Most people don't really give much thought to their blood sugar levels. However, if you have diabetes, you need to monitor your blood sugar levels to make sure that your treatment plan is working, as blood glucose levels that are too high or too low can be dangerous to your health.
Normal Blood Sugar
Blood sugar levels vary throughout the day and depending on what, how much and when you last ate. Exercise can also affect blood glucose levels. The main tests are the fasting blood glucose test and the postprandial, or after meal, test. Levels between 70 and 110 mg/dL, or milligrams per deciliter, are normal for the fasting blood glucose test, and postprandial blood glucose levels should be less than 140 mg/dL for those without diabetes. Diabetics sometimes have higher blood sugar goals, including blood sugar levels less than 130 mg/dL with a fasting test and less than 180 mg/dL when measured after a meal, according to MayoClinic.com.
High Blood Sugar Risks
Consistently high blood sugar levels, such as those found in some people who suffer from diabetes, can increase your risk for other health problems, including obesity and heart disease. If your blood glucose levels get too high, reaching levels above 400 mg/dL, it can cause problems with your mental function, according to Dr. Edward S. Horton of the Joslin Diabetes Center and Harvard Medical School.
Low Blood Sugar Risks
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is also risky. Sometimes diabetics take too much insulin and bring on this condition. Levels below 65 mg/dL can cause hunger, shakiness and racing of the heart but can be corrected by eating something. It is much more serious should blood sugar levels fall below 50 mg/dL, since this can cause seizures, loss of mental function and unconsciousness.
Considerations
The best way to avoid either excessively high or excessively low blood sugar levels is to follow your diabetes treatment plan and check your blood glucose levels regularly. Keeping track of the results of these tests can help you spot problems before they become too serious so your can speak with your doctor about changing your treatment plan. Know the signs of low blood sugar, and keep a small amount of candy or juice around to quickly increase your blood sugar should it get in the danger zone.
