Blood Glucose Levels

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Anyone with Type II diabetes or pre-diabetes definitely needs to keep a tab on his or her blood glucose levels. They have to ensure that they are within the normal levels at all times. You should be thankful if your blood glucose levels are self-regulated. Many people out there are suffering from this condition and trying their level best to cope with it. This article will try to determine the exact meaning of normal blood glucose levels.

To start with, what does the term glucose mean? Glucose is a sugar form that traverses the human body through the blood stream. It is sourced from foods high in carbohydrates and it enters the body through them. The pancreas is charged with the function of regulating the body's blood levels. It accomplishes this amazing and sensitive function through secretion of glucagon hormones and insulin. Once the pancreas is unable to produce enough amounts of glucose to satisfy the body's requirements, then we definitely have a problem in the offing.

Acceptable blood glucose and those that are accepted as normal lie in the range of 70 to 150mg. These levels in the blood are subject to a variety of factors, which range from the type of meal that you had to the particular time of the day. Values lying above or below the acceptable normal range present various complications. Blood glucose levels below 70mg result in a condition referred to as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). It is characterized by various symptoms, which include lack of focus, energy and irritability. Should the blood glucose levels fall further than this, then loss of consciousness will surely result.

When your blood levels are above the upper limit of 150 mg, then you are said to be hyperglycemic (high blood sugar). Higher levels than 150mg can result in diabetes which can translate to diabetes development which comes with a horde of complications e.g. kidney failure, blindness among others. It is imperative that you strive to keep your blood glucose levels at a manageable level always as the alternative is too grim to contemplate.

A variety of tests exist that help to ascertain the level of blood sugar in our bodies.

These include:

• Fasting blood sugar test- used to ascertain glucose levels typically after an eating abstinence lasting several hours. The results are guaranteed to be free of food factors. Should the result be in the range of 70-99 then you are good to go. They are usually carried out in the morning.

• 2-hour postprandial blood sugar test- applied 2 hours after taking food. If the result is 70 and 99mg, then your blood glucose levels are quite okay.

• Random blood glucose testing- It tests sugar levels in the body throughout the entire day. This is irrespective of exercises, sleep activities or food consumption. Acceptable range with this test is between 70 and 135 mg.

• Glucose tolerance test- The patient is made to have a drink that is principally glucose. The objective being to ascertain the body's reaction to a sudden influx of high glucose amounts.

My name is Michele Adams. I love to write about health, hair, fashion, and more. I wrote this article today to talk about diabetic health. If you monitor your Blood Glucose Levels and watch your diabetes you can live a long healthy life. For more information about Diabetes and your health visit - Blood Glucose Levels

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