Patients who are diabetic usually have abnormal blood sugar levels. Their levels are either higher than expected or lower than required. The quantity of glucose (sugar) that is found in the blood tends to fluctuate throughout day and night. So how can you keep the diabetes blood sugar levels normal? These levels change depending upon the quantity, quality and time of your meals. It also depends on the amount of physical activity you do throughout the day.
In the U.S, the blood sugar is normally measured in milligrams of glucose per deciliter of blood (mg/dl). There is also a long-term glucose test called a hemoglobin A1c, HbA1c, or just A1C. This test gives your average reading over the last 2–3 months. HbA1c is expressed as a percentage.
Here are the normal numbers for someone without diabetes.
- Fasting blood sugar level- under 100 mg/dl.
- Before-meal – 70–99 mg/dl.
- Postprandial sugars (two hours after meals) – less than 140 mg/dl.
- HbA1c – below 5.7%.
Diabetes might be diagnosed if your blood sugar levels are abnormal for instance:
- If two of your blood sugar level tests have come out to be more than 126 mg/dL
- If your random blood glucose test is more than 200 mg/dL
- If you have taken a two-hour oral test and your results are over 200 mg/dL
- If your A1c test results are greater or equal to 6.5 percent.
Every time you take a blood sugar test, try to keep track of your fluctuating diabetes blood sugar levels. Also, note down the blood sugar levels after every meal, physical activity. This will help you maintain a standard blood sugar level.
A normal diabetes blood sugar level indicates a healthy body. Since diabetes increases your risk of strokes and heart diseases, it is highly important that you keep your diabetes blood sugar levels in check.
There are particular reasons behind why your blood sugar levels peak up or fall down from the normal requirement. These are as follows:
- When you skip your insulin or glucose medicine
- If you have an infection of any kind
- If you are under stress
- If you have been eating too many carbs
- If you have not been exercising for a while or are physically inactive.
Depending on the type of diabetes you have the fluctuations in diabetes blood sugar levels show most of these symptoms and signs:
- Continuous headaches
- Increased thirst
- Blurry vision
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Lack of attention
- Restlessness or anxiety
There are many ways for you to keep your diabetes blood sugar levels normal and also to prevent them from spiking up or going down. Have a look at the do’s to maintain a stable diabetes blood sugar level.
Test your blood sugar levels at consistent intervals
If you have been noticing repeated abnormal blood sugar levels, go consult your doctor
Always wear a diabetic bracelet on your wrist so that people do not make a mistake during emergencies
Always keep your diet in check and keep a count of your total carb intake per day.
Here are some solutions for you to keep your diabetes blood sugar levels balanced:
- Drink more water
Water plays a vital role as it removes extra sugar that is in your blood, through urine. It also helps in avoiding dehydration. Drink adequate amount of water throughout the day. - More and more exercise
Do not exhaust yourself, however; exercise is one of the best cures to keep your blood sugar levels in check. It keeps your metabolism running and keeps you fit in general. However, consult your doctor regarding what kind of exercise you might need since some of the exercises might make your blood sugar levels go up. - Eating habits
Change your eating habits as fast as you can. Consult a dietician if necessary. They can guide you through your everyday eating regime so that you do not have to struggle with deciding what foods are best for you. - Type of diabetes
If in case you happen to have type 1 diabetes and your blood sugar levels are always high, you need to make sure that do not have ketones. In case you have them, do not even think about exercising. If you have type 2 diabetes and your blood sugar levels keep on increasing, you need to be well hydrated and again, check for ketones. You need to consult a doctor and wait for him/her to give you the go-ahead to continue the exercise.
Diabetes is very common these days, however; it can be very harmful to many, even fatal at times. Therefore, you need to make sure that you are aware of your food intake and physical activity. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will help you be away from a galore of diseases. If you see a constant spike or shift in these levels, consult your doctor. Try not to keep switching doctors and medications. You need to be patient for your treatment to work properly. However, if in case you need a second opinion regarding a diagnosis you feel is doubtful to you, you can always go ahead and get another doctor’s opinion on the same problem.
