Blood Sugar : Understanding Levels, symptoms And Influencing Factors

https://www.diabetes.co.uk/blood-glucose/high-blood-glucose-levels-before-meals-or-bed.html

What Is Blood Sugar

Monitoring your blood sugar is a crucial aspect of diabetes management. Elevated blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia or high blood glucose, occurs when there is an excess of glucose in your bloodstream. This typically happens when the body fails to efficiently use or produce insulin, a hormone essential for regulating blood sugar levels. Under normal circumstances, the pancreas releases insulin in response to elevated blood sugar, such as after a meal prompting your body to absorb glucose until levels normalize.

However, individuals with diabetes face challenges whether their body doesn’t produce insulin (type-1 diabetes) or does’nt respond to it adequately (type-2 diabetes). This condition results in prolonged periods of high blood sugar, which can lead to detrimental effects on nerves, and blood vessels, and contribute to conditions like heart disease.

How much sugar in the blood is considered excessive? and what makes high blood glucose detrimental to your well-being? Let’s delve into how your sugar levels impact your overall health.

What A Standard Blood Sugar Levels?

Optimal blood sugar levels are below 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) following a period of at least 8 hours. Post meal these levels should be below 140 mg/dL measured 2 hours after eating. Throughout the day, blood sugar levels typically reach their lowest point just before meals. For individuals without diabetes, pre-meal blood sugar levels usually range from 70-80 mg/dL, with 60 being considered normal for some and 90 for others.

What Constitutes a Low Blod Sugar Level

The threshold for low blood sugar varies significantly. Some individuals may never experience glucose levels dropping below 60, even during extended periods of fasting. When on a diet or fasting, the liver plays a crucial role in maintaining normal levels by converting fat and muscle into sugar. In certain cases, a few individuals may encounter slightly lower blood sugar levels.

The range is quite diverse. For numerous individuals, their glucose level may never drop below 60, even during extended periods of fasting. During dieting or fasting, the liver maintains normal levels by converting fat and muscle into sugar. Some individuals may experience levels that fall slightly lower.

Standard Blood Sugar Level

During fasting aim for blood sugar levels between 72 to 99 mg/dL. Two hours after eating, your level should be up to 140 mg/dL. Two hours after eating, strive to keep your level below 140mg/dL.

SymptomsOf blood Sugar level

The symptoms of high blood sugar vary depending on whether you are in the initial or advanced stages of the condition.:

Early Signs: Increased thirst, frequent urination, headaches, and blurred vision are common symptoms.

Long-Term Effects: Prolonged hyperglycemia may lead to profound fatigue, weight loss, susceptibility to skin or vaginal yeast infections and difficulties in the healing process for cuts and sores. Individuals with prediabetes, where blood sugar levels are higher than normal typically do not exhibit any noticeable signs or symptoms of the condition.

Factors Leading To Low Blood Sugar

For individuals with diabetes, various factors can contribute to an increase in blood sugar levels such as:

Illness: Being sick can elevate blood sugar levels.

Stress: Emotional or physical stress may lead to a rise in blood sugar.

Dietary Habits: Consuming excessive amounts of sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods can contribute to elevated blood sugar.

Reduced Physical Activity: Being less active than usual can impact blood sugar levels.

Insulin Doses: Missing doses of insulin, a key hormone in blood sugar regulation, can result in increased levels.

Ineffectiveness Of Diabetes Medication: If diabetes medicine is not functioning optimally, it can contribute to elevated blood sugar.

Medication Impact: taking steroids or certain medications may influence blood sugar levels.

Post-Surgery Recovery: Recovering from surgery can also temporarily impact blood sugar levels.

References: www.webmd.com

Disclaimer: All the content of this article is for information purposes only.

Raina Rahul Agarwal

My name is Raina Agarwal, and I am a seasoned content writer with three years of experience in the field. Holding a master's degree in microbiology. I have also garnered valuable experience as a microbiologist, with a career spanning over a decade since 2011. My diverse professional background enables me to offer unique insights and perspectives in my content creation endeavours.

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