Your blood glucose or blood sugar is the amount sugar that in your blood. When you eat food, your blood sugar levels increase and your body releases a hormone called insulin to help regulate and keep the levels in an ideal range. If your blood sugar levels are too high, it may indicate that your body is not using insulin very well and you may be at risk for diabetes. A blood test will determine your blood sugar level.
Blood Test
A blood test is a simple test that measures the amount of sugar in a small portion of your blood. The test can be done at random or when you are fasting, according to MedlinePlus. The normal level that is considered healthy is a blood sugar level up to 100 mg/dL. If your numbers are higher, this could indicate a greater risk for diabetes. MedlinePlus also states that each laboratory is different and the ideal numbers may be slightly different. Therefore it is important that you talk with your doctor about the results of your test.
Abnormal Numbers
A possible result of your blood test is a reading higher than 100 mg/dL. This would indicate two potential conditions. If your number is between 101 and 125 mg/dL you are classified as having impaired fasting glucose or prediabetes. If these levels are not improved it indicates an increased risk for diabetes. If your numbers are even higher, above 125 mg/dL, then you are considered diabetic.
Diabetes
Diabetes is the name given to the condition of having blood glucose levels remain elevated over 125 mg/dL, which can lead to problems such as kidney and nerve damage. Diabetes can also cause heart disease and stroke. Diabetes is commonly managed through diet modification, meal planning, medication or a combination of all three. Healthy lifestyle habits such as improved diet and exercise are also used to manage your diabetes.
Considerations
Your doctor will work with you after reviewing your blood sugar test results. If you have higher levels or if you are concerned about developing diabetes, it is important that you begin to engage in healthy lifestyle activities susch as eating a healthy diet, engaging in adequate physical activity and losing weight. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, excess body weight is the single most important cause of type 2 diabetes. It further states that losing 7 percent to 10 percent of your current weight can cut your chances of developing type 2 diabetes in half, and this can be accomplished through healthy lifestyle habits.
