Blood sugar levels – norms, interpretation of results. How do I measure my blood sugar?

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Blood sugar (glycemia) testing plays a major role in the diagnosis and monitoring of diabetes. This test should also be regularly performed by healthy people. Find out why it matters.

Blood sugar level – what is it?

Blood sugar testing is mainly used in the diagnosis of diabetes. A glucometer is used for measurement, i.e. a device thanks to which the test result is obtained after several dozen seconds. The price of a meter ranges from several dozen to even several hundred zlotys and depends on the functions of the device. Patients receive the meter for free during a visit to a diabetologist or in a pharmacy on the basis of a prescription for glucose meter strips.

Blood sugar – when should I get tested?

We test the level of glucose in the blood:

1. as part of routine laboratory tests (especially in people at risk of developing diabetes; overweight or over 40 years of age),
2. when symptoms of hyperglycaemia or hypoglycaemia appear
3. to determine if the sugar level is within the normal range,
4. during pregnancy (between 24 and 28 weeks to detect possible gestational diabetes),
5. if you have diabetes – several times a day to monitor blood sugar levels,
6. at least once a year (this applies to every person).

You can buy basic blood and urine tests that will assess blood sugar levels without leaving your home. Test packages are dedicated to men and women of all ages.

The material needed to determine the blood sugar level is a blood sample taken from a vein (usually in the elbow fossa) or, in the case of a home test, a drop of blood flowing out after puncturing the skin (usually from the fingertip).

What symptoms indicate high blood sugar?

Symptoms of hyperglycaemia, including diabetes mellitus:

1. increased thirst (not associated with strenuous exercise, sweating, fever)
2. passing more urine than before
3. feeling weak / tired
4. reduced visual acuity
5. headaches
6. difficulty concentrating
7. weight loss
8. hard-to-heal wounds.

Untreated hyperglycaemia can lead to a condition called ketoacidosis. In ketoacidosis, the body produces waste products called ketones that can build up in the blood and be life-threatening. Symptoms of ketoacidosis include:

1. abdominal pain
2. the presence of ketones
3. vomiting
4. exhaustion
5. loss of sight (in rare cases)

Seek medical attention immediately if your blood sugar reaches 400 mg / dL or more.

Here are some lifestyle changes and treatments that can help treat hyperglycemia:

1. eat whole foods with a low sugar content that are minimally processed to keep glucose levels in the body at a lower level;
2. only exercise when there are no ketones in your bloodstream. You can check if you have ketones by using a urine test or blood glucose meter;
3. drink plenty of water to help the body get rid of sugar in the urine;
4. adjust insulin levels. Your doctor can help you determine the correct insulin dosages when your blood sugar rises or falls;
5. take medications as directed by your doctor. Some of the most commonly prescribed medications for high blood sugar are metformin, glipizide, and glyburide.

White Mulberry Leaf tea, which you can buy at Medonet Market, will be helpful in the treatment of diabetes.

What symptoms indicate low blood sugar?

Symptoms of hypoglycemia:

1. sweating
2. feeling hungry
3. muscle tremors
4. anxiety
5. confusion
6. dizziness
7. irritability
8. nervousness
9. bow
10. chills
11. fast heart rate
12. pale skin
13. hunger
14. somnolence
15. tingling mouth
16. blurred vision.

If your blood sugar is low, you may start to experience the first symptoms of hypoglycaemia, such as dizziness, light-headedness, or sweating. The only way to make sure your blood sugar is low is to check it with a blood glucose meter or other glucose monitoring device.

If we do not have access to these tools and we begin to experience symptoms of low blood sugar, eat 15 grams of carbohydrate or take a rapidly dissolving glucose tablet to raise blood sugar levels and avoid further symptoms. Once your blood sugar is back in your target range, you can have a snack or meal to make sure it doesn’t drop again.

Here are some other lifestyles and treatments that can help treat hypoglycemia:

1. Maintain a healthy diet full of wholesome foods that are minimally processed.
2. Take your pre-diabetes or diabetes medications as directed by your doctor.
3. In an emergency, use a glucagon kit. Glucagon is a hormone that raises blood sugar quickly.

