accurate record of your numbers

If low blood sugars continue to occur, be sure to share your insulin, blood sugar, food, and physical activity logs with your healthcare provider.

How to help someone with low blood sugar

They will look for patterns and may be able to prevent lows by changing the amount and timing of your meals, physical activity, and insulin.

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What is a Safe Blood Sugar Level?

Understanding blood sugar level ranges is extremely important when it comes to diabetes self-management. After being diagnosed with diabetes, most people wonder what normal, high, or low blood sugar levels actually mean.

Due to the differences in our health history and the way our bodies function, it may also affect factors that influence blood sugar levels such as medication and food.

Blood sugar levels in people without diabetes are different from the target levels recommended for diabetes patients. Therefore, if you are diagnosed with diabetes, your doctor will work with you to determine personalized safe blood sugar levels that meet your specific health needs.

Therefore, recommended blood sugar levels may vary for every individual and it is important to discuss this with your physician or healthcare provider.

What are safe blood sugar levels?

Health organizations like the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) and ADA (American Diabetes Association) have provided the following guiding principles on safe glucose levels for people who have not been diagnosed with diabetes:

  • Fasting plasma glucose level

This measurement is taken at least 8 hours after your last meal (when you’re fasting) such as in the morning. According to ADA recommendation, fasting plasma glucose for people who don’t have diabetes should be below 100 mg/dL.

  • 2 hour/ after meal plasma glucose level

This measurement is typically taken 2 hours after your last meal. According to ADA recommendation, after-meal plasma glucose should be below 140 mg/dL for healthy individuals.

  • A1C

This test is usually taken regardless of when you last ate. It measures the amount of blood sugar bonded with hemoglobin, which typically accumulates over a period of 3 months. CDC recommends that A1C levels should be below 5.7%.

Safe blood sugar levels for diabetes patients

Best supplement for blood sugarDiabetes patients have difficulty using or creating enough insulin, the hormone responsible for converting blood sugar into energy. There’s no standard blood glucose chart for all diabetes patients. However, organizations such as the AACE (American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists) and the ADA offer recommendations on target blood glucose levels as a baseline.

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Physicians usually tailor target blood glucose levels to an individual by considering factors such as lifestyle, age, other health conditions, mental state, years since diagnosis, risk of extremely low blood sugar levels, and availability of economic resources needed to reach target blood sugar goals.

Safe blood sugar levels for diabetes patients (non-pregnant)

  AACE ADA
Before meals Below 110 mg/dL 70 to 130 mg/dL
2 hours after meals Below 140mg/dL Below 180 mg/dL
HbA1c (A1C) Below 6.5% Below 7.0%

 

Safe blood sugar levels for pregnant women with diabetes

Target blood sugar levels during pregnancy are usually lower largely as a result of hormonal influences.  The AACE and ADA guidelines for safe blood glucose levels for pregnant women with diabetes differ slightly. However, it is essential for pregnant women with diabetes to follow individual recommendations provided by their physicians.

According to the ADA, pregnant women should maintain blood glucose levels of between 95 and 140 mg/dL. However, some organizations recommend even tighter goals of less than 89 mg/dL before meals and below 120 mg/dL after meals.

To monitor their levels, diabetes specialists recommend that pregnant women with diabetes check their blood glucose levels:

  • First thing after waking up (fasting)
  • At bedtime
  • Before meals
  • 1 hour after meals

Factors that affect blood glucose levels

If you have been diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes, your body may have difficulty producing insulin or you may have resistance to insulin. As a result, your body is unable to regulate blood glucose on its own. Therefore, it’s important to familiarize yourself with factors that may cause blood glucose levels to rise or fall below the recommended levels.

