If you’re living with pre-diabetes or diabetes, understanding blood sugar is critical to managing your health. But don’t worry—I’m here to explain it in easy-to-understand terms.
If you’ve been told you have pre-diabetes or diabetes, it means your body isn’t handling blood sugar (also called glucose) as well as it should. Glucose is the primary energy source for your body, and it comes from the food you eat—especially foods that contain carbohydrates, like bread, rice, fruits, and sweets.
For most people, blood sugar levels go up after eating, and the hormone insulin helps bring those levels back down by moving the sugar from the blood into the cells, where it’s used for energy. However, with pre-diabetes or diabetes, your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin properly. It causes blood sugar to stay too high for too long, which can lead to complications over time, like damage to your heart, kidneys, nerves, and eyes.
Understanding how blood sugar works is crucial because you can keep your levels healthy with the right tools and habits. When you know how food, activity, and even stress affect your blood sugar, you can make decisions that help you avoid feeling unwell or risking long-term health problems.
Think of blood sugar management like driving a car: if you let the car go too fast (high blood sugar), you risk accidents; if it goes too slow (low blood sugar), you could stall. Learning how to keep your blood sugar at a steady speed, so to speak, will help you feel your best and avoid complications. Managing your blood sugar well is about finding balance—not only with what you eat but with your lifestyle overall.
What is Blood Sugar?
It is the sugar in your bloodstream. When you eat, your body breaks down carbohydrates from food into glucose, fueling your cells. For people with pre-diabetes and diabetes, the body has trouble managing glucose, which can lead to serious health issues if not appropriately controlled.
Normal Blood Sugar Levels
It’s essential to keep your blood sugar within a specific range:
- Fasting blood sugar (before eating): 80-130 mg/dL
- Before meals: Less than 140 mg/dL
- Two hours after eating: Less than 180 mg/dL(BasicsofBloodSugars).
These numbers might sound technical, but they’re essential for tracking how your body handles sugar throughout the day. When blood sugar stays high for too long, it can damage your organs and lead to complications like heart disease, nerve damage, and kidney problems.
Monitoring Your Blood Sugar
If you have pre-diabetes or diabetes, you’ll likely need to monitor your blood sugar. It involves using a small glucometer to check your sugar levels by pricking your finger. Your doctor or dietitian will tell you how often to check your blood sugar, but generally, you should test your blood sugar in the morning before meals and at bedtime.
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
Sometimes, your blood sugar can get too low, which is called hypoglycemia. It usually happens when:
- You take too much insulin
- You skip a meal
- You exercise more than usual
- You drink alcohol without eating.
Signs of low blood sugar include feeling shaky, weak, irritable, or confused. In severe cases, it can make you pass out. You must act fast if your blood sugar drops below 70 mg/dL. The ‘Rule of 15’ can help—consume 15 grams of fast-acting sugar (like fruit juice or glucose tablets), wait 15 minutes, then recheck your blood sugar. If it’s still low, repeat the process until your blood sugar returns to a safe range. This method can help you manage low blood sugar effectively (BasicsofBloodSugars).
High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia)
Conversely, blood sugar can go too high, especially if you miss a dose of insulin, eat too many sugary or carbohydrate-heavy foods, or get stressed.
Symptoms of high blood sugar include feeling thirsty and tired, needing to pee more often, and having blurred vision.
If you experience these symptoms, checking your blood sugar level is essential.
If your blood sugar is consistently over 200 mg/dL, it’s a sign that your treatment plan might need adjusting, so it’s essential to contact your doctor.
How Sugars Affect Your Body
People with diabetes need to be careful about consuming too much sugar. Recent studies suggest that consuming large amounts of sugar, especially fructose (in fruits and sweetened drinks), can lead to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is when your body becomes less effective at managing sugar. It means your body’s cells don’t respond typically to insulin, which can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
However, it’s not just about avoiding sugar. A well-balanced diet that controls your carbohydrate intake overall is crucial. Processed sugars are more harmful, while natural sugars (like those found in fruits) are safer when eaten in moderation as part of a healthy diet.
Preventing Blood Sugar Swings
Here are some simple tips to keep your blood sugar steady:
- Eat balanced meals: Include a mix of proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates to avoid spikes in blood sugar.
- Avoid skipping meals: Skipping meals can cause blood sugar to drop or spike unpredictably.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity helps your body use insulin better, lowering blood sugar naturally.
- Take medications as prescribed: Insulin or diabetes medications are essential for controlling blood sugar.
Final Thoughts
Managing diabetes or pre-diabetes can feel overwhelming at times, but understanding blood sugar is a crucial first step. By checking your blood sugar regularly, watching what you eat, and following your treatment plan, you can live a healthy life with diabetes. Always consult your doctor if your blood sugar levels seem out of control, and remember that small changes in your diet and lifestyle can make a big difference.
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