A "normal" glucose reading depends on many factors, including the time of day, how recently you've eaten or exercised, your stress level, if you are sick or fighting an infection, and if you have diabetes. A fasting glucose test is usually done first thing in the morning, after you have not eaten for at least eight hours. According to the American Diabetes Association, a normal fasting glucose level is below 110 mg/dL. If your fasting glucose level is above 126 mg/dL in two consecutive tests, you may have diabetes.
Step 1
Monitor your blood glucose levels. Take readings throughout the day. You should see normal fluctuations before and after eating. Before a meal, a glucose reading from 70 to 110 mg/dL is normal if you aren't a diabetic; if you have diabetes, your reading may vary from 70 to 130 mg/dL. After eating, if you don't have diabetes, your glucose level should not rise above 135 mg/dL. With diabetes, you may see it go as high as 180 mg/dL. If your glucose level is too low, below 70 mg/dL, it's called hypoglycemia, and if it's above your normal range, that's known as hyperglycemia.
Step 2
Eat carbohydrates if your blood sugar level is too low. Signs of hypoglycemia include hunger, shakiness and irritability. You may have gone too long without eating, exercised very vigorously or missed a dose of your diabetes medication. The fastest ways to get your blood sugar back into the normal range is to eat three glucose tablets or drink 4 oz. of fruit juice -- about 15 g of carbohydrates. Test your blood sugar again after 15 minutes to see if you've raised it high enough. If it's still too low, eat another 15 g of carbs and retest in 15 minutes. Make sure to eat a proper meal within one hour after a hypoglycemic episode.
Step 3
Take an extra dose of insulin if your blood sugar levels are too high. Take one unit of regular -- not fast-acting -- insulin for every 40 mg/dL you need to lower your glucose levels. If you have diabetes and your glucose level is 230 mg/dL, take two units of insulin. Exercise may also bring your blood sugar reading into the normal range. Avoid hyperglycemia by not overeating, especially restricting simple carbohydrates such as sugar, flour, potatoes and corn. Protein and fat do not affect glucose levels -- only carbs.
Step 4
Eat less, more often. Stabilize your blood sugar by eating smaller meals throughout the day. Don't go more than four to five hours without eating to help your body stay within the normal glucose range. Sticking to a set schedule may also help your body regulate glucose.
Tips and Warnings
- If you suspect you may have diabetes, see your doctor.
- Do not exercise to lower glucose levels if your glucose is above 240 mg/dL and there are ketones present in your urine. Exercise may cause higher glucose levels if ketones build up in your bloodstream.
References
- Virginia Mason Medical Center: What Are Normal Glucose Levels?
- ABC News Health: What Is the Normal Range for Blood Sugar Levels, and What Blood Sugar Level Constitutes a True Emergency?
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Diagnosis of Diabetes
- MayoClinic.com: Hyperglycemia Prevention
