Diabetes Blood Sugar Levels

Blood sugar level refers to the amount of glucose present in the blood. It is expressed in terms of millimoles per liter (mmol/l). Blood sugar levels fluctuate throughout the day. They are the lowest in the morning, when the stomach is empty, but increase drastically after meals.

However, in people who have diabetes, blood sugar levels are above the normal. Diabetes can never be completely cured, it can only be controlled with the help of drugs and medications. Even while on medication, glucose levels tend to be towards the higher side of the scale.

A glucose tolerance test is used to determine the blood sugar levels.

• Preprandial Plasma Glucose (fasting)(70-100 mg/dl)
• Postprandial Plasma Glucose (1 hour after intake of 75 g glucose)(Less than 200 mg/dl)
• Postprandial Plasma Glucose (2 hours after intake of 75 g glucose)(Less than 140 mg/dl)

Fasting glucose (taken in the morning before breakfast) should be within the range of 70-100 mg/dl.

However, a diabetic person may record a sugar level more than 126 mg/dl. In a glucose tolerance test, post meal (within one hour after intake of glucose) sugar levels should be less than 200 mg/dl. Glucose count above 200mg/dl indicates that the person is diabetic. Two hours after the intake of glucose, the levels should be below 140 mg/dl.

Abnormally high levels of blood sugar indicates uncontrolled diabetes, and the condition is termed as hyperglycemia. The symptoms associated with this condition include excessive thirst, frequent urge to urinate, weakness, fatigue, etc. If the blood sugar levels shoot up drastically, then the person may become dehydrated and eventually go into a state of unconsciousness.

Test for sugar levels should be conducted every month and a proper chart should be maintained by the patient. Moreover, monitor your lifestyle and diet, and check how certain foods and emotions affect your blood glucose levels. This information will help your physician a great deal in recommending you a proper diabetes treatment.

Although it is customary for diabetic patients to undergo blood sugar level tests every month, other people, particularly those with a family history of diabetes, should also regularly check their blood sugar levels. Diabetes can be better controlled if detected in the early stages, and only a regular blood sugar test can help you detect it immediately.