Factors that cause blood sugar to rise

According to ADA recommendations, if blood glucose level rises above 180 mg/dL 2 hours after your last meal, it is generally considered above the safe range. Some of the main factors that may cause your blood glucose level to rise above the normal range include:

  • Consuming larger meals or more carbs than usual
  • Reduced physical activity
  • Menstrual periods
  • Pain, stress, and illness (both long-term and short-term)
  • Not taking oral diabetes medication or insulin based on activity levels or carbohydrates intake
  • Side effects from a wide range of medications including antipsychotics or steroids
  • Dehydration

Factors that cause blood sugar levels to drop

If your blood sugar level is less than 70 mg/dL, it is considered below normal levels. Some of the factors that can cause low blood sugar levels include:

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  • Reducing the number of carbs you normally eat
  • Missing snacks or meals
  • Not eating enough
  • Alcohol consumption (especially on an empty stomach)
  • Increased physical activity
  • Taking too much oral diabetes medication or insulin based on activity levels or carbohydrates intake
  • Side effects from some medications (other than antipsychotics or steroids)

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Everyone responds differently to various factors, which is the main reason why it’s essential to have custom target blood sugar levels. To maintain safe blood sugar levels, work with your physician to discuss adjustments to your medications, physical activity, or diet, and be sure to alert them of other essential factors like recent stressful events or illnesses.

Check the article on diabetic watches HERE!

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Good Blood Sugar Levels

So what is considered to be a good blood sugar level?

Maintaining good blood sugar levels is the optimal way of being able to keep up with maintaining your diabetes and keeping your body healthy. Good blood sugar levels are generally been said to be good when they fall in between the 80 to 125 range. Otherwise, if they fall below you could be hypoglycemic and if they fall too high then you can be hyperglycemic. Both of which can start causing medical problems and diabetes complications, which if left untreated can lead to a lifelong medical battle.

What is considered a good blood sugar levelIdeal blood sugar levels vary from person to person because everyone is so different. Everyone’s body type is different which makes their blood sugar vary as well.

There are general guidelines that have been set by the American diabetes association regarding criteria by which doctors and physicians go by when determining what is considered a good blood sugar level, a low blood sugar level, and what is considered high.

Having a chart that allows people to know what their good blood sugar levels are will allow them to feel good when they meet those areas and they know that they are maintaining their diabetes.

Normal Blood sugar Levels

For a large portion of healthy people, these levels would be the normal blood sugar levels:

good blood sugar levels

Between 4.0 to 5.4 mmol/L (72 to 99 mg/dL) while fasting.

blood sugar levels after eating

Up to 7.8 mmol/L (140 mg/dL) 2 hours after eating.

For diabetics, these would be the blood sugar level targets.

understanding blood sugar levels

Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/L for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.

good blood sugar levels

After meals: under 9 mmol/L for people with type 1 diabetes and under 8.5mmol/L for people with type 2 diabetes

Why are Good Blood Sugar Levels so Important?

It’s really important that you make every effort to keep your blood glucose levels under control as best you can. If you have levels that are too high and they remain high for long periods of time, this will certainly increase the risk of developing complications of diabetes.

So What are the Main Complications of Diabetes?

Nerve Damage (diabetes neuropathy):  Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain occurs when the diabetic or person is having trouble seeing, using their muscles and limbs, and is in just a great amount of pain from overworking them.

Retinal Disease:  Diabetes is the leading cause of preventable blindness.

Heart DiseaseTogether, heart attacks and strokes are the most important complications of diabetes type 2. They are also among the most preventable.

Foot Damage:  Diabetics are more susceptible to foot problems than healthy people. When Diabetics cut themselves, or have an ulcer or even just a blister, this can lead to infection and if not treated can certainly cause life-threatening problems.

High Blood Pressure: Diabetes makes the blood vessels stiffer and in turn they are less able to relax, increasing the pressure inside the blood vessels

 After all who wants to worry about their blood sugar numbers all the time when you can find what works best for you so that you can be stress-free and know that you have your diabetes under control?

Make sure you visit your healthcare member and find out what your blood sugar levels should be – Most of the time when a person first finds out that they are diabetic, the doctor will ask them to monitor their blood glucose levels for a certain period of time and then they will have them come back into the office and compare them in order to find what good blood sugar levels are for them.

Recommended good blood sugar levels do vary for every individual diabetic and should be discussed at length with your healthcare team.

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