Blood glucose, or simply glucose, is the main sugar that is carried by the bloodstream to all cells of the body to provide them with energy. They are indeed the primary sources of energy in our bodies.
Blood sugar levels must be kept at an optimal level to reduce health risks and avoid any critical medical conditions. Every food item we consume can contribute to glucose levels in our bodies. Some can also increase glucose levels well above the recommended level, which is not healthy.
The human body regulates blood glucose levels and tries to keep them at a moderate level by providing enough to fuel the cells and avoid overloading the bloodstream.
As a result, blood glucose levels are at their lowest just before the first meal of the day. Moreover, it can change throughout the day depending on what you eat.
There are blood glucose monitors on the market now, such as the continuous glucose monitor from HealthifyPro, which can alert us if our glucose goes above the recommended level.
What is the recommended healthy blood sugar level?
US National Institutes of Health research confirms that the recommended fasting blood sugar level is less than 99 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). However, these levels are different for those who already have diabetes.
In addition, the American Diabetes Association confirms that the recommended glucose levels for diabetics range from 80 to 130 mg/dL before eating. And two hours after eating, glucose levels should remain below 180 mg/dL for diabetics and less than 140 mg/dL for others.
One needs to check glucose levels as a screening test to diagnose diabetes. Even when we don’t have diabetes, we can even check our glucose levels with blood sugar monitors.
The continuous glucose monitor by India’s leading digital health platform, HealthifyMe, is a great innovation. With the help of this technology, we can monitor our glucose levels and get alerts if the levels rise above the recommended level. It also helps us get along with health coaches who regularly monitor the glucose levels recorded by the monitor, helping to keep them at healthy levels.
What is high blood sugar and what are its effects?
High blood sugar levels is a medical condition known as hyperglycemia. This condition is more common by patients with diabetes, Cushing’s syndrome, etc., or those who take steroids regularly.
Studies have confirmed that hyperglycemia occurs when our glucose levels rise above the recommended level. Thus, it is caused by low levels of insulin in the body or decreased sensitivity of cells to insulin. Without insulin, glucose cannot enter the cells and can build up in the bloodstream.
It is not good to have high blood sugar. If this condition continues for a long time, it can lead to insulin resistance in our body as our cells may become less sensitive to it, resulting in less glucose absorbed.
It is a major cause leading to type 2 diabetes. When diabetes goes on for a long time without adequate medical care, it can affect the blood vessels that supply various organs. This includes the kidneys, nerves, retina, and some other organs.
The serious problems one can get from persistent high blood sugar are:
- Poor wound healing
- foot ulcers
- increased risk of heart attack or stroke,
- Erectile dysfunction
- vision loss
- nerve damage
- numbness and tingling
- vision loss
- Kidney disease that can lead to kidney failure
Studies have also confirmed that high or low blood glucose levels can also cause cognitive decline. Common symptoms that indicate high blood sugar can include dry mouth, increased thirst, and frequent urination. Other less common symptoms include fatigue, nausea, blurred vision, dizziness, and headaches.
What is hypoglycemia and what are its effects?
A condition that leads to low blood glucose is called hypoglycemia. Of course, this condition can be as severe as hyperglycemia. Unfortunately, people with diabetes are vulnerable to these medical situations, and hypoglycemia in these patients can be particularly fatal.
Some of the effects that a severe drop in blood sugar levels can cause in the body include difficulty concentrating, aggressive or paranoid mindset, and confusion or disorientation.
Less common specific effects include seizures and loss of consciousness. Some of the common signs and symptoms include anxiety, pale face, tingling lips, dizziness, etc.
How do you manage an optimal blood sugar level?
It is crucial not only for diabetics but for everyone to keep their blood glucose level at an optimal level. New ways are available to help us maintain our blood glucose levels.
Monitoring blood glucose
The best and most convenient way to monitor your blood glucose levels is with a continuous blood glucose monitor. These devices are recommended by medical practitioners especially for patients with diabetes, as they effectively keep the disease under control. In addition, you can use these screens to plan your diet and activities and bring in nutritional or medical interventions.
People with type 1 and type 2 diabetes will need to measure their glucose levels at least once a day or sometimes several times a day, depending on the severity of their condition.
Continuous glucose monitors are very convenient because they are much easier to use and provide an accurate reading of the blood glucose level in the body. They can also record readings digitally on their mobile device or they can allow automatic storage of the data.
For example, CGM which comes with an extension Healthy Fibro The HealthifyMe bundle syncs with your phone. All readings are shown and recorded, making it easy to measure your blood glucose levels using your fingertips. In addition, it constantly measures blood glucose levels. Finally, it alerts you if any food item is causing your blood glucose to fluctuate, helping you take immediate measures to get it back to normal.
glycemic index
The glycemic index (GI) will help people choose foods that will not disrupt their blood sugar levels. The indicator shows us the values that indicate the sudden rise that a food item can cause in the blood sugar levels in the body.
Examples of food items with a high glycemic index are candies, sweets, white bread, white rice, soft drinks, chips, etc.
High glycemic index items are the ones that can cause an increase in blood sugar levels, while low glycemic index items are the ones that can cause little fluctuations through a slow release of energy.
Low GI foods include whole grains, lean protein, fruits and non-starchy vegetables. Pure glucose, the standard by which other nutrients are measured, has a score of 100 on the glycemic index. Any food less than 55 is considered low in sugar. Anything between 56 -69 is a medium glycemic index, and over 70 or more is a high glycemic food.
What are some tips for optimal blood glucose management?
A person can take several steps to manage optimal blood sugar levels and avoid conditions such as hyperglycemia. Some tips that you can follow to ensure that your blood sugar is under control are:
- You can follow a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
- You should eat at regular intervals and avoid missing meals.
- Use a continuous glucose monitor to track your glucose levels on a regular basis and work to bring your glucose levels back to normal if they rise above the optimal level.
- You should drink water frequently at regular intervals.
- Exercise regularly, with at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise or activity each week.
Balancing portions at meals, make sure you have a meal that contains a healthy amount of protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber and healthy fats.
Summary
Our body must have ideal blood sugar levels to keep it fit and healthy. On the other hand, a sustained condition of irregular or extreme blood sugar levels can cause many medical complications to our body, the most important of which is diabetes. Apart from this, more often than not, obesity is a natural byproduct.
Therefore, you should monitor your blood sugar levels and look for healthy ways to control your weight. Therefore, people should keep their blood sugar levels below 99 mg/dL.
The best way to ensure that our bodies have a healthy glucose level is by using a monitoring system to quickly check blood glucose levels. The safest option is to choose and consume foods with a low glycemic index to maintain and balance blood sugar levels.