In the case of disturbing symptoms, it is worth checking your health by performing a package of diagnostic tests. Early diagnosis of diabetes and regular monitoring of diabetes is important for your well-being and health.

To ensure proper blood sugar levels, try sugar supplements available on Medonet Market.

How should I prepare for a blood sugar test?

The sugar level can be marked:

1. on an empty stomach (after 8 hours of not taking food and fluids, except for water),
2. at any time of the day or night, regardless of previously taken meals (the so-called random glucose level),
3. as part of the Oral Glucose Load Test (OGTT)
4. after a meal (most often in people who have already been diagnosed with diabetes; this is a postprandial blood glucose test that is performed two hours after starting a meal, using a glucometer at home).

OGTT consists of a large number of blood samples showing fasting blood sugar levels and after ingestion of adequate glucose. The first blood sample is taken on an empty stomach, and the second after drinking the liquid containing glucose (this method checks how the body is handling the sudden rush of sugar into the blood). Subsequent samples are then taken at appropriate intervals. OGTT is performed when diabetes is suspected or if there is elevated fasting blood sugar.

For the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, it is suggested that the test be run twice (both fasting glucose and OGTT).

Glucose testing is also used in pregnant women between 24 and 28 weeks. It is then a screening test to detect diabetes. This study looks similar to the OGTT. The first blood sample is taken on an empty stomach. The difference concerns the time of taking the second sample – it is done 1 and 2 hours after taking the sugar solution. If the test result turns out to be abnormal, your doctor will recommend a classic OGTT. You will perform tests dedicated to pregnant women without leaving your home. The packet includes tests to help visualize the pregnant woman’s health, including blood sugar levels.

Diabetics need to check their glucose levels several times a day. Regular testing allows you to choose the dose of insulin and other antidiabetic drugs that patients should take well. Self-control is performed with the use of a glucometer. After a small puncture of the skin (usually the fingertip), a small amount of blood is placed on a paper strip which is then inserted into the meter. Based on this result, the device reads the blood sugar level. Check the iHealth Gluco meter, which allows you to check the sugar level at home.

The package of tests needed to diagnose diabetes is the diabetic profile.

What is blood glucose needed for?

Glucose is a simple sugarwhich is an energy fuel for the whole organism. Complex carbohydrates, which we consume with food, are broken down into glucose (and other simple sugars), and then they are absorbed in the small intestine and distributed with the blood to all cells of the body. Most of the body’s cells need glucose to produce energy, to carry out a series of chemical reactions necessary for their function. For nerve cells, as well as for erythrocytes (blood cells that transport oxygen), glucose is the only source of energy. These cells can only function if the glucose is above a certain level. Therefore, when glucose levels drop, we often feel a feeling of weakness – it is our brain that informs us that the amount of glucose supplied is insufficient.

The body’s use of sugar depends on insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. Insulin acts as a traffic control – it determines whether blood glucose enters the cells or is stored as a glycogen and / or triglyceride reserve. Life without glucose or insulin would be impossible, which is why it is so important to maintain the levels of these substances in specific ranges.

In a healthy person, the level of glucose after eating a meal increases slightly (as a result of consuming carbohydrates). At the same time – in order to lower the level of this sugar – the secretion of insulin by the pancreas increases. The amount of insulin secreted depends on the size and composition of the meal we just ate. If your glucose levels get too low – which sometimes happens between meals or after strenuous exercise – glucagon (another hormone produced by the pancreas) is released. The liver then receives information about the need to re-convert glycogen (the energy reserve stored in this organ) into glucose. This will help you restore your blood sugar to normal levels. If this control is working properly, blood glucose levels will remain relatively constant. On the other hand, when this balance is disturbed and the amount of sugar in the blood increases, the body tries to normalize it through increased insulin production and glucose excretion in the urine (therefore, in a state of hyperglycemia and in some cases glucose is found in the urine).

