Add protein and fat to slow digestion and avoid blood sugar spikes. Talk with your doctor to learn more about your blood glucose targets. Studies have shown that people with diabetes may be able to reduce the risk of diabetes complications by consistently keeping their A1C levels below 7%.
Monitoring your blood glucose levels is an important aspect of managing your health, especially if you have diabetes. Knowing what your normal blood glucose levels should be can help you make better decisions about your diet, exercise, and medication. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
Fasting Blood Sugar Levels
They may also suggest lifestyle changes to help keep your blood sugar within the recommended target range. There are numerous regularly tested parameters in the medical world. These are essential to monitor health and regulate the well-being of the individual.
Fasting blood sugar levels are typically measured after a period of fasting, usually first thing in the morning before eating or drinking anything. Normal fasting blood sugar levels generally fall between 70 and 100 mg/dL. If your fasting blood sugar levels consistently measure above 126 mg/dL, you may be diagnosed with diabetes.
The American Diabetes Association recommends regular screening for anyone age 35 or older. You can do it at home or at a healthcare provider’s office, and you’ll have your results immediately. However, if your blood sugar is above 240 mg/dL, your urine may contain ketones. Ketones are acids produced when your body breaks down fat for energy because there’s not enough glucose available. Exercising requires energy, which means your body will produce more ketones. High levels of ketones can lead to an emergency medical condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
It’s also important to log any changes in blood sugar levels so they can be shared with your healthcare providers. Your healthcare providers can use this information to develop your healthcare plan or make adjustments to your treatments. These figures serve as a guide, but each person’s individual needs vary according to age and other factors. A doctor will work with a person to establish their suitable blood sugar levels and help them stay close to their target goals.
The A1C is not the same as your blood sugar average, which might be displayed on a fingerstick meter or your continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Low blood sugar’or hypoglycemia’occurs when an individual’s glucose levels fall below 70 mg/dL. Severe low blood sugar occurs when glucose levels fall below 54 mg/dL and may lead to fainting.
He has also served as an assistant professor at the UNT Health Sciences Center in Fort Worth, Texas. His interests in clinical informatics and digital health led him to a career in telemedicine. Heart failure is a possible side effect of some drugs in this class. People with diabetes can be active, even if they take insulin or use technology such as insulin pumps. Over time, these small changes can add up to big wins for your health. Your doctor will determine your dosage and discuss with you how to inject it and when.
Postprandial Blood Sugar Levels
Postprandial blood sugar levels refer to your blood sugar levels after meals. In people without diabetes, postprandial blood sugar levels usually peak around 1-2 hours after eating and should ideally be below 140 mg/dL. If your postprandial blood sugar levels are consistently high, it may indicate poor blood sugar control.
FAQs
- What causes high blood sugar levels?
- Eating too many carbohydrates
- Lack of physical activity
- Stress
- Illness
- How can I lower my blood sugar levels?
- Exercise regularly
- Eat a balanced diet low in carbohydrates
- Take prescribed medications as directed
- Manage stress levels
Understanding what your normal blood glucose levels should be and taking steps to maintain them within a healthy range is crucial for overall well-being. Consult with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your blood sugar levels or if you suspect you may have diabetes.
