What Are Good Blood Sugar Numbers For Diabetics

It Helps Prevent And Treat Stomach Issues

People sometimes use honey to treat digestive difficulties, including diarrhoea. However, honey may have the potential as a treatment for Helicobacter pylori bacteria, which is the common cause of stomach ulcers.

It also contains helpful prebiotics, which feeds the friendly bacteria that live in the intestines, which are essential for digestion and overall health.

Why Is The Test Performed

Fasting insulin is an important but often overlooked test that can help identify insulin resistance.

Insulin levels are usually out of order long before there are abnormalities in blood sugar levels. Thats why a blood sugar test might come back completely normal even if you are suffering from insulin resistance .

Other than to check for insulin resistance, your doctor may order this test to:

• To help determine the cause of low blood sugar
• Check how your beta cells in the pancreas are working
• To help diagnose an insulin-producing tumor in the pancreas
• To help determine when a person with type 2 diabetes needs to start taking insulin

Monitoring Blood Sugar In Older Adults

Monitoring blood sugar regularly is crucial to diabetes management. You check your blood sugar with a device called a glucometer.

First, you prick a fingertip with a small needle called a lancet. Then you place a drop of blood on a test strip in the glucometer. After a few seconds, you’ll get a number.

Generally, blood sugar should be checked before meals and at bedtime. Your healthcare provider may want you to check more or less often.

The following chart outlines what blood sugar levels should be for older adults in the hours following a meal as well as when levels are either too high or too low.

Cognitive decline and chronic illnesses can make it hard to follow your diabetes care plan. That can happen even if you’ve successfully managed it for years.

In these situations, your healthcare provider may:

• Prescribe a lower dose of medication
• Involve your caregivers in monitoring
• Carefully watch you for low blood sugar

You May Like: Does Caffeine Affect Blood Sugar

Amy Campbell Ms Rd Ldn Cde

A Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator at Good Measures, LLC, where she is a CDE manager for a virtual diabetes program. Campbell is the author of Staying Healthy with Diabetes: Nutrition & Meal Planning, a co-author of 16 Myths of a Diabetic Diet, and has written for publications including Diabetes Self-Management, Diabetes Spectrum, Clinical Diabetes, the Diabetes Research & Wellness Foundations newsletter, DiabeticConnect.com, and CDiabetes.com

***Learn blood sugar basics with our free guide!

***Interested in learning more about blood sugar? Check out our blood sugar chart and learn about using blood sugar monitoring to manage diabetes in Managing Your Blood Glucose Ups and Downs.

Learn more about the health and medical experts who who provide you with the cutting-edge resources, tools, news, and more on Diabetes Self-Management.

When To Contact A Medical Professional

• Chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, or other signs of angina
• Loss of consciousness

• Sores or infections on your feet
• Frequent feelings of depression or anxiety
• Symptoms that your blood sugar is getting too low
• Symptoms that your blood sugar is too high
• Blood sugar readings that are below 70 mg/dL

You can treat early signs of hypoglycemia at home by drinking orange juice, eating sugar or candy, or by taking glucose tablets. If signs of hypoglycemia continue or your blood glucose level stays below 60 mg/dL , go to the emergency room.

You May Like: How To Make Your Own Sugar Wax In The Microwave

What Does A High Blood Glucose Level Mean

If your fasting blood glucose level is 100 to 125 mg/dL , it usually means you have prediabetes. People with prediabetes have up to a 50% chance of developing Type 2 diabetes over the next five to 10 years. But you can take steps to prevent Type 2 diabetes from developing.

If your fasting blood glucose level is 126 mg/dl or higher on more than one testing occasion, it usually means you have diabetes.

In either of these cases, your provider will likely order a glycated hemoglobin test before diagnosing you with prediabetes or diabetes. An A1c shows your average blood sugar over a few months.

