Discussions about glucose levels are always in reference to blood sugar. Most of the time, blood glucose is a concern for people with diabetes. Anyone living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes should keep his blood sugar level within a healthy range. This range is pretty much the same across the board and is monitored each day using a home sampling and testing kit.
Normal Glucose Level
For people with diabetes, you normally have what's known as a target blood sugar level of anywhere between 70 and 130 milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood, or mg/dL, before meals, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. After one to two hours from the start of your meal, this level should be below 180 mg/dL.
Hypoglycemia
If your blood sugar level drops below 70 mg/dL, you're suffering from hypoglycemia, or low blood glucose. Most people begin to experience symptoms of the condition as soon as blood sugar drops. The American Diabetes Association explains that low blood sugar can cause hunger, shakiness, dizziness, headaches, sweating, confusion and behavioral changes. You may also suffer from loss of consciousness, seizures, heart palpitations and tingling sensations in the mouth.
Hyperglycemia
If your blood sugar level elevates above your target range, you can begin to suffer from hyperglycemia, or high blood glucose. But unlike hypoglycemia, symptoms don't usually manifest until your blood sugar is well out of your target range, roughly 200 mg/dL or above, warns the Mayo Clinic. It's at this time that you experience increased urination and thirst as well as fatigue, headaches and blurred vision. Later, you may begin to suffer nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, weakness and confusion. With severe high blood glucose, you can even go into a coma.
Monitoring Blood Sugar
To best manage your blood glucose and keep it within a safe and healthy range, the American Diabetes Association recommends monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly. Your doctor will establish a schedule of when you should check your blood sugar. However, check it whenever you feel symptoms of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, even if it's not time to check your blood sugar.
Treatment
Besides monitoring your blood sugar levels, treatment of diabetes usually entails a well-balanced diet established by a doctor or dietitian as well as regular exercise. With type 1 diabetes, you'll also need to take insulin when specified by your primary health care provider.
