Understanding blood sugar levels: A guide for diabetics

Blood sugar is the amount of glucose in your blood. Glucose is a type of sugar that gives your body energy. For people with diabetes, keeping track of blood sugar levels is extremely important. 

When you have diabetes, your body has trouble managing blood sugar on its own. It doesn't make enough insulin (the hormone that helps glucose enter your cells) or can't use insulin as it should.

You can feel sick immediately when your blood sugar is out of range. Over time, blood sugar that stays too high can damage important parts of your body, like your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart.

Let’s help you understand what blood sugar numbers mean, what can make them go up or down, and how to keep them in a healthy range.

Types of Blood Sugar Measurements

These measurements give you important information about how your body is handling glucose.  Here are some main types of blood sugar measurements:

1. Fasting Blood Glucose: It's your sugar level on an empty stomach after not eating for about 8 hours. You measure it in the morning before your breakfast.
2. Postprandial (After Meal) Readings: These are blood sugar checks taken 1-2 hours after you eat a meal. They show how your body responds to food and how well your medication works.
3. A1C Test: This test provides a range of blood sugar over the past 2-3 months. It doesn't require fasting and gives a bigger picture of your control.  

Target Blood Sugar Ranges

It’s very important to know your target blood sugar to manage it. Here are the recommended ranges: 

• Healthy Ranges: People having Type I or Type II diabetes should have before-meal readings of 80-130 mg/dL. After meals, the target should be less than 180 mg/dL. Your doctor may adjust these based on how long you've had diabetes and your overall health.
• Individual Target Variations: Your targets might differ based on your lifestyle, risk of low blood sugar, and other health conditions. Always follow the specific targets your healthcare provider recommends for your situation.
  

How To Recognise and Manage High Blood Sugar Levels?

Even when you're careful about your diabetes, high blood sugar or hyperglycemia can happen. Here are the signs you may feel when you have high sugar levels:

Standard Indicators: If you're feeling too thirsty, urinating a lot, and tired, it could be a sign of high blood sugar. Other signs include blurry vision, headaches, and slow healing of cuts or infections.

If your blood sugar is high, drink lots of water to stay hydrated and take a walk if you're able. Check your blood sugar more frequently and take correction insulin if your doctor has prescribed it.

When to Seek Medical Attention?

Call your doctor right away if your blood sugar stays above 240 mg/dL despite taking medication or if you have ketones in your urine. Get emergency help if you feel very sick or have symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis.

How To Detect and Manage Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)?

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can occur quickly and needs immediate attention. It's often more dangerous in the short term than high blood sugar. Here's how to recognise and deal with it:

• Warning Signs and Symptoms: Shakiness, sweating, hunger, and an increased heartbeat are common early signs of low blood sugar. Your brain might also feel irritable, anxious, confused, or have difficulty concentrating, as it isn't getting enough glucose.
• Emergency Treatment Protocols: If your blood sugar drops below 70 mg/dL, follow the 15-15 rule: eat 15 grams of fast-acting carbs, wait 15 minutes, and then recheck your blood sugar. Good options include glucose tablets, juice, or hard candies.
• Recovery and Rebound Prevention: After treating a low, eat a snack with protein if your next meal is more than an hour away. This helps prevent another low and stops your liver from releasing too much glucose that could cause a high rebound.
  

How To Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels?

Checking your blood sugar is important for managing diabetes; luckily, there are many easy and accurate ways to do it. Here are the main options:

• Traditional Fingerstick Monitors: These portable devices measure blood sugar from a small drop of blood from your fingertip. You place the blood on a test strip, and within seconds, the meter displays your current blood sugar level.
• Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems (CGMs): These devices use a small sensor placed under your skin to check your blood sugar every few minutes, day and night. CGMs send readings to your phone or a receiver and can alert you when levels are too high or too low.
• Flash Glucose Monitoring: Flash monitoring systems, also known as FreeStyle Libre, use a sensor worn on your body, usually on the back of your arm. Instead of sending constant readings, you scan the sensor with a reader or smartphone whenever you want to monitor your levels.
• Best Practices for Accurate Readings: Wash and dry your hands before fingerstick tests to avoid false readings from food residue. Check your meter and test strips regularly to ensure they're working correctly and not expired.
  

Lifestyle Fixes for Better Blood Sugar Control

Your habits have a primary role in managing blood sugar levels. Here are simple strategies that can help:

Meal Planning and Dietary Approaches

Take regular meals with a good mix of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to reduce spikes and drops in blood sugar. If you count carbs and understand food labels, it can help you make better choices for stable blood sugar.

Exercise Matters

Being active helps your body respond better to insulin and can lower blood sugar levels. Begin with activities you enjoy, check your blood sugar before and after exercise, and always carry a fast-acting carb snack.

Tackling Stress

Stress can raise blood sugar, so it's important to find ways to relax when you have diabetes. Deep breathing, gentle yoga, or hobbies can help lower stress.

Importance of Consistent Sleep

Good sleep helps keep your blood sugar in check. Try to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, and do something relaxing before bed to sleep better.

You may also like to read: How to Use Abbott's FreeStyle Libre Sensor: A User's Guide and Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

You have the power to handle your diabetes. Consistent blood sugar monitoring, understanding your readings, and healthy daily habits contribute to your immediate well-being and long-term health. Don't strive for perfection; small, consistent steps will lead to positive outcomes.