When is my blood sugar too high, too low or normal?

Glucose, also known as blood sugar, is an important fuel for your body that is absorbed from your blood. But why is your blood sugar so important? And what happens if your body does not absorb glucose properly from your blood? And how do you know if your blood glucose is too high, too low, or normal?

Why does your body need glucose? Your body needs energy to function throughout the day. Your body gets this energy from glucose, a type of sugar that it takes in with food. Your body converts all carbohydrates, such as pasta and potatoes, into glucose. This conversion takes place in your stomach and intestines. The glucose is then delivered to all your cells through the bloodstream. The hormone insulin then converts the glucose into energy in the cells. All of your organs and muscles need glucose to function properly. But do not be fooled: Too much or too little glucose in your body is bad! That's why it's important for your body to maintain proper glucose balance, also known as blood sugar levels.

Blood glucose levels rise after a meal that contains carbohydrates. Insulin then makes sure your cells absorb the glucose (blood sugar). This rebalances your blood sugar levels and makes your body feel energetic and fit.

When you have measured, the blood glucose meter will display a number. This is given in mmol/l. It indicates how high the glucose level is in your blood. If the reading is below 6.1 and you have been fasting (i.e., have not eaten for 8 hours beforehand), you do not have diabetes and your blood glucose level is normal. If the reading is above 6.9, there is a good chance you have diabetes and the reading is too high. Anything in between means you are in the preliminary stages of diabetes.

Now, you may also measure blood glucose two hours after you have eaten something. Then you are not fasting and the glucose concentration in your blood is at its highest. Do not be alarmed if you notice a higher glucose reading. If your meter reads below 7.8, you do not have diabetes and your blood glucose level is normal. If you get a reading above 11. Then there is a good chance you have diabetes. Your sugar level is too high. Anything in between is difficult to judge.

Can my blood sugar be too low? A high blood sugar level is undesirable and can lead to hyperglycemia, but it is also possible to have a low blood sugar level, a hypoglycemia. A blood glucose level of less than 4.0 is considered dangerously low. You will know soon enough if you have tremors, sweating, palpitations, migraines or dizziness. Make sure you eat something sugary right away. Or have you noticed that your blood sugar levels are unusually high? If so, you should make an appointment with your doctor. The doctor can determine if you have diabetes through an examination.