The blood sugar level

Blood sugar refers to the glucose content in the blood. It fluctuates throughout the day and is influenced by the food we eat. Glucose is also an important source of energy for the body. Regulating blood sugar levels plays a key role in human health, but certain lifestyle habits and/or medical conditions can cause blood sugar levels to become too low or too high. In this blog article, we give you an overview of what blood sugar levels are, how they are measured, and why it is important to monitor them. We also explain the reference ranges for blood sugar levels and how to proceed if your blood sugar level falls outside the normal range. Read on to learn more about blood sugar levels.

Table of Contents

• What are blood sugar levels?
• Who should measure their blood sugar level?
• How is blood sugar measured?
• What blood sugar level indicates diabetes?
• What is a healthy blood sugar level?
• What should you do if your blood sugar level is high?
• What should you do if your blood sugar level is low?
• How can you control your blood sugar levels?
• Summary

What are blood sugar levels?

Blood sugar level refers to the concentration of glucose (sugar) in the blood. Your blood sugar level changes throughout the day, depending on what you eat and drink. Blood sugar ensures the supply of energy to your cells, which is why blood sugar must not drop too low. A low blood sugar level is also referred to as hypoglycaemia. Low blood sugar leads to hunger, dizziness, fatigue, and sweating. Shock and seizures may also occur. Conversely, a blood sugar level that is too high (hyperglycaemia) can, over time, damage blood vessels and cause health problems such as diabetes, kidney disease, or heart disease (CDC, 2022).

Who should measure their blood sugar level?

People with diabetes

If you have diabetes, it is necessary to regularly check your blood sugar level. Diabetes is a condition in which there is too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. This may occur, for example, when the body does not produce insulin or cannot use it properly (CDC, 2022). Insulin is a hormone that transports glucose in the blood into the body’s cells for energy. If not enough insulin is produced, or if insulin resistance is present, glucose accumulates in the blood, causing blood sugar levels to rise. There are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body does not produce insulin. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin for life to regulate their blood sugar. This is done either through injections or an insulin pump. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in younger people but can also be diagnosed in adults.

Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use it properly. Unlike type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes can be treated without insulin by making lifestyle changes, such as weight loss, a healthy diet, and more physical activity.

People without diabetes

Diabetes can develop gradually and is often only noticed when serious symptoms occur. Therefore, even people who are not diagnosed with diabetes but may be at risk should regularly monitor their blood sugar levels. This helps to detect abnormalities or disorders early (CDC, 2022). Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include:

• Overweight

• Prediabetes

• Age over 45

• A parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes

• Gestational diabetes

• Low physical activity

• Belonging to certain ethnic groups, including: Black, Turkish, South Asian, or Moroccan. Certain ethnic groups are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes at a younger age.
  Source: Thuisarts, 2021, CDC, 2022

While type 1 diabetes is not curable, type 2 diabetes can be prevented. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy body weight can improve the body's sensitivity to insulin. It is also important to detect slightly elevated blood sugar levels at an early stage (prediabetes) before diabetes develops. Measuring blood sugar levels in non-diabetics can help diagnose diabetes before noticeable symptoms occur and enable treatment before complications arise.

How is blood sugar measured?

Various types of blood sugar tests are available for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes. For people with diabetes, it is important to regularly measure their blood sugar to ensure their diabetes is well managed.

Self-monitoring of blood sugar

Depending on the type of diabetes and treatment plan, people with diabetes may need to measure their blood sugar several times a day. Self-monitoring helps individuals understand how their body responds to food, exercise, and medication and allows them to keep their blood sugar within a healthy range. Blood sugar can be measured with a glucose meter that uses a small drop of blood, usually from the fingertip. A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) can also be used. CGMs are devices worn on the skin that continuously monitor blood sugar levels without the need for finger pricks (CDC, 2022).

Fasting blood sugar test

A fasting blood sugar test can be used to diagnose diabetes and is usually done after fasting for 8 to 12 hours (except water). This typically occurs overnight (Cleveland Clinic, 2021). The test is conducted by a healthcare provider and involves drawing a blood sample from the fingertip or a vein. A fasting blood sugar level of 7.0 mmol/l (126 ng/dl) or higher indicates diabetes. A value between 6.1 and 6.9 mmol/l suggests prediabetes (Mayo Clinic, 2022).

Glucose tolerance test

A glucose tolerance test assesses whether the body can process glucose normally. Blood sugar levels are measured before and after drinking a glucose-rich beverage. This test can diagnose diabetes or gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy). Blood sugar is measured in a fasting state (after fasting for 8–12 hours), followed by another measurement 1, 2, or 3 hours after drinking the glucose solution (Mayo Clinic, 2023). The threshold for diabetes in this test depends on the time of measurement and whether the patient is pregnant.

Random blood sugar test (non-fasting)

This test measures your blood sugar at the time of testing and can also be used to diagnose diabetes. You do not need to fast before this test. A non-fasting blood sugar value above 11 mmol/l (200 ng/dl) may indicate diabetes (Mayo Clinic, 2023).

