As a crucial aspect of diabetes management, understanding blood glucose levels, also known as blood sugar levels, is essential. Let’s break down what blood sugar is, why it matters, and how to interpret your readings.
What is Blood Glucose?
Blood glucose is the main sugar in your blood, derived from food and serves as your body’s primary energy source. While the body regulates this automatically in people without diabetes, those with diabetes experience impaired regulation, leading to potentially dangerous fluctuations.
Why Blood Glucose Levels Matter
Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is critical for everyone, especially for people with diabetes. Consistently high levels (hyperglycaemia) can lead to long-term complications like nerve damage, kidney damage and vision problems, while very low levels (hypoglycaemia) can cause immediate issues like confusion, seizures or even or loss of consciousness.
Understanding Your Blood Glucose Readings
Blood glucose is measured in milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL) or millimoles per litre (mmol/L). Here’s a quick guide:
- Fasting (before meals):
- Normal: <100 mg/dL
- Prediabetes: 100-125 mg/dL
- Diabetes: ≥126 mg/dL
- Two hours after meals:
- Normal: <140 mg/dL
- Prediabetes: 140-199 mg/dL
- Diabetes: ≥200 mg/dL
N/B: It’s important to note that target ranges can vary individually. Consult your doctor for personal goals.
How to Monitor Your Blood Sugar
Traditional finger-prick tests using a glucose meter are common, but new technologies like Diabimetrics™ are revolutionising how people track their blood sugar, providing real-time data and insights.
Taking Control of Your Blood Sugar
Managing blood sugar involves a balanced diet, regular exercise, prescribed medication, and consistent monitoring. Understanding your levels and what influences them empowers you to make informed health decisions.
At Svengen Health, we’re committed to developing innovative technologies like Diabimetrics™ that make blood sugar monitoring easier and more insightful. Stay tuned for our upcoming product announcements!
Do you have questions about blood sugar management or our upcoming technologies? Let us know in the comments below.
