Diabetes is becoming more prevalent in the United States, with approximately 20 million people suffering from this condition in 2008. This is expected to grow to around 48 million by the year 2050, according to an article by Kathleen Fackelmann in USA Today. Diabetics have to take care to maintain the proper blood sugar levels.
Diabetes Features
Blood sugar is the type of fuel used by the human body. However, diabetics have too much blood sugar due to either a lack of insulin, or an inability to properly use the insulin they have. Without insulin the sugar stays in the blood and doesn't get to the cells to provide the fuel your body needs. Symptoms of diabetes include being extra thirsty or hungry, having to urinate frequently, blurry vision, slow healing of wounds and infections, fatigue and unexplained weight loss, according to MayoClinic.com.
Controlling Blood Sugar
Keeping blood sugar levels as close to a healthy range as possible will minimize the health risks of those with diabetes. Losing weight if necessary, exercising and eating a healthy diet that keeps the blood sugar levels from fluctuating too much can all help to control blood sugar levels. Some diabetics also require insulin or other diabetes medications to stabilize their blood sugar levels.
Recommended Blood Sugar Levels
Normal blood sugar levels before a meal are between 70 and 130 mg/dL, and should remain less than 180 mg/dL after a meal. A blood sugar test result of 200 mg/dL or higher, or two fasting blood sugar test results over 126 mg/dL, results in a diagnosis of diabetes, according to MayoClinic.com.
Considerations
Low blood sugar is also dangerous, and needs to be treated to avoid health complications, including a diabetic coma. Blood sugar lower than 70 mg/dl -- called hypoglycemia -- usually only occurs in diabetics that take insulin or medications, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Many people do not realize they are diabetic, and do not get the proper treatment. Without treatment, diabetes can cause blindness, foot problems, heart disease and strokes, kidney disease and nerve damage.
Expert Insight
Checking insulin levels is especially important for those who are on insulin, pregnant or having a hard time keeping their blood sugar levels from getting too high or too low, according to the American Diabetes Association. Keeping track of blood glucose levels can help doctors and diabetics determine whether a treatment is working well or if other changes need to be made.
