Blood glucose level and blood sugar concentration are the scientific terms used for defining the amount of sugar (or glucose) present in the blood of a human. The entire range of the human blood glucose level is divided into two turfs: the normal blood sugar range and abnormal blood sugar range. The abnormal blood sugar range is further classified into high and low blood sugar levels. The human body regulates blood glucose levels as part of the metabolic homeostasis.

Glucose is the most important source of energy that is available for body cells. Blood lipids, which occur in the form of fats and oils, act as a compact energy store for the human body. Insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, plays an important role in regulating the consumption of glucose by the body cells. The body cells receive glucose via the bloodstream, which is transported from the liver or intestines. After every meal, the blood glucose level increase by a few millimoles.

While higher blood sugar levels are called hyperglycemia, relatively low levels of blood sugar are known as hypoglycemia. Several factors contribute to result in an abnormality in the otherwise normal blood sugar range.

Normal blood glucose range
The blood sugar level range of 4.4 and 6.1 mmol/L (79.2 to 110 mg/dL) is considered the average normal blood sugar range in a person. Several factors affect the human blood sugar level. While the normal fasting blood glucose level for non-diabetics is 3.9 to 5.5 mmol/L(70 to 100 mg/dL), 5.5 mmol/L (100 mg/dL) is considered the mean normal blood sugar level in humans. American Diabetes standards suggest 5 to 7.2 mmol/L (90-130 mg/dL) to be the target range for diabetics pre-meal and not more than 10 mmol/L (180 mg/dL) after meals.
Human blood glucose levels tend to remain in the normal blood sugar range, despite occasional consumption of meals with a significant amount of carbohydrates. The actual glucose amount in the body is considerably minute. This is partly because enzymes transform glucose into other compounds by adding phosphate or other groups for maintaining an influx of glucose into body cells.

Abnormal blood glucose range
High – Blood glucose levels greater than the normal blood sugar range is known as high blood sugar. Augmented blood sugar levels often result in a decreased appetite. Long-term hyperglycemia is responsible for causing chronic health conditions such as increased risk of heart disease and nerve damage. Diabetes often causes hyperglycemia. Diet change and exercise along with medication are used to deal with such a medical condition. Metformin is the most widely accepted drug for diabetes.
In several people, fasting blood glucose levels might be even higher than post-meal blood sugar levels. This condition is termed as physiological insulin resistance, and people with this condition might develop diabetes mellitus over time.

Low – Hypoglycemia is the condition of having lesser sugar glucose levels than the normal blood sugar range. The condition is accompanied by several symptoms, including sweating, lethargy, impaired mental functioning, weakened arm and leg muscles, shaking, twitching, and pale complexion. Typically, extreme hypoglycemic patients have blood sugar levels less than 40 mg/dL that can produce fatal consequences if not dealt with or controlled quickly. Hypoglycemia is considered to be far dangerous than hyperglycemia. Organs that are metabolically active, such as the liver and brain, are the most vulnerable organs during hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is often found in people with diabetes undergoing insulin or some other pharmacological treatment during starvation, severe malnutrition, malabsorption, and conditions such as anorexia.
Hypoglycemic episodes vary in severity and rapidness from person to person and from time to time. In case immediate medical assistance is not available during such an episode, permanent brain damage can occur as a direct effect.

Tips for maintaining a normal blood sugar range
Some basic changes in one’s lifestyle and diet can aid in keeping blood sugar in the normal blood sugar range. Some effective tips are as follows.

• Add nuts to your diet plan.
• Eat whole grains such as barley and rye.
• Consume starch-free vegetables such as broccoli and carrots.
• Use cinnamon while preparing food.
• Have one teaspoon of vinegar with each meal.
• Do not skip meals.
• Avoid boozing on an empty stomach.

Abnormal sugar levels have become a global health concern. This health condition is mainly the outcome of the modern, hectic lifestyle. Try to avoid activities that contribute toward an unhealthy condition. Ensure a healthy diet and regular exercise to stay away from chronic health concern.