Diabetes blood sugar levels usually need to checked several times a day to be sure that blood glucose is not elevated (hyperglycemia) or to low (hypoglycemia). In order to understand why patients with diabetes need to check blood sugar, it is important to understand the disease.
There are three types of diabetes mellitus. Type 1 diabetes, also called juvenile onset or insulin dependent diabetes, occurs when the pancreas organ does not produce an adequate amount of insulin to metabolize blood glucose. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows the muscle and fat cells in the body to absorb and burn blood glucose.
Type 2 diabetes, also called adult onset or insulin resistant diabetes, occurs when the body becomes resistant to the insulin that the pancreas produces. Although the cause of type 2 diabetes is different from type 1, the results are the same. The body becomes unable to properly metabolize blood glucose.
Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women who have not previously had diabetes. This condition is typically screened for at around 24 weeks of pregnancy. This condition can occur because the body is not producing enough insulin or because the cells become resistant to insulin. This condition needs to be treated during pregnancy, but generally resolves itself after delivery.
Blood sugar levels are typically tested three ways. Fasting blood sugar is tested after going approximately 12 hours without any food, and a level under 100 is normal for people without diabetes. Blood sugar levels are also tested about 2 hours after eating, and a level under 140 is normal for people without diabetes. The other normal blood sugar measurement is hemoglobin A1c. The A1c test allows the doctor to get an average blood sugar reading, and a level under 6 percent is normal for people without diabetes.
Pre Diabetes Blood Sugar Levels
Pre diabetes blood glucose levels are a bit elevated from what is considered normal without diabetes. Pre diabetes risk factors include obesity or overweight, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or gestational diabetes during pregnancy.
If you are pre diabetic, it is important to start making lifestyle changes now to avoid getting diabetes. It is possible to prevent diabetes if you discover that you are pre diabetic. According to the American Diabetes Association, pre diabetes levels are fasting glucose between 100 and 125, a 2 hour glucose between 140 and 199, and an A1c between 5.7 and 6.4 percent.
Diabetes Normal Blood Sugar Levels
Diabetes blood glucose levels are normally elevated. Treatment allows patients with diabetes to keep blood sugar within normal levels. Treatment varies depending on the type and severity of the diabetes.
Patients with newly diagnosed or untreated diabetes typically have elevated blood sugar levels. In order to be diagnosed with diabetes the fasting glucose level is above 125, with a 2 hour glucose above 200, and an A1c above 6.5 percent.
Continually having elevated blood sugar levels, without treatment, can lead to devastating health ramifications. If you have diabetes and are unable to keep your blood sugar within normal limits, contact your physician immediately to discuss alternative treatment options.
Gestational Diabetes Blood Sugar Levels
Normal blood sugar levels for gestational diabetes are important to understand. Patients who suffer from gestational diabetes need to control the condition well, as the health ramifications can affect both mother and infant.
Gestational diabetes blood glucose levels are measured using the oral glucose tolerance test around the 24th week of pregnancy. Your physician will discuss normal ranges for you. If you are told you are suffering from gestational diabetes, it is important to follow your specified treatment plan to protect yourself and the baby.
As previously stated, most of the time this condition resolves itself after pregnancy. However, it is important for you to know that you are at higher risk for gestational diabetes with subsequent pregnancies. You are also at higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Thus, it is important for you to follow your physician’s recommendations regarding testing for this condition throughout your lifetime.
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