Blood glucose levels fluctuate in your blood throughout the day as you eat and drink. For healthy individuals, the pancreas secretes insulin that helps the cells pull glucose from the blood to use for energy. Diabetics do not have this ability, either because the pancreas doesn't secrete insulin in adequate quantities or because the cells are resistant to it. Blood sugar levels have three ranges: normal, low, also known as hypoglycemia, or high, or hyperglycemia.
Step 1
Obtain your blood glucose result either from a blood draw at your doctor's office or by performing an at home finger stick using a home glucometer.
Step 2
Determine the type of glucose result that you have. Fasting glucose levels are drawn after eight hours of not eating, often first thing in the morning. Postprandial levels are drawn one to two hours after eating a meal. A random glucose level is drawn without any consideration to when you last ate.
Step 3
Check for a normal glucose level. Healthy individuals who do not have diabetes should have a blood glucose level of 70 to 99 after fasting or 70 to 140 after eating a meal. Diabetics should have fasting blood glucose of 70 to 180 after meals. Blood glucose levels above these ranges are classified as hyperglycemia.
Step 4
Treat low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, by drinking a glass of orange juice if your blood glucose level is less than 70. This applies to people with and without diabetes. Hypoglycemia may be detected by diabetics using a home glucometer.
Step 5
Treat high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, using insulin or your oral medication if you are diabetic. Consult your physician if your results are higher or lower than expected or if you haven't been diagnosed as diabetic and need advice regarding your condition.
