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Blood Sugar Level Guidelines

Guidelines for blood sugar levels help diabetics know what is an acceptable or dangerous level for their blood sugar. Diabetics are at an increased risk of damage to organs when blood sugar rises and stays elevated. People with pre-diabetes may be able to lower their risk of acquiring full-blown diabetes with proper control of blood sugar.

  1. Blood Sugar Levels

    • Proper blood sugar levels, also known as blood glucose levels, should range below 100 before a meal and below 140 two hours after a meal. Pre-diabetics blood sugar will range between 100 and 125 before a meal and below 140 two hours after a meal. Diabetics blood sugar levels may range from 80 to 120 before a meal and below 180 two hours after a meal. A diabetic's goal is to keep their blood sugar from rising too high.

    Causes

    • Blood sugar levels can fluctuate due to ways the body uses insulin. Your body may not produce enough insulin to convert blood sugar into energy or enough insulin is produced, but your body does not use it effectively. Both instances result in higher blood sugar levels.

    Complications

    • Complications of higher-than-normal blood sugar levels include nerve damage to the peripheral nervous system, which includes nerves in the feet and hands. High glucose levels damage blood vessels in the eyes and can lead to blindness. Other complications include skin and mouth infections, osteoporosis, hearing problems and kidney damage.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of high levels of sugar in the blood include increased thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, slow healing of sores or infections. Other symptoms may include increased hunger and frequent urination.

    Risks

    • Certain factors increase your risk of high blood glucose levels including being overweight, age, race, a family history and being inactive. People older than 45 and being black, Asian, Hispanic or American Indian increases the risk of diabetes.

    Solution

    • Keep blood sugar levels from fluctuating by consuming less sugar in your diet. Avoid sugary processed foods such as bakery items and foods high in carbohydrates such as pasta and white bread. Eat more fruits and vegetables and consume at least 14 grams of fiber a day for every 1,000 calories. Fiber helps regulate blood glucose levels, according to the Mayo Clinic. Exercise at least 30 minutes daily by walking, swimming, running or bicycling. Lose weight to help blood glucose levels from staying elevated.
      Talk to your doctor about getting your blood glucose levels tested.

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