Severe, sudden hyperglycaemia or hypoglycaemia can be dangerous and cause:

1. failure of all organs,
2. brain damage
3. coma and even lead to death.

Sustained high blood sugar levels over a long period of time lead to the progressive destruction of organs, especially the kidneys, eyes, heart, blood vessels and nerves. Chronic hypoglycemia can, in turn, damage the brain and peripheral nerves.

Some women may develop diabetes in pregnancy (known as gestational diabetes). If the condition is not diagnosed and not treated properly, the risk of having a baby with a high weight (called macrosomia, which can make vaginal delivery difficult) and with low glucose levels increases. In most cases, diabetes goes away after pregnancy is completed. By purchasing a medical subscription, you will provide yourself with comprehensive medical care at every stage of pregnancy.

Also read: Childbirth is beautiful, but not necessarily easy

How is blood sugar measured?

Finger prick method

This way, you can find out what our blood sugar level is at any given time. Testing with this method takes literally a moment.

The doctor will show us how to perform the test and it is important that we learn how to do it correctly otherwise we may get incorrect results. Some people find it easy to measure their blood sugar with a finger prick method and it quickly becomes part of their normal daily routine. For others, it can be a stressful experience, and it is perfectly understandable. Knowing all the facts and talking to others can help, so contacting your doctor or other diabetics is recommended.

To perform the measurement, we will need:

1. blood glucose meter,
2. finger prick devices,
3. several test strips
4. a lancet (a very short, thin needle),
5. a sharps container so that the needles can be thrown away safely.

Glucometer

There are new models on the market all the time, so choosing the right one can be difficult. It is best to ask your doctor for advice on the meter that will be right for you. If your eyesight has problems, some blood glucose meters may be problematic to use, so your doctor may suggest alternatives.

Some people can get blood glucose meters for free by visiting a diabetologist or pharmacy with a prescription for meter strips. Their price depends on the functions of the device itself and ranges from several dozen to even several hundred zlotys.

Test strips are usually delivered in batches of 50 and must work with the type of meter selected. When buying test strips for your glucometer, make sure that they fit your glucometer.

Finger pricking devices and lancets

Finger pricking devices puncture the skin with a needle so that a drop of blood can be collected for testing. The needle is called a lancet. The device can be adjusted to change the depth of penetration into the skin. It depends on the thickness of the skin.

Lancets come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses. A lancet with a higher ratio is thinner so it is usually less painful but may not always provide enough blood.

The piercing lancets are disposable and you should always wash your hands thoroughly before performing a piercing.

Performing the measurement

Your doctor will instruct you on how to do it the first time, but here are the key steps:

1. Wash your hands with soap and warm water. Do not use wet wipes as the glycerin they contain may affect the test result. Make sure you keep your hands warm so that it is easier to get blood and the test isn’t as painful.
2. Take a test strip and insert it into the meter to turn it on. Some meters have built-in test strips.
3. Remove the cap from the fingertip device and insert a new lancet. Then put the cap back on and position the device by pulling or clicking on the plunger.
4. Choose which finger to puncture, but avoid the thumb or index finger (the finger next to the thumb). And do not puncture the center or too close to the nail. Place the device against the side of your finger and press down on the plunger. Use a different finger and area each time.
5. Take the meter with the test strip and put it on the blood drop. The device will tell you if the test strip is full, usually with an audible signal.
6. Before you look at your reading, check your finger. Use a tissue to stop the bleeding, then remove the lancet and throw it in the sharps bin.
7. Until then, the meter will likely show a result. Make a note of it.
8. You can use the same tissue to remove the test strip and discard it. Removal of the strip usually turns the meter off.

Glucose monitoring system

More and more people with diabetes are choosing to use monitoring systems to check their sugar levels. This is a blood sugar test without a needle. Instead, a sensor is used that is worn on the skin and the measurement is made without pricking the finger.

However, this measurement does not measure blood sugar levels. It measures the amount of sugar in the fluid surrounding the cells, called interstitial fluid. This delays the reading so it is not completely accurate, so you will still need to perform a finger prick measurement from time to time.

