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Glucose Level in the Body

The blood glucose level or blood sugar level refers to the amount of glucose in the blood. Glucose levels come from carbohydrates in food, which the body uses as an energy source. The pancreas produces insulin to help the body use the glucose in the body and is released in the blood when glucose levels rise. Blood glucose levels normally rise after a meal and then the pancreas releases insulin to prevent glucose levels from rising too high or becoming too low.

  1. Importance of Testing Blood Glucose

    • The main purpose of checking your blood glucose level is to see if the amounts are within a healthy range or if they are too high or low. Your blood glucose level can indicate whether you have health problems that need treatment.

    Normal Glucose Levels

    • Based on information on the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse website, normal glucose ranges are between 70 to 99 mg/dl for a waking or fasting test and 70 to 140 mg/dl after meals.

    Why Blood Glucose Levels Rise

    • Blood glucose levels often rise as a result of changes in lifestyle or prolonged habits. If a person eats more food than normal or is less active than usual, it can cause changes in blood glucose levels. If the body is subjected to such changes, it may not be able to process glucose as well as it should. Changes in emotions and stress levels can alter the metabolism. Other factors, such as missed or changed medication, illness or insulin not working properly can also affect blood glucose levels.

    Pre-Diabetes and Blood Glucose Ranges

    • These diagnostic tools determine a person's blood glucose level when fasting. According to the American Diabetes Association, if results of the fasting plasma glucose level are between 100 and 125 mg/dl it shows that a person has pre-diabetes. When a physician orders a two-hour oral glucose test, the person will fast and then consume a high glucose drink. If the two-hour test results are between 140 and 199 mg/dl, it shows that the person has pre-diabetes; and if it is above 200 mg/dl, the person has diabetes. Physicians often use fasting plasma-glucose tests or an oral glucose test to determine whether someone has pre-diabetes or diabetes. If blood sugar levels remain high without treatment, there can be significant damage to eyes, nerves, kidneys and blood vessels.

    Why Blood Glucose Levels Fall

    • Blood glucose levels can fall if a person has less food than usual or a delayed meal. A sudden increase in activity level can also affect glucose levels. Too much insulin or medication can often decrease the blood sugar level in the body.

    Hypoglycemia

    • Low levels of glucose, or hypoglycemia, is when the blood glucose level in the body falls below a normal level. Common symptoms are hunger, shakiness, agitation, drowsiness or vertigo and weakness. However, some have such an extreme deficiency that it can lead to a seizure or even coma. Levels under 70 mg/dl may create a hypoglycemic reaction.

    Monitoring of Blood Glucose Levels and Reducing Risk

    • It is possible to lessen the damage to the body by monitoring blood glucose levels and maintaining a healthy diet and exercise program. Avoiding high-carbohydrate and high-sugar foods is one of the keys to avoiding pre-diabetes or diabetes, especially if you have other risk factors or if diabetes is common in your family. If your blood glucose level is too high or too low, daily monitoring may be necessary to reduce risk to the body. You will also be able to see how certain changes in your lifestyle affect the glucose level if you check it throughout the course of the day.

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