Diabetes is commonly known as “sugar” in some countries (Pakistan, India etc). It is a chronic (long-lasting) medical condition in which your blood sugar is too high. Blood sugar is major source of energy for body cells. Insulin controls the transfer of blood sugar from blood streams to body cells and keeps the level of blood sugar in blood in normal range. In diabetes, human body either doesn’t make required amount of insulin or can’t effectively use the insulin it makes which causes high sugar level in blood.
Blood Sugar Ranges
The values for normal fasting blood glucose concentration are between 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) and 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L). When fasting blood glucose is between 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L), health experts recommend changes in lifestyle. If fasting blood glucose is 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher on two separate tests, diabetes is diagnosed. This situation of Increased fasting blood glucose concentration is known as hyperglycemia. The condition in which an individual has low fasting blood glucose concentration – below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L), is called hypoglycemia. (Ref: WHO)
Measuring Blood Sugar
Measuring blood sugar, also known as blood glucose, is an essential part of managing diabetes and monitoring your overall health. There are several ways we can measure our blood sugar levels which are described below:
- Blood Glucose Meter (Glucometer):
- This is the most common method for monitoring blood sugar levels.
- You’ll need a small device called a glucometer, test strips, and a lancet device to prick your finger.
- Method
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water, then dry them thoroughly.
- Insert a test strip into the meter.
- Prick the side of your fingertip with the lancet to obtain a drop of blood.
- Apply the blood drop to the test strip.
- The meter will display your blood sugar level within seconds.
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM):
- A CGM system consists of a small sensor inserted under the skin that measures glucose levels continuously.
- Data is sent to a receiver or a smartphone app, which displays real-time glucose levels and trends.
- CGM devices are useful for people who require frequent monitoring, such as those with type 1 diabetes.
- Laboratory Blood Tests:
- These tests are typically done in a healthcare setting, such as a clinic or hospital.
- A healthcare provider will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm.
- The sample is sent to a laboratory, where it’s analyzed to determine your blood glucose level.
- This method is accurate and is often used for diagnosing diabetes and monitoring long-term control.
- Urine Test Strips:
- You dip a test strip into a urine sample, and it changes color based on the glucose concentration in the urine.
- This method is not as accurate as other methods of checking blood sugar.
- Flash Glucose Monitoring:
- This is a newer type of glucose monitoring system.
- A small sensor is attached to the skin, usually on the back of the upper arm.
- A smartphone app or a reader can be used to scan the sensor to know the sugar levels.
A regular monitoring of blood sugar levels and using insulin according to healthcare experts is always recommended. It is also recommended to maintain a log of your blood sugar readings to help the health experts to make informed decisions for your treatment.
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