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Health & Blood Sugar Levels

Normal blood sugar levels are important to human health. Blood sugars that are either too low or too high can cause emergency symptoms. Diabetes is a disease where the blood sugar levels are imbalanced. This disease needs to be treated by constant monitoring, diet and possibly medication and insulin shots.

  1. Normal Levels

    • Normal blood sugar levels differ depending on what time you check it. According to ABC News, during a six- to eight-hour fasting period, which is usually in the morning, blood sugar levels should be between 70 to 100 milligrams per deciliter. Directly after eating, normal blood sugar levels can be between 135 to 140 milligrams per deciliter. According to Mayo Clinic, If you are diabetic your doctor will discuss with you a target blood sugar range. Target levels are usually between 90 and 130 milligrams per deciliter after an eight-hour period of fasting. Two hours after eating, a diabetic patient's target level should be below 180 milligrams per deciliter.

    How to Check It

    • You can check your blood sugar levels by using a glucose meter. You can purchase one over the counter at pharmacies and department stores or you can get one from your doctor. To check your blood sugar levels you will first need to wash your hands with soapy warm water. Make sure your hands are completely dry. Insert the test strip into the meter. Place the tip on the top side of your index finger. Squeeze your finger while holding it down to bring out the blood. Touch the tip to the blood. Wait a couple of seconds and look at the meter's screen. It will display your levels.

    How Often Levels Should Be Checked

    • According to Professor Ian W. Campbell of Net Doctor, patients with Type 2 Diabetes should check their blood sugar levels daily in the morning and 90 minutes after every meal. According to Mayo Clinic those with Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes should check their levels between one to three times a day. It is a good idea for those without diabetes to get their blood sugar levels checked at their annual doctor's appointment.

    Health Problems

    • According to ABC News, hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar levels and hyperglycemia refers to high blood sugar levels. Each cause different health problems. If your blood sugar levels are below 65 milligrams per deciliter you are at risk for the following problems: shakiness, hunger, racing heart, loss of mental function, unconsciousness and seizures, according to ABC News. If your blood sugar levels are above 180 you are at risk for the following problems: kidney dysfunction, heart attack, hypertension, heart failure, stroke, retinopathy, neuropathy, low immunity and weight gain.

    Treatment

    • Diabetes can be treated with diet changes, pills, insulin shots or a combination of all of the above. To manage your blood sugar, you should record your levels and what you eat every day in a diary. You can watch what you eat by using the glycemic index which measures the sugar levels of specific foods. You can find a glycemic index online, in books or you can ask your doctor about it.

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