See also: Modern diabetes monitoring

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C)

In addition to regularly testing your blood sugar, your doctor may ask you to come for an HbA1c blood test at least once a year. If you have diabetes, this test may be performed every 2-6 months by your doctor or nurse. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) measures the last average blood sugar (glucose) level. As this is an average measurement, you do NOT need to fast on the day of the test. The test measures some of your red blood cells. Glucose in the blood attaches to some of the red blood cells. This part can be measured and gives a good indication of the average blood glucose over the last 2-3 months.

For people with diabetes, treatment is aimed at lowering HbA1c levels below the target level, which is usually agreed between the patient and their doctor during regular check-ups. The ideal goal is to keep HbA1c below 48 mmol / mol (6,5%). However, this is not always achievable and your HbA1c target should be agreed with your healthcare professional individually. (For example, by increasing the dosage of drugs, improving the diet, etc.)

It is now recommended that HbA1c can also be used as a test to diagnose diabetes. An HbA1c value of 48 mmol / mol (6,5%) or higher is recommended as a blood level for the diagnosis of diabetes. People with HbA1c levels of 42-47 mmol / mol (6,0-6,5%) have an increased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Urine sugar (glucose) test

Urine (produced by the kidneys) usually does not contain glucose. The kidneys filter our blood, retaining substances needed by the body, while at the same time getting rid of waste products. The kidneys absorb glucose constantly to keep it from entering the urine. However, if the glucose level rises above a certain level, the kidneys will not be able to reabsorb all the glucose. This means that some of the glucose will “leak” through the kidneys into the urine.

A simple strip test can detect glucose in a urine sample. In the strip test, the doctor or nurse uses a special chemical strip that he dips into the urine sample. The color changes in the strip indicate if there is glucose in the urine sample. If we have glucose in our urine, we probably also have diabetes.

However, some people have kidneys that are more “leaky” and glucose can leak into the urine at normal levels in the blood. Therefore, if your urine contains glucose, a blood test should be performed to measure your blood glucose level to confirm or rule out diabetes.

See also: Blood morphology – what is this test, what are the standards?

How do I interpret my blood sugar test results?

The most common cause of elevated glucose levels is diabetes (both type I and type II). However, there are a number of other factors that cause high blood sugar levels. Belong to them:

1. acromegaly (excessive secretion of growth hormone),
2. insulin resistance,
3. poorly treated diabetes (missing insulin dose or poorly selected treatment),
4. stress (as a result of an injury, accident, heart attack, stroke),
5. chronic renal failure,
6. overactive thyroid gland
7. inflammation of the pancreas,
8. pancreatic cancer
9. pre-diabetes, which occurs when there is an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes
10. Cushing’s syndrome,
11. taking certain medications: corticosteroids, tricyclic antidepressants, estrogens (including birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy), lithium, acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin),
12. excessive food intake in relation to the demand,
13. endocrine diseases.

High blood glucose levels can damage organs and nerves and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, even if you do not have diabetes.

Improper sugar level requires medical consultation. Sign up for an e-appointment with a doctor for diabetes or suspected diabetes without leaving your home. This type of telemedicine service allows you to get quick recommendations from a specialist.

1. Do you have too high blood sugar? Include ground cumin in your diet. You can buy it at a favorable price on Medonet Market.

Below you will find an interpretation of the results of a blood sugar (glucose) test.

Fasting venous blood glucose – normal

Oral Glucose Load Test (OGTT) – Norms

The following values ​​do not apply to testing in pregnant women. The second sample is taken 2 hours after consuming the 75 g glucose fluid.

