Understanding blood sugar levels is an essential part of diabetes care and management. Glucose is the body’s primary source of energy. If you are a person with diabetes, you might want to know more about blood sugar levels in detail.
What is Insulin?
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. The pancreas is a gland, located behind the stomach. Insulin enables your body to use glucose as fuel. When a person has type 1 diabetes, their pancreas stops producing insulin. In the absence of insulin, blood sugar levels can reach high levels. As a result, patients with type 1 diabetes have to take insulin each day, either by injection or via an insulin pump.
Ideal Blood Sugar Levels
The charts below explain recommended target levels for people with and without diabetes.
However, these estimates are only for reference purposes. Consult a doctor to know what’s the ideal blood sugar level for you.
Recommended Blood Sugar Levels:
| Time | Sugar Levels WITHOUT diabetes | Sugar Levels WITH diabetes |
| Before meals | 72- 99 mg/dl | 80-130 mg/dl |
| After a meal (2 hours preferably) | less than 140 mg/dl | less than 180 mg/dl |
Low Blood Sugar Levels
Hypoglycemia is a condition where your blood glucose levels are lower than the required range. Low blood sugar is caused by a variety of factors. Such as type 1 or 2 diabetes, medication, alcohol, endocrine diseases, eating disorders, pregnancy (gestational diabetes), and liver, kidney, or heart disorders.
Common symptoms include:
- Irritability
- Shakiness
- Pale skin
- Hunger
- Sleepiness
- Fainting
- Tingling lips
- Nervousness
- Anxiety
In an emergency, take a few glucose tablets or rush to doctor if symptoms persist.
Read More: Hypoglycemia in Children: Behavioural Changes and Symptoms
High Blood Sugar Levels
Hyperglycemia is a condition when your blood glucose levels go above the recommended range. It happens when your body can’t produce enough insulin. Conditions like Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, stress, and illness are some of the reasons for high sugar levels. However, we suggest you to consult your doctor to find out the root cause of it.
Common symptoms include:
- Frequent urination
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Weight loss
- Increased thirst
- Fatigue
Moreover, untreated hyperglycemia can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis.
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a condition where the body creates waste products called ketones. These ketones can build up in the blood and become life-threatening.
Therefore, you should seek immediate medical help if your blood sugar reaches 400 mg/dL or higher.
Read More: Introduction to Hyperglycemia: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Monitor Your Sugar Regularly
Monitor your glucose levels regularly to avoid the risks of high or low blood sugar levels. You can use a smartphone glucometer that is easy to use, reliable and compact. Download the BeatO App and get free health support from diabetes experts.
