Diabetes is a serious medical condition that requires careful monitoring of blood sugar levels. It is important to keep blood sugar levels within the target range as much as possible to help prevent or delay long-term health problems, such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease. The optimal blood sugar level for diabetes can vary depending on the individual, but it is generally accepted that a fasting blood sugar level of less than 100 mg/dL is considered normal. The most common way to measure blood sugar levels is with a fasting glucose test.
This measures your blood sugar level after an overnight fast (not eating). The OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test) is a two-hour test that measures blood glucose levels before and two hours after drinking a special sweet drink. If your blood sugar levels are too low, it is best treated with carbohydrates that can be quickly absorbed by the body, such as fruit juice or glucose tablets. Regular aerobic exercise and strength training exercises at least two days a week can help control blood sugar more effectively than doing any type of exercise alone.
If your blood sugar levels are too high, insulin cannot be given orally to lower it because enzymes in the stomach interfere with the action of insulin. For some people with prediabetes, early treatment can bring blood glucose levels back to normal. Treatment for type 1 diabetes includes insulin injections or the use of an insulin pump, frequent blood sugar checks, and carbohydrate counting. Use a blood sugar meter (also called a glucometer) or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to monitor your blood sugar level.
Carbohydrates in foods cause your blood sugar levels to rise after you eat them than when you eat protein or fat. If the blood sugar level falls below the target range, it is known as low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). If you use a CGM, you'll still need to take a daily test with a blood sugar meter to make sure that the CGM readings are accurate. If you have prediabetes, choosing a healthy lifestyle can help bring your blood sugar level back to normal.
It can be adjusted to deliver more or less insulin depending on meals, activity level, and blood sugar level. Others prevent the production and release of glucose from the liver, meaning that less insulin is needed to get sugar to cells. Low blood sugar also occurs if you give too much insulin or too much of a glucose-lowering medication that causes the pancreas to retain insulin.It's important for people with diabetes to understand their ideal blood glucose levels, as well as how to monitor and manage them. If your blood sugar levels aren't high enough to put you or your child at immediate risk, you may be referred to a provider who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes (endocrinologist).
With proper management and lifestyle changes, people with diabetes can live long and healthy lives.
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