There are a few different types of diabetes. The most common forms are:

• Type 2 diabetes : T2D happens when your pancreas doesnt make enough insulin or your body doesnt use insulin well , resulting in high blood glucose levels. This is the most common type of diabetes.
• Type 1 diabetes : T1D is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in your pancreas for unknown reasons. Your pancreas can no longer produce insulin. At diagnosis, people with Type 1 diabetes usually have very high blood glucose .
• Gestational diabetes: This condition can develop in pregnant people usually appearing during the middle of pregnancy, between 24 and 28 weeks. The high blood sugar goes away once the pregnancy is over. Pregnant people have screenings for gestational diabetes with a glucose challenge test and/or glucose tolerance test.

What Causes Low Blood Sugar

Low blood sugar has many causes, including missing a meal, taking too much insulin, taking other diabetes medicines, exercising more than normal, and drinking alcohol. Blood sugar below 70 mg/dL is considered low.

Signs of low blood sugar are different for everyone. Common symptoms include:

Know what your individual symptoms are so you can catch low blood sugar early and treat it. If you think you may have low blood sugar, check it even if you dont have symptoms. Low blood sugar can be dangerous and should be treated as soon as possible.

Recommended Reading: How To Bring Blood Sugar Down Without Meds

What Is The Normal Blood Sugar Level For Children

Young children have different normal blood sugar levels as compared to adults. The normal range even varies depending on the age of the child.

The American Diabetes Association provides the following ranges as a guide:

• Fasting: 80-180 mg/dL
• Preprandial : 100-180 mg/dL
• Postprandial : Less than 180 mg/dL
• Bedtime: 110-200 mg/dL

When To See A Healthcare Provider

Getting professional medical advice from a healthcare provider like an endocrinologist is the best way to learn more about whether your blood sugar levels are where they should be. Not getting proper treatment for low or high blood sugar levels can be serious and lead to health complications, especially for those with diabetes. Diabetes complications include nerve damage, kidney disease, heart disease, or heart attacks.

If you see a healthcare provider about your blood sugar levels, be prepared to answer questions about risk factors like what you eat, how much you exercise, and about your family history. Some healthcare providers may want to take a blood sample to test your blood sugar levels. They may also order an A1C test, which is a blood test that measures blood sugar control over three months. You may have to fast eight hours beforehand to get accurate test results, so its always a good idea to check before your appointment. Your healthcare provider can create a diabetes treatment plan if you are prediabetic or have diabetes.

Be sure your treatment plan includes instructions on when you would need to seek emergency medical care. Emergency rooms are equipped to handle high blood sugar levels and can administer treatments like insulin therapy and fluid or electrolyte replacement.

You May Like: What Range Should Blood Sugar Be

How Often Should I Check My Blood Sugar Level

For those with type 2 diabetes, it is usually recommended to check your blood sugar before meals and just before you go to bed if you take insulin injections. If you use long-acting insulin, you may only need to test at breakfast and bedtime. Those who don’t use insulin and rely on other medications and lifestyle changes may not need to test their blood sugar every day.

Your doctor will help you determine how often you should check your blood sugar levels, and they may ask you to write the information in a logbook for your next appointment.

The Ada Guidelines For Blood Glucose Control Are:

*Hemoglobin is a measure of your average blood glucose control over the previous 3 months. Think of the A1c as a long-term blood glucose measure that changes very gradually.

Of course, these are general standards for everyone with diabetes both type 1 as well as type 2. Ask your diabetes team for personalized goals and blood sugar monitoring schedules.

For example:

When you have type 1 diabetes you are treated with insulin replacement therapy. The goal is to replace the insulin in the right amount and at the right time. Sometimes, more insulin than needed is taken and this will cause hypoglycemia.

To minimize this risk, many providers will recommend that individuals treated with insulin target a pre-meal blood sugar of 90-130 mg/dl and post meal blood sugar of less than 180 mg/dl.

Also, if you are experiencing a lot of hypoglycemia or have hypoglycemic unawareness your provider may suggest you target higher blood sugar levels.

