Normal Blood Sugar Levels

There are three types of diabetes: Type 1, Type 2 and Gestational. Type 2 is the most common form of diabetes. Diabetes is a disorder of the metabolism in which the pancreas does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is a hormone that converts sugars, starches and other foods into energy in the body.

Health care providers consider a fasting blood sugar level normal at 100 mg/dl or less. The higher the blood glucose level goes, the more resistant your body is to using the insulin. If blood glucose levels rise too high, you could become ill. Physicians refer to this condition as Hyperglycemia.

The main causes of type 2 diabetes are obesity and inactivity. The best thing you can do for yourself is to maintain a healthy diet and get adequate exercise. This can help you improve your blood sugar levels.

Health care providers suggest their patients test their blood sugar two or three times per day. One of the best times to test your own blood sugar levels, is in the morning, before you eat or drink anything. If you take it again approximately 2 hours after a meal, you will see how well your pancreas is working. You can also take it after exercising, before supper, or before bedtime. These numbers will give you clues to how your body is reacting to the foods you eat. You will notice that even 20 minutes of exercise will bring down your blood glucose level.

When your health care professional diagnoses you with type 2 diabetes, you will want to go in regularly for an A1C blood test. This will tell your health care providers how your levels have averaged over the last three months. They will use this information to decide on a course of treatment. If your numbers are low, you may be able to control them with diet and exercise alone. If, however, your numbers are in the higher range, you will probably need medication. Only your health care providers can decide what is best for you.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes may include fatigue, increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, weight loss or slow healing of wounds. Some people may have no symptoms. If you suspect you are at risk for diabetes, please have it checked as this disease contributes to many serious, long-term complications affecting every part of the body.

For more information on diabetes, signs, symptoms, prevention and control, please contact the American Diabetes Association.

http://www.diabetes.org/about-diabetes.jsp