All About Blood Glucose

The purpose of this blood glucose guide is to encourage and help those seeking information on blood glucose.  More advanced diabetics may find this information helpful as reminders.

What is blood glucose? This may be your first question when reading our guide. The blood glucose is simply the sugar in your body or more specifically the bloodstream.

The level of glucose in the blood of a diabetic can determine how he or she feels and his or her health.  A normal blood glucose level ranges from 80-120 mg/dl when tested.  Staying in this range will result in optimal control of diabetes.

A diabetic wants to avoid a high blood glucose level also known as hyperglycemia.  This can result in very bad effects.  Immediately that high blood glucose reading can make you feel lethargic or give you symptoms similar to the flu.  The long-term effects of high blood glucose levels are also dangerous. When doctors talk about diabetes complications it is due in part to elevated blood sugar levels over the long-term.

Low blood sugar or glucose presents yet another unique challenge for diabetics.  Hypoglycemia is really not caused by diabetes instead it is caused by too much insulin in the bloodstream.  This can happen frequently as diabetics treat themselves with insulin in a manner that is less effective than what the pancreas is able to do when it works correctly.  This can cause things like shakiness and weakness.  Low blood glucose is usually considered under 70 mg/dl. Low blood sugar is usually treated by glucose tablets or a snack that contains carbohydrates.

Blood glucose monitors are a lifeline for diabetics.  These monitors test the blood glucose level in the bloodstream.  Those readings of the blood glucose can then be used to determine a diabetics treatment whether it’s for high blood glucose level or a low blood glucose level.

There are many blood glucose meters on the market to choose from.  If you don’t have an insurance company that restricts your choices you can test a variety of blood glucose monitoring systems that are on the market.  One very popular monitor is the Flash Freestyle monitor.

If you are diabetic and are not making blood glucose testing a regular habit in your daily routine you are really hurting yourself.  Keep in mind the way you feel is most of the time determined on your blood glucose level.  Many times you’re glucose level can fluctuate without you even knowing.  Testing frequently your glucose level will keep you on top of your diabetes.

Control of diabetes is all about controlling the glucose in the blood. The key elements to doing that is testing your blood sugar frequently everyday as recommended by your doctor. Eat the foods that don’t raise your blood sugar level. Sacrifices, sometimes control means giving up something that you notice raises your blood sugars or glucose level and you can’t properly treat yourself for it.

We wish you the best of control with your blood glucose level!

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This information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.