In contrast, pregnant women or women thinking about getting pregnant will have lower blood glucose targets.

GET SMART ABOUT YOUR BLOOD SUGAR. CHECK IT REGULARLY!

Recommended Reading: What Foods Spike Sugar Levels

Factors That Contribute To Blood Sugar Range

The bodys level of blood glucose is controlled by , a hormone produced in the that helps your body absorb the sugar and use it in your cells. As your level of blood glucose rises, your pancreas produces more insulin to compensate. This helps keep your average blood glucose level within a safe range.

In diabetes, the body cant produce enough insulin or cant use the insulin properly . This means that your body cant compensate well for increases in blood glucose, which prevents your pancreas from stopping sharp spikes in blood glucose and increases the average blood glucose level over time.

Blood glucose spikes happen to everyone, especially after eating and drinking, but also after skipping breakfast, when youre dehydrated, and after you get a sunburn, among other triggers. They are especially dangerous for people with diabetes because their bodies cant , or even out, the spikes.

Is Raisin Water Good For Diabetics

Raisin water is made by soaking raisins in water for a while and then straining the liquid. Although some believe it has health benefits, such as helping to manage diabetes, there is limited scientific evidence to back up these claims.

Raisins contain natural sugars, like glucose and fructose, which may bring potential health benefits. However, people with diabetes should still consume raisin water in moderation. High amounts of sugar can cause an increase in blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous for those with diabetes.

People with diabetes need to keep track of their blood sugar levels and eat a healthy and balanced diet with limited added sugars. Furthermore, they should consult a certified nutritionist to understand the impact of raisin water on their sugar levels.

Experts advise soaking 15-20 raisins overnight and eating them the following day to reap the benefits of magnesium and potassium, which are abundant in raisins. Doing this regularly helps flush the bodys toxins, maintain good kidney function, and aid in weight loss.

Recommended Reading: Will Medicare Pay For Blood Sugar Monitors

Normal And Diabetic Blood Sugar Ranges

For the majority of healthy individuals, normal blood sugar levels are as follows:

• Between 4.0 to 5.4 mmol/L when fasting
• Up to 7.8 mmol/L 2 hours after eating

For people with diabetes, blood sugar level targets are as follows:

• Before meals : 4 to 7 mmol/L for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes
• After meals : under 9 mmol/L for people with type 1 diabetes and under 8.5mmol/L for people with type 2 diabetes

How Do I Prepare For A Blood Glucose Test

If your healthcare provider has ordered a fasting blood glucose test, youll need to not eat or drink anything except water for eight to 10 hours before the test.

If your blood glucose test is part of a basic or comprehensive metabolic panel, you may also need to fast for several hours before your blood draw. In any case, your healthcare provider will let you know if you need to follow any special instructions.

You May Like: Does Coffee Raise Blood Sugar

What Is High Blood Sugar

If your blood sugar levels are chronically higher than normal, then this is referred to as hyperglycaemia. This is a common issue for those suffering from diabetes. The condition can also affect pregnant women who have gestational diabetes and occasionally those who are severely ill .

Some of the symptoms of hyperglycaemia include:

• Increased thirst
• Issues with concentration and/or thinking

If severe hyperglycaemia is left untreated the condition can lead to organ and tissue damage as the excess glucose present in the body can make it difficult for the organs and cells to function correctly. The disorder can also impair the immune system response in the healing of wounds and cuts.

What Else Can I Do To Help Manage My Blood Sugar Levels

Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting regular physical activity can all help. Other tips include:

• Keep track of your blood sugar levels to see what makes them go up or down.
• Eat at regular times, and dont skip meals.
• Choose foods lower in calories, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar, and salt.
• Track your food, drink, and physical activity.
• Drink water instead of juice or soda.
• Limit alcoholic drinks.
• For a sweet treat, choose fruit.
• Control your food portions .

