An individual cannot go through life without being bothered about developing diabetes. Indeed, this is one of the most dreaded lifestyle conditions at present. An individual who has been afflicted with diabetes feels the pressure to reverse the condition sooner rather than later. However, it may not be an easy task. Medical professionals advise checking the blood sugar levels regularly but not becoming overwhelmed by a slight disparity vis-a-vis the normal range of blood sugar. The best way to enjoy life in all its glory would be to try and make simple lifestyle changes thus ensuring a full and satisfactory life without giving up on occasional treats.
Importance of Blood Sugar Tests
Any individual who is concerned with an increase in blood sugar levels is advised to visit a qualified medical practitioner. Most of the time the individual would be advised to undergo a blood test to determine whether the fasting blood sugar normal range is unaltered! It would be foolhardy to self-diagnose the condition. Having the medical professional go through the diagnostic test result is the only way to understand the seriousness of the situation. Well, the concerned person may not have to go through more tests when the fasting blood sugar is within permissible limits.
Signs of high or low blood sugar levels
High blood sugar known as Hyperglycemia in medical parlance is not too uncommon. However, it needs to be treated as an increase in blood sugar levels can affect most of the major organs of the body over time. Low blood sugar, on the other hand, can be extremely dangerous if not treated right away. The symptoms vary from person to person but the medical professional would be able to diagnose them by observing some of the commonest symptoms.
It is helpful to learn about the prominent symptoms associated with both high and low blood sugar to ensure well-being. The indications at a glance reveal the following:-
| High Blood Sugar | Low Blood Sugar |
| Extreme thirst and hunger | Blurry vision |
| Frequent urination | Dizziness |
| Dry throat | Breathing Difficulty |
| Headache | Confusion |
| Fatigue | Tingling of lips |
| Anxiety | Shivering or tremors |
Understanding fasting blood sugar
One would be advised to have a fasting blood sugar test done at the earliest to check diabetes. One is asked to forgo food or drink (except water) for 8 to 10 hours before blood is drawn for the test. The results indicate no diabetes when the fasting blood sugar normal range i.e. 99 mg/dL is established. Anything above 100 indicates a tendency for developing diabetes. A level over 129 mg/dL is diagnosed as diabetes and has to be treated with medicines.
What should a person’s blood sugar levels be?
There is no magical number to adhere to here. A person must incorporate a healthy lifestyle and follow a balanced, nutritious diet to avoid developing diabetes. Sure, many individuals avoid sugar altogether but it is important to remember that merely avoiding table sugar is not going to keep a person with chronic (juvenile) diabetes healthy. It is important to visit a medical professional preferably one who is an expert at treating diabetes. Checking the blood sugar levels regularly is advisable too. A person who is asked to test the blood sugar levels for the first time may be a trifle perplexed by the test results. It is important to understand the meaning behind the quantities displayed in the report to proceed with the treatment plan as recommended by the doctor.
The normal sugar level after food and before food in individuals is indicated in the following table:
|
Individuals |
Before meals (fasting) | After meals (post-prandial/PP) | Other |
| Adults with type 1 diabetes | 80–130 mg/dL | < 180 mg/dL (1 or 2 hours after meal) | |
| Adults with type 2 diabetes | 80–130mg/dL | < 180 mg/dL and (1 or 2 hours after meal) | |
| Children with type 1 diabetes | 90-130 mg/dL | 90–150 mg/dL at bedtime/overnight | |
| Pregnant people (T1D, gestational diabetes) | < 95 mg/dL | 140 mg/dL (1 hour after eating) | 120 mg/dL (2 hours after food) |
| 65 or older | 80–180 mg/dL | 80–200 mg/dL for those in poorer health, assisted living, end of life | |
| Nondiabetic | 99 mg/dL or below | 140 mg/dL or below |
Reasons to get a fasting blood sugar test
Admittedly no layperson would think of having the blood sugar levels checked suddenly. It is the consulting physician who is likely to order the test when the patient complains of the following:-
- Excessive hunger & thirst
- Increase in frequency of urination
- Presence of ketones in the urine
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Skin infections
- Delayed healing
- Blurred vision
- Unexplained weight loss
The concerned doctor will check the increase against the fasting blood sugar normal range and advise the next line of treatment.
Is prediabetes a cause for concern?
The individual with prediabetes will not have a normal range of blood sugar revealed in the diagnostic test report. However, the increase is not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes either. The doctor may diagnose the condition as prediabetes when the fasting blood sugar is slightly more than100 mg/dL but well below 125 mg/dL. The doctor is sure to advise such individuals about the precautions that need to be taken to prevent the development of diabetes soon. Following a balanced & healthy diet and making lifestyle changes can go a long way in keeping blood sugar levels under control. Read about some of the sugar free biscuits, which you can consume without worrying.
Final Thoughts
There is no reason to be overwrought with anxiety when the blood sugar levels are high enough to be termed diabetes. There are many reasons to develop the condition but checking the blood sugar levels regularly can enable the concerned individual to track one’s health. Self-diagnosis based on an arbitrary blood test report is not advisable though. Instead, it is important to visit a qualified medical professional when experiencing some of the symptoms that are indicative of diabetes. The fasting blood sugar range of >100 may be termed prediabetes which can be managed effectively by making lifestyle changes.
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