The level of sugar (more precisely, glucose) in the blood is a vital indicator that must be monitored in the case of diabetes. This disease is characterized by the fact that the body loses the ability to transform glucose into energy – and its level rises to dangerous levels.
What level of blood sugar is the norm for men and women – and how exactly does a high level harm your health? How can this level be measured at home – and are there safe methods to lower glucose levels?
What is blood sugar?
Blood sugar is an indicator of how much glucose is in a person’s blood. In most cases, the source of this glucose is carbohydrates consumed with food, while the hormone insulin is necessary for their full assimilation.
The rate (and magnitude) of blood sugar rise is affected by a variety of factors, including health status and physical activity levels, as well as the type of carbohydrates consumed. For example, sweets with a high glycemic index increase blood sugar levels dramatically, while fiber-rich vegetables increase slowly.
In addition, even in a healthy person, blood sugar levels fluctuate throughout the day – it rises after eating and decreases after sports. Recall that glucose is the main fuel for both muscles (in the form of glycogen) and for the body as a whole.
Where does glucose come from?
Glucose is an example of a carbohydrate with a simple structure. It can be found in food both in pure form (for example, in fruits) and in compound form (table sugar – a mixture of glucose and fructose). Among other things, the body is able to process more complex carbohydrates to the state of glucose.
Ultimately, high blood sugar levels mean that too much of the fast-absorbing energy from food has been consumed – while the natural production of the hormone insulin is not enough to properly use this energy.
What are normal blood sugar levels?
Blood sugar is measured using a special device in millimoles per liter (mmol/L) or milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Also, since the amount of sugar in the blood varies throughout the day and rises after meals, the timing of measurements must be taken into account.
A healthy person has about 4.0–5.9 mmol/L (or 72–106 mg/dL) of glucose before eating and up to 7.8 mmol/L (140 mg/dL) after eating. The normal range for diabetics is higher:
While fasting:
- Type 1 diabetes – 5 – 7 mmol/l (90 – 126 mg/dl)
- Type 2 diabetes – 4 – 7 mmol/l (90 – 126 mg/dl)
After eating (after 90 minutes):
- Type 1 diabetes – 5 – 9 mmol/l (90 – 162 mg/dl)
- Type 2 diabetes – 5 – 8.5 mmol/l (90 – 153 mg/dl)
How to reduce?
Impaired insulin metabolism refers to the inability of the body to use blood sugar for metabolic functions. Although the body may be in dire need of energy, cells lose their ability to absorb glucose. Insulin injections are the only way to quickly lower your sugar levels.
We also note that diet control (control of the glycemic index or bread units) helps prevent a dangerous increase in blood sugar levels – just like regular exercise normalizes metabolic processes and naturally normalizes glucose.
Consequences of a high blood sugar level
Excessively high blood sugar levels lead to numerous metabolic disorders. First of all, the processes of transporting oxygen to tissues become more difficult – which directly affects the health of the cardiovascular system and the brain. There is fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
In addition, since the body produces insulin in response to an increase in blood glucose, overproduction of this hormone is possible – as a result of which the tissues become unresponsive to its action. Insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes develop.
It is also important that too much sugar in the blood (and the inability to utilize it) breaks down the natural mechanisms of satiety. A person begins to experience a constant feeling of hunger, which leads to overeating. Obesity is one of the typical symptoms of diabetes.
Blood sugar is an indicator vital to the health of diabetics and a parameter that affects the entire functioning of the metabolism. Excessive amounts of glucose disrupt metabolism, leading to damage to the cardiovascular system – and provoking the development of type 2 diabetes.