Read Also: Does Nuts Raise Your Blood Sugar

Your Blood Sugar Isnt Just Because Of What You Eat

Mainstream media would have you believe that your blood sugar levels are impacted only by what you eat and how much you exercise, but people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes who test their blood sugars frequently could tell you otherwise.

Its especially important to keep this in mind when looking at your own blood sugars and your goals because there are certain variables and challenges that impact blood sugar levels that you cant always control.

For example:

• Menstrual cycles: raises blood sugar and insulin needs
• Adrenaline rushes from competitive sports, heated arguments, or rollercoaster rides: raises blood sugar and insulin needs
• The common cold and other illnesses: usually raise blood sugar and insulin needs
• Hormonal changes due to puberty and healthy growth in young adults: raises blood sugar and insulin needs
• An injury that raises overall inflammation levels: raises blood sugar and insulin needs
• Glucogenesis during anaerobic exercise: raises blood sugar

While you cant necessarily prevent these factors that affect your blood sugar from occurring, you can work with your diabetes healthcare team to adjust your insulin, other diabetes medications, nutrition and activity levels to help compensate for them when they do occur.

For example, when engaging in anaerobic exercise like weightlifting many people with type 1 diabetes find it necessary to take a small bolus of insulin prior to or during their workout because anaerobic exercise can actually raise blood sugar.

What Are The Different Varieties Of Raisins

Raisins are surprisingly full of nutrients, even though they are small. The drying process of grapes to make raisins is what makes them so nutrient-rich. They are packed with potassium, iron, and vitamin B and come in various colours, sizes, shapes, and flavours. You may not be aware of the many types of raisins available.

Read Also: How Much Sugar Is In Extra Gum

Blood Sugar Chart: Summary

The fasting blood sugar, 2-hour post-meal blood sugar, and HbA1C tests are important ways to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes, as well as indicate how well a persons diabetes is being managed. If you think you have diabetes, its important to not try and diagnose yourself by doing a finger-stick with a home blood glucose meter. There are strict standards and procedures that laboratories use for diagnosing diabetes therefore, you should get tested at your doctors office or at a laboratory.

Its also important to talk with your doctor to make sure you understand a) how often you should have certain tests, such as a fasting blood glucose or HbA1C test b) what your results mean and c) what your blood sugar and HbA1C targets are.

If you have not been previously diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes but your results are above normal, your doctor may recommend other tests and should discuss a plan of treatment with you. Treatment may include lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, a healthy eating plan, and regular physical activity. You may need to start taking diabetes medications, including insulin. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, its recommended that you learn how to check your blood sugars with a meter so that you and your health care team can determine how your treatment plan is working for you.

What Are Normal Blood Sugar Levels

Normal blood sugar levels vary based on when you last ate. For example, immediately after a meal, your blood sugar levels will be higher than if you haven’t eaten in a few hours.

The normal blood glucose range is 70-99 mg/dL before meals, and less than 140 mg/dL two hours after eating. If you are fasting , your blood sugar would normally be below 95 mg/dL.

Use the blood sugar conversion calculator to convert mg/dL to mmol/L or mmol/L to mg/dL.

Read Also: Can High Sugar Cause Migraines

What Is A Normal Blood Sugar Level

Achieving a normal blood sugar or glucose level is a bit of a misnomer. Often, the word normal is used to reference what someones blood sugars might be if they didnt have diabetes.

However, this terminology is flawed because even people without diabetes do see blood sugar spikes, especially after eating and when consuming something with high amounts of sugar, or a complex carbohydrate like pizza or pasta.

Even though that persons body will immediately start working to counterbalance that rising glucose level by producing more insulin, their blood sugars may still spike for a brief time even beyond those normal ranges. The same can happen with intense exercise or in high-stress situations if the persons natural glucose metabolizing cannot quickly balance everything out.

For those with diabetes, the fact that our bodies dont make or use insulin correctly means we must manually keep tabs on blood sugar levels and take enough insulin or glucose-lowering medication to balance everything out.