Blood Glucose Also called: Blood sugar

What is glucose in the blood?
The primary type of sugar in your blood is called blood glucose, or blood sugar. It serves as the main energy source for your body. Your diet is the source of it. The majority of that meal is converted by your body into glucose, which is then released into your bloodstream. Your pancreas releases insulin in response to an increase in blood glucose. The hormone insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose into your cells for energy production.

Diabetes: What is it?
An very high blood glucose level is a symptom of diabetes. Diabetes is characterised by insufficient insulin production, impaired insulin use, or both. Too much glucose does not enter your cells; it remains in your blood. Excess blood glucose levels over time can lead to major health concerns, including diabetes. Thus, it's critical to maintain blood glucose levels within your goal range if you have diabetes.What do blood glucose targets mean?

Your blood glucose goal is the range you attempt to stay within as much as possible if you have diabetes. Typical objectives are

• Before a meal: 80 to 130 mg/dL
• Two hours after the start of a meal: Less than 180 mg/dL

Your age, any additional medical conditions you may have, and other variables may affect your blood glucose targets. Discuss your ideal target range with your medical team.

How often should I check my blood sugar?
If you have diabetes, you probably need to check your blood sugar levels daily to make sure they are within the desired range. It may be necessary for some people to monitor their blood sugar multiple times each day. Find out from your medical team how frequently it has to be checked.

Using a blood glucose metre is the most popular method for checking your blood glucose level at home. The amount of glucose in a tiny sample of blood—typically drawn from your fingertip—is measured using a blood glucose metre.

An other method for checking your glucose levels is continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). The majority of CGM devices use a small sensor that is subcutaneously placed. Your glucose level is measured by the sensor every few minutes. It might display variations in your blood sugar levels during the day and night. A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is particularly helpful for individuals using insulin and experiencing hypoglycemia.

An A1C blood test will also be performed by your physician to measure your blood sugar levels. It measures your blood glucose average for the previous three months. An A1C test is often performed on diabetics at least twice a year. However, if your diabetes treatment goals aren't being met, you might require the test more frequently.

What occurs if the level of glucose in my blood gets too high?
Hyperglycemia is the term for high blood sugar. The following are signs that your blood glucose levels might be excessively high:

• Experiencing a thirst
• headaches that are weak or fatigued
• Frequently urinating (peeing)
• hazy vision

Speak with your healthcare team if you frequently experience high blood glucose levels or symptoms associated with high blood glucose. Your diabetic medication, exercise regimen, or meal plan may need to be adjusted.

Other illnesses that can impact insulin or blood glucose levels can also lead to high blood sugar. These ailments include issues with the adrenal glands or pancreas.

What occurs if I experience a low blood glucose level?
When your blood glucose level falls below what is considered healthy for you, you are experiencing hypoglycemia, also known as low blood glucose. This translates to a blood glucose level of less than 70 mg/dL for many diabetics. Consult your healthcare staff to determine what constitutes a low blood glucose level for you as your number may vary.

Low blood glucose symptoms usually appear suddenly. Each person may experience various symptoms, but they could include:

• trembling
• Perspiration
• Anxiety or nerves
• Disorientation or irritability
• lightheadedness
• famine

People with type 1 diabetes and those with type 2 diabetes who use specific diabetes medications may experience low blood glucose levels frequently. Even if you don't have any symptoms, check your blood glucose if you suspect that you may have low blood sugar. Treatment for low blood glucose should begin as soon as feasible because it might be harmful.

It is rare, but it is possible to have low blood glucose without having diabetes. Disorders including renal and liver illness as well as shortages in specific hormones can be the causes. It can also be brought on by some medications, including antibiotics and some cardiac medications. To learn the source of your low blood sugar and how to address it, consult your healthcare professional.