Glucose is a natural element of the body. It is basically sugar that is in your bloodstream, whose purpose is to be used by the body for energy when needed. If you eat food with a lot of carbohydrates, your pancreas will start to release glucagon and insulin hormones, which will keep your glucose levels stay in check. Unfortunately, the pancreas can malfunction, with that result that it no longer produces enough insulin, which is needed to turn glucose into energy. But what are the normal ranges of blood glucose? This is something that is of particular concern for those who have received a type 2 diabetes, or even pre-diabetes diagnosis. If you fall into either of those two categories and/or if you have developed a complication of diabetes, it is very important that you learn to know the normal ranges of blood glucose and what you can do to reduce your blood glucose to bring it to the normal level.
What Are Normal Ranges of Blood Glucose?
There is said to be a normal or standard range of between 70 and 100mg/dl for blood glucose tested while fasting. The reason why it varies so much is because there are various factors that can influence it. These include the type of food last consumed, volume of blood, time of day, and more. Those who have a fasting blood sugar level that ranges from 100 to 125mg/dl are classed as being pre-diabetic. Those who have a blood sugar level that is lower than standard have hypoglycemia while those who have a high level have hyperglycemia. Those who have hypoglycemia lack energy, become irritable, and notice vision changes. Eventually, they will lose consciousness if the blood sugar level goes down further. On the other hand, for those with a high blood sugar level, there is a significant risk of developing organ damage. This includes heart disease, kidney damage, vision loss, and nerve damage. Symptoms to be aware of include excessive thirst, frequent urination, wounds that are slow to heal, and tingling in the extremities.
If you fall outside of the normal ranges of blood glucose, it is important that you get diagnosed. This can be done through a variety of tests, including:
1. The fasting blood sugar test. This is a glucose level test that is conducted when you have not eaten anything for at least eight hours. Usually, this test is done in the morning. If it shows a level of between 70mg/dl to 100mg/dl, then the reading is completely normal.
2. The postprandial blood sugar test. This is a test that is conducted after you have a meal, no more than two hours after you finish eating. If the reading is between 130mg/dl and 150mg/dl, then your blood glucose is normal.
3. The random blood sugar test. This test is completed at random intervals during the day. It doesn’t matter what or when you ate, and whether or not you have exercised at all. If the reading is between 80mg/dl and 140mg/dl, then your blood glucose is normal.
If you have recently started to control your blood sugar level, you will know just how difficult it is. Fortunately, there is a lot of support that is available.
