According to MedlinePlus, glucose is a sugar in your blood. The food you consume is broken down by the body and carbohydrates are converted into glucose. Glucose provides energy for proper cellular functioning in the body, and if glucose levels fall outside the normal range, you will experience physical symptoms.
Significance
The New York State Department of Health notes that glucose levels in your body are critical to proper physical functioning, and as such it is important to keep blood glucose levels within a healthy range. A normal range of blood glucose levels prior to eating is between 90 and 130 mg/dl. A normal range at one to two hours after a meal is less than 180 mg/dl.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia occurs when glucose levels in your body fall below the normal range. This may occur after extended physical activity or when do not eat a sufficient amount of food. The New York State Department of Health notes that hypoglycemia can produce rapid heart rate, shakiness, anxiety, weakness and fatigue, hunger and headaches. If you are experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia you should drink at least 4 oz. of a fruit juice or drink that contains sugar in order to increase blood glucose levels.
Hyperglycemia
According to the American Diabetes Association, hyperglycemia occurs when your blood glucose levels are higher than normal. This may occur because your body does not have enough insulin, the hormone that metabolizes glucose. In some cases your body may not produce enough insulin, and in other cases insulin may not be metabolizing the glucose correctly. Symptoms of hyperglycemia include frequent urination, hunger, excessive thirst and weakness.
Glucose and Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition in which the body has difficulty metabolizing and regulating glucose. This typically occurs because you do not have proper levels of insulin in your body. As a result, glucose levels can fall far above or below the normal range. According to the American Diabetes Association, if you have diabetes you may need to take insulin or diabetic medications to help control blood glucose levels. A balanced diet with controlled food portions may also help control blood glucose levels.
Expert Insight
Experts at the National Institutes of Health suggest that abnormal levels of blood glucose may also be a symptom of other physical issues. If you have symptoms of hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia your doctor may advise you to have blood glucose testing. These blood tests help doctors assess your blood glucose levels both before and after eating, and they can help identify a number of possible health problems related to blood glucose.
