Introduction Blood sugar, also known as glucose, is a crucial component of the human body. It is the main source of energy for the body’s cells, tissues, and organs. The normal range of blood sugar levels varies depending on several factors, including the time of day, the individual’s age, and whether or not they have recently eaten. In this article, we will discuss the normal blood sugar level chart and fasting blood sugar levels in detail.
Normal Blood Sugar Level Chart
The normal range of blood sugar levels for non-diabetic adults is between 70 and 99 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) when fasting, and less than 140 mg/dL two hours after eating. However, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends a slightly broader range for normal blood sugar levels, with a fasting level of 70-130 mg/dL and a post-meal level of less than 180 mg/dL.
Blood sugar levels can fluctuate throughout the day. After waking up, blood sugar levels are typically at their lowest, and then gradually increase throughout the day, reaching their peak after a meal. This is known as the “postprandial” period.
Fasting Blood Sugar Levels
Fasting blood sugar levels refers to the amount of glucose in the blood after an individual has gone without food for at least eight hours. Fasting blood sugar levels are usually tested in the morning before breakfast. The normal range for fasting blood sugar levels is between 70 and 99 mg/dL.
A fasting blood sugar level above 126 mg/dL is considered to be indicative of diabetes. Single elevated reading is not enough to diagnose diabetes. The diagnosis of diabetes requires repeated testing and confirmation.
Factors that Affect Blood Sugar Levels
Many factors can affect blood sugar levels. These include:
- Diet: Eating a diet high in sugar and carbohydrates can cause blood sugar levels to spike.
- Medications: Some medications, such as corticosteroids and beta blockers, can affect blood sugar levels.
- Exercise: Regular exercise can help to lower blood sugar levels.
- Stress: Stress can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
- Illness: Certain illnesses, such as infections and thyroid disorders, can affect blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of High and Low Blood Sugar
- Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, and fatigue.
- Symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) include trembling, sweating, confusion, and weakness.
Managing Blood Sugar Levels
Managing blood sugar levels is an essential part of maintaining good health. There are several ways to do this, including:
- Eating a healthy diet: Eating a diet that is high in fiber and low in sugar can help to keep blood sugar levels stable.
- Exercising regularly: Regular exercise can help to lower blood sugar levels.
- Monitoring blood sugar levels: Self-monitoring of blood sugar levels is an essential part of managing diabetes and prediabetes.
- Taking medication as prescribed: If prescribed, take medication as directed by your doctor to manage blood sugar levels
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is an essential part of managing blood sugar levels.
Diabetes Management
If you have diabetes, work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your condition and keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range. This may include taking medications, modifying your diet, and making lifestyle changes to help control your blood sugar levels.
Living with Diabetes
Living with diabetes can be challenging, but with the right management plan, individuals can lead healthy and fulfilling lives. Work closely with your healthcare team, which may include a primary care physician, endocrinologist, dietitian, and diabetes educator, to develop an individualized plan to manage your diabetes.
This plan should include monitoring blood sugar levels, taking medications as prescribed, making healthy food choices, and incorporating physical activity into your daily routine.
Complications of Uncontrolled Blood Sugar
If blood sugar levels are not properly managed, it can lead to serious complications. Long-term complications of uncontrolled blood sugar include cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, eye damage, and foot damage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining normal blood sugar levels is essential for good health. A normal blood sugar level chart and fasting blood sugar levels can be used as a reference to understand what levels are considered normal.
However, it’s crucial to note that many factors can affect blood sugar levels, and monitoring blood sugar levels regularly is vital to identify any issues early on.
Managing blood sugar levels can be achieved through a combination of healthy lifestyle choices such as eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly, monitoring blood sugar levels, taking medication as prescribed, and maintaining a healthy weight.
If you have diabetes, it’s good to work closely with your healthcare provider to manage your condition and prevent serious complications. With the right management plan, individuals with diabetes can lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
