Understanding Blood Sugar Levels: Normal Range and Symptoms


A blood glucose test is a blood test that screens for diabetes by measuring the level of sugar in the blood. You would need a blood sugar test if your healthcare provider has ordered routine bloodwork and your full body health checkup, which might include a glucose blood test. Other reasons include having symptoms of high or low blood sugar levels, which could indicate diabetes. 

The most common use of blood sugar tests is to screen for type 2 diabetes, a common disease. It is important to monitor the blood sugar levels regularly, especially if you have the risk factors for diabetes, such as being overweight or having a family history of the disease. Let’s look at what the normal glucose level is and what high and low glucose levels mean.

What is a Normal Glucose Level?

A healthy blood glucose level with fasting is 70 to 99 mg/dL (3.9 to 5.5 mmol/L). A healthcare professional may provide a diagnosis of prediabetes if you have the following test results: 

  • Fasting: 100 to 125 mg/dL
  • 2 hours after eating: 140 to 199 mg/dL

What Does a High Blood Glucose Level Mean?

If your fasting glucose level is 100 to 125 mg/dL it usually means you have prediabetes. People with prediabetes have 50% chance of developing Type 2 diabetes over the next 5 to 10 years. 

If the fasting blood glucose level is 126 mg/dL or higher, it usually means you have diabetes. In both of these cases, the doctor will order a glycated hemoglobin test before diagnosing prediabetes and diabetes.

Symptoms of high blood sugar include: 

  • Feeling thirsty 
  • Frequent urination
  • Fatigue
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Blurred vision 
  • Feeling very hungry 

What Does a Low Blood Glucose Level Mean?

A blood sugar level of 70mg/dL or lower means you have hypoglycemia. It is common in people with Type 1 diabetes and people with Type 2 diabetes who take certain medications. 

  • Symptoms of low blood sugar include: 
  • Shaking or trembling
  • Sweating and chills
  • Dizziness
  • Faster heart rate
  • Anxiousness
  • Intense hunger

Knowing the blood sugar test cost ensures timely diagnosis and treatment. It is important to maintain normal glucose levels for overall health and preventing diabetes. Regular blood sugar tests help in early detection, allowing for timely medical intervention.

Understanding the normal, high, and low glucose levels can help individuals take necessary precautions, such as lifestyle modifications, diet changes, and medication if required.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Laboratory Testing in India: What You Need to Know?

Top Reasons Why a Regular Full Body Check-Up Is Crucial

D-Dimer Test: Everything You Need to Know