HbA1c test

HbA1c levels are used to determine the average blood sugar over the past 2–3 months. This test can be used to diagnose and monitor people with diabetes. HbA1c stands for glycated haemoglobin, meaning haemoglobin that is coated with glucose. HbA1c forms when glucose attaches to red blood cells in your body. The more glucose present, the more sugar binds to haemoglobin.

This bond only dissolves when the red blood cells, which live for about 3 months, die. The test result reveals whether your average blood sugar level over the last 3 months is within or outside reference values. An HbA1c level above 7.0% may indicate diabetes. For people with diabetes, the HbA1c target is generally 7%, but this can depend on factors such as age. Your doctor will help you determine a personal HbA1c target (CDC, 2022).

With Homed-IQ’s blood sugar test, you can also determine your HbA1c level at home. This test involves taking a blood sample from your finger and sending it to a lab for analysis.

What blood sugar level indicates diabetes?

The blood sugar level that indicates diabetes depends on the type of test performed. A fasting blood sugar level of 7 mmol/l (126 ng/dl) or higher or a random blood sugar level of 11.1 mmol/l (200 ng/dl) or higher may indicate diabetes. An HbA1c level over 7% may also suggest diabetes.

Usually, more than one test is needed to diagnose diabetes. If you suspect that you may have diabetes, contact your doctor for advice and further testing.

What does mmol/l and ng/ml mean?

Mmol/l stands for millimoles per litre and is a unit used to express the concentration of substances in a given amount of liquid. Depending on the country, either mmol/l or mg/dl (milligrams per decilitre) is used to express blood sugar levels. For example, a blood sugar level of 5 mmol/l means that there are 5 millimoles of glucose per litre of blood, or 90 milligrams per decilitre.

What is a healthy blood sugar level?

A healthy blood sugar level (for a non-diabetic) is generally below 5.6 mmol/l when fasting and below 7.8 mmol/l 1.5 to 2 hours after a meal (Mayo Clinic, 2022). The thresholds for diagnosing diabetes may vary, and test results should be interpreted by a doctor. A high blood sugar level (hyperglycaemia) can be a sign of diabetes.

What should you do if your blood sugar level is high?

If you have diabetes, it is important to prevent your blood sugar level from rising too much. You can do the following:

• Contact your doctor: They can advise you on how to manage your blood sugar over time and adjust your insulin dose if necessary.

• Monitor your blood sugar: Check your levels regularly and discuss changes with your doctor.

• Take diabetes medication as prescribed: Make sure to follow the instructions given by your doctor or care team.

• Drink enough fluids (sugar-free): Dehydration can lead to high blood sugar.

• Reduce intake of sugary or starchy foods: These foods are high in carbohydrates, which can quickly raise blood sugar.

• Exercise regularly: Aim to be active for at least 30 minutes a day. Strength and endurance training should be part of your routine.
  Source: NHS, 2023

Keep in mind that a high blood sugar level over time can damage organs and tissues. If your blood sugar is too high, you should consult your doctor and discuss how to best manage it. Some people can control their blood sugar through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, while others may need medication to maintain a healthy level.

What should you do if your blood sugar level is low?

Hypoglycaemia occurs when your blood sugar level drops too low. This mainly affects people with diabetes who take insulin. Low blood sugar can be dangerous and requires immediate action to raise it. Here are a few steps you can take:

• Eat or drink fast-acting carbohydrates: These include sugar, honey, glucose tablets, juice, candy, or soda (not diet).

• Monitor blood sugar: Check your level 10 minutes after consuming fast-acting carbohydrates. If there is no change, take more and check again after 10–15 minutes.

• Eat a snack or meal: Once your blood sugar returns to normal, eat a meal or snack containing slowly released carbohydrates (e.g., whole grain bread with cheese) to prevent another drop.

• Talk to your doctor: If you have a very low blood sugar or frequent episodes, speak to your doctor. They may need to adjust your treatment plan.
  Source: NHS, 2020

How can you control your blood sugar levels?

Maintaining a normal blood sugar level is important to prevent type 2 diabetes and to ensure that people with diabetes keep their levels stable. Tips for controlling blood sugar levels include:

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and protein.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Exercise regularly.

• Avoid stress.

• Check your blood sugar levels regularly.

• Eat at regular times and do not skip meals.

• Avoid alcohol, juice, and soda.
  Source: CDC, 2022

If you have diabetes, it is important to work closely with your doctor to regulate your blood sugar. This can help prevent complications in the future and allow you to live a healthy and active life.

Summary

In summary, blood sugar indicates how much glucose is present in our blood and is an important indicator of health. Blood sugar can be measured in different ways, and testing can help diagnose diabetes or ensure it is well managed. A healthy blood sugar level can be achieved through a balanced diet, regular physical activity, continuous monitoring, and correct use of diabetes medications.

Would you like to measure your average blood sugar (HbA1c) from home? Try the blood sugar test from Homed-IQ.