Glucose is a type of sugar that is naturally present in the blood and is transported into cells to be used as energy. Healthy, normal blood sugar levels are generally between about 60 and 120 mg/dL. If you have high or low blood sugar levels, you are said to have hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, respectively. Both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia can lead to serious illness if not treated promptly, and each has distinct signs and symptoms.
Diabetes and Blood Sugar Levels
The most common diseases associated with dysregulation of blood sugar levels are type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is characterized by a destruction of the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. When enough of the pancreatic cells are destroyed, the body cannot produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels, leading to very high levels of sugar in the blood, also called hyperglycemia. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance: the pancreas still produces insulin, but the cells throughout the body become resistant to the signaling effects of this hormone. This insulin resistance also results in hyperglycemia.
Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia is often a result of diabetes that is not well controlled. A blood sugar level of above 200 mg/dL is definitely hyperglycemic, but even those above 160 mg/dL may be considered hyperglycemic as well. The symptoms of hyperglycemia include increased thirst and urination, as well as a dry mouth; abnormal tiredness; more than normal number of infections; wounds that heal slowly; and unexplained weight loss.
Hypoglycemia
Like hyperglycemia, hypoglycemia can also affect people with diabetes and is characterized by a blood glucose level of less than about 60 mg/dL. Very low blood sugar can occur if you take too much insulin, skip a meal, or exercise more than usual. The symptoms of hypoglycemia include headache and being irritable, weak, or tired.
Checking Your Blood Sugar Levels
If you have or are at risk for diabetes, your doctor may recommend that you check your blood regularly. A common way to check your blood sugar is through a hand-held blood sugar monitor. First, a finger is pricked to produce a drop of blood that is applied to a test strip inserted into a blood glucose monitor. Numerous companies manufacture these monitors, and they and the test strips are available at every pharmacy.
