What Is a Normal Hemoglobin Level in Canada

Understanding and Controlling Normal Blood Sugar Levels

CC0 /StevePB / Pixabay

While there may never seem to be enough hours in a day, it is important to find the time to monitor and take control over one's health, including maintaining and monitoring a normal blood sugar level. According to a 2017 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 100 million U.S. adults, roughly a third of the U.S. population, are living with diabetes or prediabetes. It is vital for those with this disease to have a comprehensive understanding of what a blood sugar reading chart looks like, to know what the blood sugar range for diabetes is and to closely monitor their blood sugar levels, as this disease makes it difficult to maintain a healthy sugar level. Having too high or too low levels could potentially lead to life-threatening issues. Those that don't have diabetes should still know what a normal blood sugar level is and learn how to control it as high levels may also contribute to heart disease.

Normal Range

So what exactly is a healthy blood sugar level? This can vary depending on age and gender. In general though, here are healthy and normal levels:

• Fasting – Between 72-108 mg/dL
• Postprandial (approximately two hours after eating) – Up to 140 mg/dL

There are also in-depth blood sugar level charts available for those that want to have a more thorough understanding.

Diabetes Range

Those that are prediabetic or have Type 2 (T2) diabetes have a different recommended blood sugar range:

Prediabetes

• Fasting – Between 100-125 mg/dL
• Postprandial – Between 140-199 mg/dL

T2 Diabetes

• Fasting – Up to 126 mg/dL
• Post-Prandial – Between 140-199 mg/dL

Understanding the Glucometer

In order to control this disease, often patients and doctors come up with a treatment plan that is put in place to help reduce potential complications. This plan includes closely monitoring sugar levels via a portable electronic device that reads levels of blood sugar called a glucometer. This is done by first inserting a test strip into the device, quickly pricking a clean fingertip with the needle and then touching the blood to the test strip. From there, the device will accurately read the blood glucose levels.

Hyperglycemia

If the device is showing a high blood sugar level (hyperglycemia) with numbers exceeding the recommended range, take note of any symptoms that may start occurring. Write down any changes such as frequency of urination, blurred vision, dehydration, fatigue and/or headaches. Set up an appointment with your doctor if a fever occurs and lasts longer than 24 hours, the glucose levels are higher than 240 mg/dL or if you are experiencing ongoing diarrhea or vomiting. If it reaches the point where fluids will not stay down and the blood glucose levels are consistently above 240 mg/dL, call 911.

Prevention: Get Active

While there is no known cure for diabetes, there have been instances when the disease has gone into remission. This can be the case when patients learn how to lower blood sugar levels by creating a healthy lifestyle. One step towards this lifestyle is by being active and doing aerobic exercises that increase the heart rate for at least 30 minutes a day. As a result of losing weight, healthy blood sugar levels should be more easily maintained. These aerobic exercises could include anything from taking a brisk walk every day, to cycling, swimming or jogging.

Prevention: Get a Healthy Diet

Another significant factor in having a healthy lifestyle is incorporating a balanced diet. It is important to remember that it's not only about the amount of food that is consumed but also the choice of food. Eating a healthy diet includes reducing carbohydrates and sugar while increasing healthy lean proteins that can be found in foods such as beans, lentils, salmon, tuna and nuts. This should be balanced with a mix of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and healthy fats. These changes will contribute to controlling high blood sugar levels.

Consult Your Doctor

Before making any drastic changes though, it is highly recommended to consult with your medical practitioner and make sure the changes are the right fit for you. They will also be able to go more in-depth regarding what a healthy blood sugar level chart should look like for you.

What Is a Normal Hemoglobin Level in Canada

Source: https://www.life123.com/article/understanding-and-controlling-normal-blood-sugar-levels?utm_content=params%3Ao%3D740009%26ad%3DdirN%26qo%3DserpIndex

Share this post