Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: What You Need to Know
This article offers a comprehensive guide to understanding normal and abnormal blood sugar levels, their symptoms, causes, and effective management strategies, emphasizing the importance of lifestyle changes and regular monitoring for maintaining optimal health.
The hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas, facilitates glucose movement into cells for energy. Blood sugar, or blood glucose level, varies from person to person. Hyperglycemia indicates elevated blood sugar, while hypoglycemia reflects low levels. Persistent hyperglycemia characterizes diabetes mellitus. In the US, blood sugar is measured in millimoles per liter (mmol/L).
Normal Blood Sugar Levels
The lowest blood sugar readings occur in the morning fasting state.
The standard fasting blood sugar range for non-diabetics in FL is 3.9-5.5 mmol/L. Diabetics typically have fasting levels between 4.4-7.2 mmol/L. Post-meal blood sugar rises, with testing conducted two hours after eating. For non-diabetics, a 2-hour post-meal level should be below 7.8 mmol/L, while diabetics may reach up to 10.0 mmol/L. Another long-term assessment, hemoglobin A1c, indicates average blood glucose over 2-3 months.
The normal A1c percentage is 5.7%, whereas for diabetics, it is 7.0%.
Signs, Causes, and Management of Blood Sugar Imbalances
Pancreatic dysfunction, genetics, stress, an irregular fitness routine, or infections can disrupt blood sugar balance. Excessive carbohydrate intake and sedentary lifestyles worsen the issue. Symptoms include fatigue, frequent urination, dehydration, blurred vision, kidney damage, erectile and vaginal issues, and gastrointestinal problems.
Managing blood sugar involves regular physical activity, a balanced diet rich in fiber and low-glycemic foods, stress control, adequate sleep, hydration, and nutrient intake of chromium and magnesium. Incorporating fenugreek seeds, high in soluble fiber, can also help improve levels.
