Essential things to know about diabetes management

Diabetes, at the moment, is one of the most common health concerns in the country, and managing it can be quite a challenge. Therefore, every adult, especially the ones over 35 years, should monitor their health closely. Apart from adopting positive lifestyle habits, one should also get a comprehensive check-up to ensure that their blood sugar levels are within the normal range. Read further to know more about blood sugar charts, AC1 levels, and some self-management tips.

What are the different glucose ranges in a blood sugar chart?
A blood sugar chart can be used as a reference guide so that patients can keep an eye on their blood sugar levels. The different ranges mentioned in the blood sugar chart are determined with the help of plasma glucose tests. Here are the standard ranges:

• Below 70 mg/dL (3.8 mmol) – In the blood sugar chart, this level signifies hypoglycemia, a condition where one’s blood sugar is abnormally low. As the blood sugar drops, one experiences symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, lightheadedness, confusion, nervousness, weakness, and hunger.
• Between 70 mg/dL to 140 mg/dL (3.8 mmol to 7.7 mmol) – These levels indicate normal glucose range in a blood sugar chart.
• Between 140 mg/dL to 180 mg/dL (7.7 mmol to 10 mmol) – Known as elevated glucose range, this level in the blood sugar chart doesn’t exactly imply that a person has hyperglycemia, it’s more like a pre-diabetes range. However, having an elevated blood sugar level amplifies the risk of diabetes.
• Above 180 mg/dL (over 10 mmol) – When the sugar levels cross this limit, the patient develops hyperglycemia. In this condition, the kidney can’t absorb the sugar and expels it via urine. This condition happens when insulin, a hormone responsible for breaking down glucose, is not adequately supplied by the pancreas. There could be multiple causes for this inefficiency of the pancreas such as an injury, illness, or bad lifestyle habits.

Even if one has normal blood sugar levels, they should keep an eye on their sugar levels by getting an annual health check-up.

What is the AC1 test and why it is used?
Unlike the plasma glucose tests which are influenced by factors such as diet, exercise, and stress, the Hemoglobin A1C test takes a different approach. It isn’t affected by the abovementioned elements. The AC1 test offers a good overview of how the patient has managed their diabetes over the period of 2 or 3 months. Primarily it is used for –

• Detecting the condition of prediabetes or diabetes
• Managing diabetes and preventing additional health complications in the long run

According to the AC1 test chart, the normal blood sugar range should be under 5.7%. If it is –

• Between 5.7% and 6.4%, it is a sign of prediabetes, i.e., elevated blood sugar
• Above 6.5%, then it indicates the onset of diabetes

Why is it crucial to maintain normal blood sugar levels?
Having high or low blood sugar levels for a prolonged period can cause diabetes. Diabetes, especially, hyperglycemia can dramatically increase the risk of numerous chronic diseases. Therefore, it is essential that both diabetics and non-diabetics keep a track on their blood sugar. Some common health conditions that could be triggered by diabetes are –

• Cardiovascular disorders
• Eye diseases
• Stroke
• Teeth and gum problems
• Severe kidney malfunctions
• Nerve disorders

What measures can one take to maintain normal blood sugar levels?
Apart from getting the appropriate medical care, individuals diagnosed with diabetes should embrace self-management measures. Pursuing a healthy lifestyle can improve the quality of one’s life and inhibit the onset of certain chronic diseases.

• Consume a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. One should ration their carbohydrate intake as it is converted into sugar by the body. Moreover, one should exclude processed foods, refined sugars, and saturated or trans-fat from their food plan.
• For the body to process sugar well, one should take an active approach and exercise daily. Working out for just 30 minutes a day can lower stress and reduce the prospect of cardiovascular diseases, one of the primary risks that come with diabetes.
• Smoking and alcohol can negatively impact the progress of diabetes treatment. Therefore, one should practice abstinence from these habits as they can increase the risk of stroke, kidney disease, eye disorders, heart disorders and nerve damage.

Tags – normal blood sugar ranges chart, normal blood sugar level, blood sugar level normal range