The rate of sugar in the blood is also called the blood glucose level. It is expressed as milligrams of glucose per deciliter. Blood glucose comes from the digestion of carbohydrates in our food and the breaking down of glycogen in the liver. Glucose is also manufactured in the liver from the components that make up protein.
Normal Blood Glucose in Adults
Blood glucose levels can be checked by sticking the finger for a drop of blood or by drawing blood from the veins. According to Medline Plus, normal adult blood glucose rates before eating range from 70 to 130 mg/dL. After a meal, they may be as high as 180 mg/dL. Blood glucose levels vary; several factors including exercise, medication, alcohol and the foods you eat can influence your blood glucose level.
Children and Adolescents
Blood glucose levels in children are different than adults and vary by age. According to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, normal blood sugar levels in kids range from 75 to 165 mg/dL. Infants and toddlers tend to have higher blood glucose levels than teens and adolescents. Kids with normal blood glucose levels, or euglycemia, are alert and energetic. Your child's pediatrician can evaluate whether his blood sugar levels are normal.
High Blood Glucose
Hyperglycemia refers to high blood glucose and is a complication of diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, hyperglycemia is the result of the body's inability to respond to insulin, the hormone that lowers blood sugar. In type 1 diabetes, hyperglycemia is the result of the body not making enough insulin. Blood glucose levels can also be higher than normal, but not high enough to qualify as diabetes. This condition is called prediabetes, borderline diabetes or insulin resistance.
Low Blood Glucose
Hypoglycemia is the term for low blood glucose; it can occur in people with and without diabetes. Low blood glucose in people without diabetes is called reactive hypoglycemia. You may resolve this type of low blood sugar by changing the timing, size or composition of your meals. Reactive hypoglycemia may also occur as a side effect of medication. or as a result of a medical condition. If you have low blood glucose, see your doctor to confirm the cause. Symptoms of low blood glucose include shakiness, dizziness, sweating and hunger. Diabetics with symptoms of hypoglycemia should check their blood glucose levels. If it's below 70 mg/dL, having a "quick-fix" food, such as hard candy of honey, will quickly raise the blood glucose. One- half cup of fruit juice or non-diet soda are "quick-fix" beverages that can quickly raise blood glucose.
