Blood sugar levels
Blood Sugar Levels
Blood sugar levels (pronunciation: /blʌd ˈʃʊɡər ˈlɛvəlz/), also known as blood glucose levels, refer to the amount of glucose present in the blood. Glucose is a type of sugar that the body uses for energy. The term "blood sugar levels" is derived from the words "blood" (from Old English blōd), "sugar" (from Sanskrit sharkara), and "level" (from Old French livel).
Normal Blood Sugar Levels
Normal blood sugar levels vary throughout the day. For people without diabetes, blood sugar levels before meals hover around 70 to 80 mg/dL. Post-meal levels can rise up to 120 mg/dL or slightly higher. If you have diabetes, the goal is to keep your blood sugar levels within a specified range, usually 80-130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL after meals.
High Blood Sugar Levels
High blood sugar levels, a condition known as hyperglycemia, can be a sign of diabetes. Symptoms of hyperglycemia include frequent urination, increased thirst, and possibly weight loss. If left untreated, hyperglycemia can lead to serious health problems.
Low Blood Sugar Levels
Low blood sugar levels, a condition known as hypoglycemia, can also be dangerous. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include confusion, dizziness, feeling shaky, and being irritable. Hypoglycemia can be caused by too much insulin, too little food, or excessive exercise.
Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels
Monitoring blood sugar levels is an important part of managing diabetes. This can be done with a glucometer, a device that measures the amount of glucose in a small drop of blood.
Related Terms
- Glucose: A type of sugar that the body uses for energy.
- Insulin: A hormone that regulates the amount of glucose in the blood.
- Diabetes: A disease that affects how your body uses glucose.
- Hyperglycemia: A condition characterized by high blood sugar levels.
- Hypoglycemia: A condition characterized by low blood sugar levels.
- Glucometer: A device used to measure blood sugar levels.
This WikiMD.org article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.