Normal Glucose Levels: What's the Ideal Number?

When you have blood glucose levels that are either too high or too low, it can be dangerous to your health. Optimal blood glucose levels are somewhere in the middle, and you can reach them by following these normal glucose level guidelines.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, occurs when a person has a level of sugar (glucose) in their bloodstream that is lower than normal. The body uses glucose for energy and to maintain proper brain function. Low blood sugar can occur if someone does not eat for long periods of time or consumes only foods high in sugars (carbohydrates). As a result, low blood sugar may cause dizziness, headaches, confusion, lack of coordination, slurred speech, numbness around the mouth and throat area, blurred vision and shakiness. In more severe cases it can lead to seizures, loss of consciousness and even death.

High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)

The normal glucose level is what your body ideally runs on. It should be between 70 and 100 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) in a healthy adult. Low levels of glucose in your blood are called hypoglycemia and can happen for a number of reasons. One main reason, however, is low-carbohydrate diets, which suppress the release of insulin from your pancreas, one hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Pre-diabetes

Before we go any further, it's important to know what normal glucose levels are. There is a fasting level of less than 100 milligrams of glucose in a deciliter (dL) of blood and a post-meal level of less than 140 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). The body uses glucose for energy production so maintaining healthy levels is crucial for both physical and cognitive health. Healthy individuals typically maintain between 60-100 mg/dL with age. In this area, they can generally experience occasional peaks in those levels, depending on how much they eat or exercise.

Type 1 diabetes

The term normal glucose level is usually defined as a reading that falls between 80 and 120. But for someone with type 1 diabetes, normal might mean less than 80. This is because people with type 1 have low or no insulin production, which leaves them at risk for extremely high blood sugar levels after eating foods high in carbohydrates (like breads, pastas, potatoes). When we talk about normal levels of glucose, it's important to keep in mind that these levels are different depending on your health history.

Type 2 diabetes

The vast majority of diabetics are type 2 diabetics. Obesity, lifestyle, and genetics can all be contributing factors for this condition. Those who have this diabetes type have cells that don't respond well to insulin. When there is a high level of sugar in your blood due to a lack of insulin, there is an insufficient amount of glucose present in your cells where it is needed for fuel. This can lead to serious medical complications. The normal range for blood sugar levels varies by individual, but should be somewhere between 70-120 mg/dL before you eat and less than 180 mg/dL two hours after eating food as long as you're active every day and maintaining a healthy weight.

Causes for Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin (a hormone) or has become resistant to insulin, or both. Insulin allows glucose (sugar) to enter cells and be used for energy. 2 major types of diabetes mellitus, type 1 and type 2. 

Type 1 diabetes is often diagnosed in childhood and is controlled by giving a person extra insulin. Type 2 diabetes is more common than type 1 and is caused by genetics, age, lifestyle factors such as obesity, high blood pressure and smoking, stress levels, high cholesterol levels, eating too much sugar or a lack of exercise. Stress levels can cause changes in metabolism that can lead to weight gain which can lead to increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes

Food containing High Level of Sugar

Some of the foods with high levels of sugar include maple syrup, honey, juice concentrates, and many types of fruit drinks. Others foods to watch out for include breads and pasta that contain wheat flour. People should also be aware of ingredient labels such as corn syrup or dextrose on food labels.

Symptoms of Diabetes

Diabetes is a type of disease which affects how your body processes sugar. The two main types of diabetes are Type 1 Diabetes, which develops when your body's immune system attacks and destroys cells in the pancreas that produce insulin; and Type 2 Diabetes, which arises when the body cannot use insulin properly to convert glucose into energy. The common symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst and urination, unexplained weight loss, excessive hunger and tiredness, blurry vision, and slow healing wounds. There are many other signs such as feeling full or satisfied right after eating a small amount of food; unexplained weight gain; blurred vision or frequent infections caused by low resistance levels. Without intervention from diet, exercise or medication on a regular basis it can result in diabetic coma or death.

Gestational diabetes

Having diabetes during pregnancy is a risk factor for developing gestational diabetes. You can help prevent this condition by maintaining a healthy diet and getting regular exercise. Women with gestational diabetes will have higher levels of glucose in their blood than normal, but women without diabetes may also experience these levels during pregnancy or even after giving birth. The goal of managing this type of diabetes is to maintain blood sugar levels that are within the range considered normal, usually around 5-7 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).

Uncontrolled diabetes symptoms

When your blood sugar is high and out of control, diabetes symptoms can include excessive thirst, increased urination, increased hunger, weight loss or weight gain, blurry vision and fatigue. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms there is a good chance that your glucose levels are too high. 

The National Diabetes Education Program estimates that up to 18 million Americans have impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance and are unaware of it. These numbers mean that if you've been feeling out of sorts recently (especially if you find yourself constantly thirsty) there is a good chance that your glucose levels are too high as well.

How to lower your blood sugar level naturally

Sticking to a healthier lifestyle can also help you lower your blood sugar levels. Here are some tips for eating healthy and exercising as a type 2 diabetic. They may not seem like much, but these small steps make a big difference in helping to control diabetes.

-Start each day with breakfast by avoiding foods that are high in fat and calories and carbs. Eating healthy is just as important as staying active if you're looking to keep your glucose levels at a healthy level or have them decline, which is common among people who have type 2 diabetes.