Kane William 
When people get diagnosed with high blood sugar levels or diabetes, many questions come to their mind like, how to manage the blood sugar levels, what is the normal blood sugar range or what are the best blood sugar support pills?
Since everyone’s body functions differently, it reacts differently to medicines, food, and other factors. If you’re diagnosed with improper blood sugar levels or noticing related symptoms, keep reading!
This article will give you complete information about blood sugar levels, how to manage them, and other details. So, without any further delay, let’s explore!
What is Blood Sugar?
Blood sugar, or glucose, is a common type of sugar in the body formed by carbohydrates in food. In simple terms, “blood sugar is the sugar found in the blood which becomes a main source of energy to perform daily tasks.” When your blood sugar levels go up, the pancreas releases insulin, allowing the glucose to enter cells throughout the body for energy.
What are Blood Sugar Levels?
Blood sugar levels refer to the total amount of sugar or glucose in your bloodstream. The blood sugar levels are measured in milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). Several factors determine blood sugar levels. These include fasting status, time of day, and medical conditions.
For non-diabetic individuals:
⦁ Fasting blood sugar: In the case of fasting blood sugar level, an individual fasts for 8 hours before taking the blood sugar test. A normal fasting blood sugar range is around 70 to 100 mg/dL.
⦁ Blood sugar levels two hours after eating or postprandial: Sugar levels after 2 hours of eating should be less than 140 mg/dL.
For diabetic individuals:
⦁ The fasting blood sugar for diabetic patients should range between 80 to 130 mg/dL.
⦁ Targeted sugar levels for diabetic patients before the meal should range between 70 to 130 mg/dL.
⦁ Targeted sugar levels for diabetic patients should be less than 180 mg/dL two hours after the meal.
How Can I Check My Blood Sugar?
Here is the step-by-step guide to checking your blood sugar levels:
⦁ First and foremost, take a mild hand cleanser and wash your hands using it and warm water.
⦁ Gather all required supplies, including blood glucose meter, test strips, lancet device, and alcohol wipes (if needed).
⦁ Take the lancet device and include a new lancet into it. Adjust the settings as per your comfort level.
⦁ Make a prick using the lancet device on the side of your fingertip or palm.
⦁ Squeeze your fingertip gently so that a drop of blood shows up.
⦁ Touch the test strip on the blood and insert it into the meter.
⦁ You will get your blood sugar readings within 5-10 seconds.
⦁ Record the readings and keep track of them at regular intervals.
Factors that can Affect Blood Sugar Levels
Your blood sugar levels are determined by different factors on an everyday basis.
Here are the reasons for high blood sugar levels:
⦁ Consuming carbohydrate-rich food, including bread, rice, pasta, fruits, and sugary snacks, elevates blood sugar levels. Thus, keep a close eye on your carbohydrate intake.
⦁ Stress, anxiety, and depression trigger blood sugar levels; thus, practicing stress-relieving exercises is important.
⦁ Obesity results in high blood sugar levels. You can try a fat burner combo for optimum results.
⦁ Infections or illnesses also elevate your blood sugar levels; therefore, monitoring them regularly while you’re ill is important.
⦁ Menstruation and dehydration also cause high blood sugar levels.
Here are the reasons for low blood sugar levels:
⦁ Eating irregularly or skipping meals is a common reason for low blood sugar levels, as it disrupts glucose levels.
⦁ Oral diabetes medications or insulin directly lowers blood sugar levels.
⦁ Heavy exercises can result in low blood sugar levels if not managed correctly.
⦁ Alcohol consumption and smoking lowers the blood sugar levels.
⦁ Reducing carbohydrates from your diet can lower your blood sugar levels.
Also Read: How Do Cream Cleansers Cater To Different Skin Types
When Should I Check My Blood Sugar?
Frequency of checking the blood sugar levels depends on multiple factors, such as the type of diabetes you have, your treatment plan, your level of blood sugar control, and your healthcare provider’s recommendations.
Here are some common times to check your blood sugar:
⦁ When experiencing high or low blood sugar levels’ symptoms
⦁ After having dinner or trying new food items
⦁ When going through heavy stress
⦁ Before and after performing exercises
⦁ When starting a new medicine
⦁ When feeling unhealthy or sick
⦁ Any changes in routine
How Can I Manage Blood Sugar Levels?
Managing blood sugar levels is crucial for all diabetic patients to avoid serious health problems. Proper management improves quality of life, prevents complications, and promotes health. Here are some useful tips you should follow to manage blood sugar levels:
- Follow a Healthy Diet
If you have low or high blood sugar levels, choose a balanced diet, including lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains. Keep a close eye on your carbohydrate intake. Do not drink or consume sugary food or beverages, which may increase your blood sugar levels. - Regular Physical Activities
Engaging in physical activities such as walking, running, jogging, swimming, and others keeps you active and your blood sugar levels in control. You can also do strength training. It also helps in dealing with obesity. You can also take metabolism pills for weight loss. However, ensure you consult your doctor before starting a new exercise routine or taking these pills. - Medications and Insulin
Take all prescribed medications in a timely manner as suggested by your healthcare provider. If you’re onto insulin, adjust the dose per your doctor’s suggestions. - Stress Management
Stress is one of the reasons for high blood sugar levels; thus, managing it is important. You can practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing for stress and anxiety management. - Proper Sleep
Getting quality sleep of 7-9 hours is important as poor sleep patterns negatively impacts insulin sensitivity, leading to fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
Wrapping Up!
Managing blood sugar levels is important to lead a healthy and quality life. There are different blood sugar support pills that your health expert may suggest you to keep your blood sugar levels in control!
