Your blood sugar, also known as blood glucose, varies at different times throughout the day. If you are diabetic, your blood sugar may spike to unsafe levels, or drop suddenly. Normal healthy blood sugar should range between 70 to 130 mg/dL before a meal; this is known as preprandial plasma glucose. After a meal, or postprandial, your blood sugar should not go above 180 mg/dL. Having blood sugar outside these ranges can have adverse effects on your health.
Pre-Diabetes
Glucose is the primary energy source for all cells in your body. Insulin is a hormone that is released to pull glucose into cells. If your blood glucose levels are unstable, your doctor may run a couple tests to determine if you have pre-diabetes. Testing does not determine your insulin levels, but it does measure your blood glucose to determine if you have insulin resistance, which can cause elevated blood sugar levels. Having pre-diabetes means that you have either impaired fasting glucose, IFG, or impaired glucose tolerance, IGT, explains Pre-Diabetes.com. These conditions can lead to type 2 diabetes if left untreated, but making some lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, can usually reverse your risk.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, also known as low blood sugar, can occur if you don't eat enough food, have diabetes and take too much insulin or exercise vigorously without consuming enough calories. You may feel fatigued, dizzy and irritable. Hypoglycemia means having a blood sugar level below 50 mg/dL. You can reverse it by getting sugar into your system as quickly as possible. Having a small 4 oz. serving of juice or full-calorie soda can help raise your sugar back up to normal levels.
Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia, or high blood glucose, causes several complications with diabetes. It can occur when the body has too little insulin or when your body doesn't properly use insulin. When your blood sugar spikes to unsafe levels above 240 mg/dL, you can exercise to help bring it back down, as long as you are generally healthy. Avoid hyperglycemia by eating smaller meals and minimizing refined sugar in your diet. Meeting with a registered dietitian can help you design a meal plan that suits your tastes and fits into your routine.
Stabilizing Blood Sugar
There are several steps you can take to keep your blood sugar within the healthy range. Your blood sugar rises to its highest level 1 or 2 hours after you eat. Eating about the same amount of food at the same time every day can help you predict your blood sugar level to keep it stable. Carbohydrates are broken down directly into glucose. While you do need carbs in your diet, too much at once can spike your blood sugar. Consuming the same amount of carbs at each meal can help stabilize your blood glucose. Lastly, minimize your consumption of alcohol. When your blood sugar falls, the liver releases sugar. If your liver is busy breaking down alcohol, it may not release the sugar you need right away causing an unsafe drop in blood glucose.
References
- American Diabetes Association: Hyperglycemia
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Hypoglycemia; May 2009
- Pre-Diabetes.com: How is Pre-Diabetes Diagnosed?; March 2011
- MayoClinic.com; Diabetes Management: How Lifestyle, Daily Routine Affect Blood Sugar; June 2009
- American Diabetes Association: Checking Your Blood Glucose
