Normal Blood Glucose Level
- Glucose is the primary energy source for humans. It is usually obtained through the consumption of carbohydrates and is taken to various parts of the body via the bloodstream. Too much or too little glucose can cause an array of problems. The body regulates the blood glucose level by producing insulin. Insulin is a hormone that converts excess glucose into glucagon, which will be stored by the body as fat.
- Normal blood glucose levels are between 70 and 150 mg/dL (milligrams per decileter). It is typically the lowest in the morning right after you wake up and highest right after you eat. Glucose levels may rise for an hour or two after a meal. The rising and falling of glucose levels throughout the day is responsible for the random bursts of energy or sleepiness people experience.
- An imbalance in blood glucose levels results in numerous disorders and conditions. Hyperglycemia is an excess of glucose in the blood. Diabetes is the most common disease caused by hyperglycemia. Excessive amounts of glucose may also cause eye, kidney and nerve damage in the long run if left untreated. Hypoglycemia occurs when the blood glucose level drops too low. This condition can be fatal and is characterized by lethargy, impaired mental functioning or loss of consciousness.
- Different testing methods are available to monitor blood glucose levels. First is the fasting blood glucose test which is performed when no food or liquids other than water have been consumed for at least eight hours. Normal readings are less than 110 mg/dL. Random blood glucose tests can be taken at any time and readings in the low to mid-100s are considered normal.
- Maintaining a normal blood glucose level is doable with careful planning. A healthy diet and exercise are often enough for maintenance in most people. However, diabetics may need to utilize some prescription drugs and artificial insulin to keep their blood glucose levels in check.