What is the Normal Blood Sugar Level For a Diabetic?
Good health and a quality life begin with a normal blood sugar level. With diabetes (types 1 and 2), a normal blood sugar level is essential to maintaining any stability at all. The problem with diabetes lies within the pancreas, where the body sabotages the beta cells responsible for creating insulin. Insulin is used to allow glucose (blood sugar) to pass from the blood system and into the cells. Once the glucose is inside the cells, it is used to provide energy for all of the daily functions of life.
Normal Blood Sugar Range
In a normal person, fasting blood glucose levels are in the range of 70 to 100 mg. per deciliter. Fasting means about six to eight hours after the last meal, so the optimum time is before breakfast. After a meal, the peak level of blood glucose is about 140 mg. per deciliter. Blood sugar level ranges around 125 mg. per deciliter during the fasting period or around 200 mg. per deciliter at any other time during the day are a strong possibility of diabetes. The range is measured by an oral glucose tolerance test.
Normal Blood Sugar Test
If there are any signs that the normal blood sugar level is off, then it is a good idea to check with a physician and test. The blood glucose test is used to sample the level of blood sugar at different times. Normally, an individual will consume a certain amount of a prepared glucose solution, and the results are monitored during fasting, after eating and at another point of the day.
The A1c test is administered over a longer period. It will track the results of the average amount of glucose in the blood over a period of two to three months. There are variances with the test, but the results are normally measured by a percentage. Below seven per cent is a safe area. Any level higher may need attention.
Dangers Of An Abnormal Levels
If the normal blood sugar level is compromised for a long period without treatment, health issues may arise. One of the more dangerous conditions is known as ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis occurs when the cells in the body cannot use the glucose in the body because of insulin resistance. Fat cells are utilized to perform the same function. A fat byproduct known as ketones accumulates in the bloodstream. Symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis include but are not limited to, fatigue, muscle aches, nausea and shortness of breath.
Impaired glucose tolerance is a pre-diabetic state that afflicts an estimated 10-15% of all Americans. This is an early stage of diabetes and insulin intolerance which can lead to cardiovascular diseases.
Though there are many dangers involved for people with high blood sugar levels, there are preventative measures that can be taken. Preventative habits include a healthy diet. Low carbohydrate diets are strongly suggested for anyone who is at risk or has a genetic predisposition. Also, moderate, cardiovascular exercise daily is a great step towards balancing the system and allowing glucose to pass through the cells. Healthy habits and scheduled visits to the doctor will prevent any conditions from becoming worse, which will allow you to live longer.
Choices on How to Bring Down
Diabetics and non-diabetics alike ask the same question -” how to bring down blood sugar?” Healthy blood sugar levels cannot be overemphasized. Aside from providing the right amount of glucose to your body cells, healthy blood levels promote good health. Some of the beneficial effects include weight loss, a healthy heart, a healthy nervous system and properly working kidneys.
In the case of normal blood sugar levels, all you have to do is maintain it at that level. Continue to eat healthy foods, preferably low in carbohydrates. Take in sufficient amounts of water. You should also maintain an active lifestyle. Less carbohydrate intake leads to lower glucose production. More water decreases sugar concentration in the blood. Exercise burns up energy.
For confirmed diabetics, bringing down blood sugar is of utmost concern. You would want to avoid more complications such as blindness, foot problems, nervous system problems, kidney problems, coma and even death.
There are medical and natural ways of bringing down blood sugar. Everybody has heard about insulin injections.
Insulin, as you know, helps in regulating blood sugar. The pancreas is the primary source of insulin. However, for diabetics, the insulin produced by the pancreas is insufficient to control blood sugar. Thus, insulin injections help in this aspect. Unfortunately, extremely high blood sugar levels can also lead to insulin resistance, particularly in cases of excess fat tissues. Therein lies the problem. Thus, aside from insulin injections, diabetics should also control their diet and have regular exercise. These are the normal or natural ways of bringing down blood sugar.
The natural ways of bringing down blood sugar include a healthy diet and plenty of exercises.
You should be monitoring your food intake, both quantitatively and qualitatively. In practical terms, this would mean that you take food with fewer carbohydrates or less sugar (the less sugar, the better). With the same food, you can log your blood sugar results at the following intervals: an hour after each meal and two hours after each meal. If you notice blood sugar level spikes after each meal, do not be alarmed. Healthy levels are supposed to return to normal two hours after each meal. If it does not, then examine your food. There might be a need to change them. Your doctor may also be able to help plan your diet.
As for an active lifestyle, consider the following:
Exercise;
Exercise more; and
Exercise extensively.
If the above still does not drive home the point that exercise is important for a normal blood sugar level, nothing else will. Instead of taking the elevator, you can walk up or down a couple of flights of stairs. You can also replace your hobby with one that will require a more active lifestyle e.g. golf, tennis or cycling. You can walk or cycle the few blocks to the supermart. You can walk the dog more often.
There are natural and medical ways how to bring down blood sugar to a normal blood sugar range – the choice is up to you.
Tips To Get A Normal Blood Sugar After Eating
- It is recommended to take a walk after eating as this will help in facilitating digestion and at the same time burn excess fat from the foods you have eaten and helps normalize post-prandial blood sugar.
- You must not drink cold water immediately after having a meal. Instead, you should have water before the meal or 1 hour after that. You must be aware that water taken during a meal will solidify the fat inside the body thus leading to the formation of bad cholesterol. A better option is to take one or two cups of warm water.
Normal Blood Sugar Chart
| Upon Waking Up Before Breakfast | 80-120 |
| Before Meals | 80-120 |
| 2hrs After Meals | less than 170 |
| Before Lunch | 80-120 |
| Before Going To Bed | 100-140 |
| While Fasting | 70-100 |
Foods Advice That Help Maintain A Normal Blood Sugar Level
1. Have four to six servings a day
2. Do not fill the stomach to full
3.Avoid fried foods. Interest yourself with boiled ones.
4. Drink fresh instead of canned juice
5. Avoid root vegetables. You must, instead, consume more green and leafy vegetables in order to maintain a normal blood sugar level.
It is ,therefore, important to learn what types of foods to take so that your healthcare provider can come up with a diabetic diet for your own metabolism.
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