Blood glucose (also known as blood sugar) is one of the body's primary sources of fuel. It is the preferred source of fuel by the brain and muscles and is important for producing energy. Glucose comes from carbohydrates in the diet and is delivered to the body through the bloodstream.
The body has a number of mechanisms designed to stabilize glucose levels in the blood, keeping them within an acceptable range. Diabetics are afflicted by either a shortage of insulin or the inability to use glucose for normal metabolism. For them, monitoring blood glucose levels is an important part of their life and can help them avoid serious complications like kidney failure, nerve damage and loss of limb.
Measuring Blood Glucose Levels
There are several ways to measure blood glucose accurately. Chances are, the last time you visited your physician's office for your annual physical examination, he ordered a complete blood panel. Blood panels analyze blood drawn from the patient and look for a number of health indicators, including blood glucose levels. If your doctor suspects that you are pre-diabetic, he may order an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). An OGTT measures your ability to process glucose over a period of several hours. Diabetics may have a hemoglobin A1c blood test (HbA1c). Hemoglobin A1c is the percentage of your total hemoglobin in the red blood cells that is saturated with glucose.
Normal Blood Glucose Levels
Glucose levels rise and fall throughout the day in response to diet and activity. The normal range for blood glucose is 70 to 100 mg/dl. Glucose levels during an OGTT should be less than 200 mg/dl after 1 hour and less than 140 mg/dl after 2 hours. Hemoglobin A1c levels should be less than 7 percent of your total hemoglobin.
What Can Affect Glucose Levels
Several events can affect normal blood glucose levels. If you have just eaten a meal high in carbohydrates, you could experience high blood glucose levels. They should return to normal after 20 to 30 minutes. This is one reason why you are asked to fast for 12 hours before most blood tests. Exercise can dramatically reduce blood glucose levels. If you feel lightheaded during or after physical activity, drinking a small glass of fruit juice will help to raise your blood glucose. If you are at risk for being pre-diabetic, you may have elevated glucose levels consistently throughout the day. If you suspect that you are, make an appointment with your doctor so that he can evaluate your individual situation.
