Diabetes - an overview
Diabetes can affect how a body uses blood sugar or blood glucose as a source of energy. Glucose is an important energy source for the cells in the body that make up the muscles and tissues. It is also the primary source of fuel for the brain.
There are several causes of Diabetes based on their type. Irrespective of the type of Diabetes a person has, it can lead to excess blood sugar in the body.
Excess blood sugar levels in the body can lead to chronic health conditions.
Types of Diabetes
Diabetes can be classified into various types.
- Type one Diabetes is when the body stops producing insulin.
- Type two Diabetes is when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin and the cells do not use the required insulin effectively.
- Pre-diabetes is when the blood glucose levels are slightly elevated above the normal
- Gestational Diabetes is when a person develops Diabetes during the second or third trimester of pregnancy.
Symptoms of Diabetes
Depending on the type of Diabetes a person has, they can exhibit a few symptoms like
- Feeling more thirsty
- Frequent urination
- Quick or unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Mood changes
- Blurry vision and
- Frequent infections
How do you check for blood sugar levels?
A small blood sample is required to check the blood sugar level in the body. Leveraging the help of a monitor, anyone can check their blood glucose level.
A blood glucose monitor uses a needle to pick a finger and draw a small amount of blood that is later put on the testing strips.
When the strip with the blood is inserted into a monitor, it measures the level of the glucose and displays a number.
When should a person check their blood sugar level?
How often a person checks their blood glucose level depends on the type of Diabetes they have.
Some of the typical times a person can check blood glucose level include.
- As soon as they wake up
- Before they eat or drink
- Two hours after a meal
- Just before bedtime
What is the target blood sugar level for adults with Diabetes?
A blood sugar target ranges from 80 to 130 mg per decilitre before a meal and 180 mg per decilitre two hours after a meal.
The ADA recommends specific guidelines for people to be screened for Diabetes, which are as follows.
People who are 20+ years of age
People who are older are advised to get an initial blood sugar screening and get tested frequently to know and maintain the optimal blood glucose level in the body.
The expected normal blood sugar level for people with Diabetes is similar to the figure mentioned above.
Fasting blood sugar test
A blood sample is taken only after a person doesn't consume any food the night before the test. The period of fasting is around 8 hours a day. Fasting blood sugar level should be less than 100 mg/dl to be considered normal. Blood sugar level ranging from 100 to 125 mg/dl indicates Diabetes. A number above 126 mg/dl suggests the person has Diabetes.
Before meal
This blood test requires a person not eating for a particular period of time. This will show the average blood sugar level for the past few months.
Usually, before a meal, the blood sugar level of a person is expected to be in the range of 80 to 130 mg/dL.
One hour after eating
The food can contain sugar that can shoot up the blood glucose level in the body. Even though there are various factors to consider after consuming a meal, the blood glucose level should be less than 180 mg/dL.
The blood samples can be taken after an hour or two post-meals.
Bedtime
A person is expected not to consume any food just before bedtime, and the blood glucose level of a person should lie between 100 to 140 mg/dL.
Diagnosing average blood glucose level
As mentioned above, with the help of a blood sugar monitor, a person can get their blood glucose level; however, a doctor can suggest other tests for blood sugar levels in the body.
Fasting plasma glucose
A blood sample will be taken during this test after a person completes a fast. It is done to know the average blood sugar level in the body.
Oral glucose tolerance test
When a person undergoes this test, they are expected to fast overnight. The fasting blood glucose level is measured. Later a person is asked to drink a sugary liquid, and a blood glucose level is tested regularly for the next couple of hours.
Random check
During a random blood sugar test, a blood sample will be taken at any time, irrespective of the meals consumed.
Visiting a doctor
It is essential to maintain an optimal blood sugar level in the body, depending on the type of Diabetes and how severe a person exhibits the symptoms, treatment and medications are prescribed during a visit to a doctor.
A doctor can suggest various treatments and medications to deal with multiple types of Diabetes. They can also prescribe lifestyle changes, including healthy eating and being more active.
To sum up
It is essential to keep the blood sugar level in our body within the target range as much as possible to help prevent chronic health problems like heart disease, kidney failure and vision loss.
Various diagnostic methods check the blood sugar level in the body. Healthy lifestyle practices are advised to manage blood sugar levels.
