June 2003
Blood Sugar Values - What You Should Know
NORMAL:
The normal fasting adult blood glucose range for a non-diabetic is 70-105. One or two hours after meals normal blood glucose levels should be less than 140.
ABNORMAL RESULTS:
Low blood sugar levels, usually below 20 will most often be accompanied by some specific symptoms: Sweating, trembling, blurred vision, rapid heart beat, and/or tingling or numbness around the mouth or fingertips.
High blood glucose blood levels may have some of the same symptoms, but will also result in drowsiness, weakness, and could cause coma. If your blood glucose level is above 240 for several days, your kidneys may excrete large amounts of water, causing excess urination and dehydration.
DIABETES
Diabetes, type 1
Type 1, or juvenile diabetes is the result of failure of the pancreas to produce insulin, which is used by body cells to convert blood glucose into energy. This type diabetes is discovered early in childhood, and must be controlled with daily insulin administration and diet.
Diabetes, type 2
Type 2 diabetes, or adult onset diabetes is the result of the body’s inability to allow the insulin produced to do its job, that is to convert blood glucose into energy. As a result of this inability blood sugar builds up in the bloodstream, producing high blood glucose levels, and if not reduced, causing serious body damage.
Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90% of all diabetes. It is usually diagnosed in adults over age 40, however younger people can get it. People with a family history of type 2 diabetes have a greater risk of developing it. Very commonly type 2 diabetes occurs in overweight people.
COMPLICATIONS:
High glucose levels make it easier for blockages to form in the blood vessels that supply the heart, brain, and legs as well as other body parts. High blood glucose can also damage the nerves, causing numbness and tingling especially in the legs and feet. Some cases result in need for amputation of feet or legs if the process is not controlled or arrested.
TREATMENT:
The first step in the treatment of type 2 diabetes is weight loss if needed, and appropriate diet. Weight loss can reduce the need for medication as well as the risk of developing complications. Planning a diet that will provide healthy amounts of carbohydrates, protein, fat, and cholesterol can help control body weight. Exercise is an essential component of diabetic treatment. In all cases the overall management of diabetes should be managed and monitored by a physician. Persistent abnormal levels should be cause for one to seek further medical examination by his or her personal physician.
HYPOGLYCEMIA
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, happens when there is too much insulin and not enough glucose in your body. Blood levels of glucose are too low to properly fuel the body. Most people begin to experience symptoms of hypoglycemia whenever the blood sugar level is below 70. Hypoglycemia itself is not a disease. It is a condition that results from low blood sugar levels that may develop for a variety of reasons. The symptoms of low blood sugar are not unique or specific to hypoglycemia. Other conditions and diseases have some of the same or similar symptoms. A doctor must carefully evaluate the symptoms that may indicate hypoglycemia to be sure some other condition is not causing them. Low blood sugar levels are most commonly caused by diabetes treatment; however there are other possible causes for hypoglycemia. If your blood level is consistently low ,or you experience the symptoms of hypoglycemia you should consult your physician for full evaluation.
SYMPTOMS, HYPOGLYCEMIA:
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Feeling shaky
- Hunger
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Pounding heartbeat
- Pale skin
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Weakness
- Poor coordination
- Numbness in the mouth and tongue
- Passing out
- Coma
TREATMENT FOR HYPOGLYCEMIA:
When symptoms begin you should take immediate action to avoid escalation of symptoms. Eat a glucose-containing (sugary) food, such as:
- Four to six pieces of hard sugar candy
- Cup of orange or apple juice
- ½ soft drink
- One Tablespoon of honey
- One Tablespoon of sugar
- One Tablespoon of corn syrup
As in all situations where you experience untoward symptoms consult your physician for further evaluation and follow up treatment.