Blood glucose level.
During digestion, food breaks down to amino
acids, carbohydrates  and
fatty acids. These three categories of nutrients
are the only ones with caloric value, since
they can be metabolized and provide energy or be used for tissue development and body
growth. Other extremely important substances obtained from dietary sources are vitamins,
electrolytes and other trace minerals. In general, the latest group of nutrients
interferes with and promotes biochemical reactions and along with water contributes to
bodily functions and maintains good health.
Regardless whether we eat simple or complex sugars, all of them are broken to their
simplest form and this is glucose. We know that diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which glucose cannot
be used properly. Glucose is stored within the body for future use in a form which is
referred to as glycogen. As soon as there is a need and it is produced, glucose is
released into the blood stream, in order to be readily available to cells. Glucose is
used as fuel for the production of energy which is necessary for all bodily
functions.
How is blood sugar level controlled?
Blood glucose levels are regulated by glucagon and insulin which are both very important hormones manufactured in
pancreas. Glucagon and insulin are produced in the alpha and beta pancreatic cells of the
islets of Langerhans respectively. As soon as blood glucose level drops, glucagon is
secreted and triggers the production of glucose. After the proper blood glucose level is
reached, the release of glucagon stops and the produced insulin starts facilitating the
consumption of glucose within the cells. This biological cycle starts again as soon as
the levels of insulin and glucose in the blood stream drop.
Maintenance of the glucose blood level within the normal range is extremely important.
Otherwise, hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia may occur. The primary is a
typical diabetic state and in a long term involves the risk for numerous and serious complications. The latest may lead to a severe
emergency and if untreated, can be fatal.
How blood glucose levels are measured?
Glucose levels can be measured in plasma, serum or total blood. In order to make thinks
simpler, we will give some figures, regarding the latest way of measurement which is the
most common. Blood glucose measurements
are given in mmol/L (millimoles/liter) or mg/dL (milligrams/deciliter), depending on the
country you live. In the USA and many European countries the latest system is used. In
the UK and other countries the metric system is followed. If you want to convert from
mg/L to mmol/L, divide by 18. If you want to go the other way around, multiply by the
same figure. For one more time we will try to keep thing simple. Thus, we will use only
the mg/L system on this site.
Healthy blood glucose levels.
Blood glucose levels are not the same all around the day. They depend on the quantity
and the quality of the meals, how long we have been fasting, the physical activity we do
within a particular period of time and the resting period we have. We have to bear in
mind that improper use of diabetes medications may
result in very abnormal blood glucose levels and consequently to increase the risk for
complications.
For most of the people, the target blood sugar levels are 80 -99mg/dL before meals,
130mg/dL or less two hours after meals and 100 - 139mg/dL at bedtime.
If your medical or family history includes risk
factors for diabetes, your blood glucose levels must be monitored frequently,
according to you doctor’s advice. If you suffer from diabetes, keeping blood glucose under control is undoubtedly the
main pillar for your treatment. The faster you
realize that the easier you will manage the desease and avoid complications.
How can I maintain blood sugar in proper levels?
The only thing you have to do is to take some steps towards a
methodical daily routine. In any case, we have to remember one thing; glucose blood level
increases, after we have a meal and drops, when we perform a physical activity. As a
matter of fact this simple principle dictates the measures like the ones described
below.
 Follow a well scheduled daily
exercise plan. Do your gardening, walk, swimming,
house work or any other physical activity at
the same time each day. Do not overdo while exercising. Increase the level of difficulty
and the duration of training sessions gradually and very slowly. If you are not sure how
to do this, ask for a specialist’s advice.
Avoid to eat two or three big
meals per day. You can take the same amount of food by having five or six equal meals in
caloric and nutritional value instead. This method will prevent any dramatic glucose
fluctuations in the bloodstream.
Do not avoid carbohydrates.
Just eat them in moderation,  keep the daily intake steady and
have them more or less at the same time of the day.
Keep on taking your
medications faithfully. Before taking any chromium picolinate, biotin or vanadyl sulfate food supplements
consult your doctor. Do the same before trying any other alternative remedy for diabetes.
In general, we have to bear in mind that diet, medication and regular aerobic exercise
are the most important key factors when it comes to diabetes treatment and blood glucose management.
You can also check the Hypoglycemia Treatment and
Prevention page for more information.
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