Screening for pregnant women – glucose loading test

OGTT in pregnant women is performed with 75 g of glucose. The test is performed on an empty stomach, after the first hour and after the second hour. To establish the diagnosis, it is enough to meet one of the criteria:

1. Fasting blood glucose 5,1 – 6,9 mmol / L (92-125 mg / dL)
2. Glycemia in 1h OGTT greater than or equal to 10 mmol / l (180 mg / dl)
3. Glycemia in czczo at 2h OGTT 8,5 — 11,0 mmol/l (153-199 mg/dl)

You can buy a package of laboratory tests that helps to control the health of pregnant women, including blood sugar levels, at medonetmarket.pl.

Low blood sugar can be due to:

1. adrenal insufficiency,
2. alcohol abuse,
3. taking anabolic steroids,
4. extensive liver disease,
5. hypothyroidism
6. taking too much insulin
7. stress
8. hypopituitarism,
9. Addison’s disease (which is characterized by low cortisol levels)
10. insulinomi (sometimes called an islander, a type of pancreatic tumor)
11. kidney disease
12. a slimming diet with too little carbohydrate,
13. food poisoning with diarrhea and vomiting,
14. intense physical exertion.

The normal blood sugar level in fasting children is 70 to 100 milligrams per deciliter, and after a meal from 70 to 140 milligrams per deciliter. You may have diabetes if your test result differs. Control diagnostic examination for children allows you to have the health of the youngest under constant control and minimize the risk of diabetes.

Low blood sugar in a newborn baby after birth is a natural physiological state that usually wears off within a few hours. Newborns born to mothers with gestational diabetes, when there is a serological conflict or suffering from congenital metabolic diseases, are particularly prone to hypoglycaemia.

Find out more about diabetes in children.

Anything else you should know?

In order to make a diagnosis of hypoglycaemia, 3 conditions must be met simultaneously (the so-called Whipple’s triad):

1. glucose level below 40 mg / dL (2.2 mmol / L)
2. the presence of symptoms of hypoglycaemia
3. withdrawal of these symptoms after taking glucose (in the form of a meal or in the form of a drip).

Some people develop symptoms of hypoglycaemia despite normal blood sugar levels. In such cases, it is best to change your eating habits, eat meals more often and in smaller portions, and eat foods where complex carbohydrates outweigh simple carbohydrates, which will extend the period of glucose release in the body.

Adequate sugar GlikoHerbs – a herbal blend available in economical cans at Medonet Market can help in regulating blood sugar levels.

What are the risks and side effects of blood sugar testing?

Blood sugar testing has little or no risk or side effects. The possible risks are the same as with all blood tests. These threats include:

1. multiple stab wounds (if the vein is difficult to find),
2. pain (after injection)
3. excessive bleeding
4. dizziness or fainting
5. hematoma (i.e. blood that collects under the skin),
6. infection.

However, these symptoms should disappear within one day.

How to lower blood sugar?

Lowering blood sugar is possible with the use of the so-called diabetic diet. It is recommended to eat complex products with a low glycemic index. In addition, the method of preparing meals is of great importance – preferably without adding sugar or fat. In addition, the withdrawal of animal fats works well. It is worth replacing unfavorable products with fresh vegetables, multi-grain products and skim milk. People with type XNUMX diabetes can only rely on insulin.

In the prevention and treatment of diabetes, it is worth using the healing power of herbs. Try, for example, a tea recommended for diabetes, which includes: blueberry and birch leaf, traveler chicory root, rue and tawuła herb, lemon balm and sage leaf, bean fruit, Helichrysum inflorescence, dandelion root and flower. You can also drink an infusion of Blackberry Leaves, which helps lower blood sugar levels.

Blood sugar also lowers stress. In this situation, a low-sugar person is given something sweet to drink or eat, and in the event of loss of consciousness, glucagon is administered intramuscularly. The DuoLife dietary supplement, thanks to the content of chicory root extract, helps regulate blood sugar levels. To stabilize the blood sugar level, we recommend using the DO! Active supplement – a daily dose of B vitamins. In addition to the aforementioned effect, it also helps build the body’s immunity and supports the nervous system.

Read also:

1. How to lower the sugar level in the body?
2. Sugar – a silent killer. What diseases does excess sugar in the diet cause?
3. Eight surprising things that can raise your blood sugar levels