What is the Average Glucose Level for a Human? ~ Your RN Health Coach

By Claudia Collins

Overview

Blood glucose is often referred to as blood sugar and is the amount of glucose circulating in the blood at any given time. Blood glucose levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter or mg/dl. The endocrine system regulates blood glucose levels in a healthy individual. Normally, insulin -- a hormone produced by the pancreas -- controls blood glucose levels. Digested carbohydrates convert into smaller units called glucose -- the main energy source for the body, and vital for proper brain function.

Normal Blood Glucose Levels

There are several ways in which blood glucose levels may be tested. A fasting level is obtained via blood draw after the individual has refrained from eating for at least eight hours. The normal fasting blood glucose is 70 to 99 mg/dl. A level of 100 to 125 mg/dl is categorized as impaired fasting glucose or pre-diabetes, and a level above 126 mg/dl obtained on two separate occasions is usually indicative of diabetes. A level of less than 140 mg/dl is normal for the oral glucose tolerance test.

Tests for Blood Glucose

The American Diabetic Association recommends diagnosis only be made from a fasting blood sugar or an oral glucose tolerance test; however, postprandial and random blood glucose tests are occasionally obtained. The postprandial test is performed two hours following a meal and the normal range is 70 to 145 mg/dl. A random blood sugar test may be performed anytime and the normal range is 70 to 125mg/dl.

Blood Glucose and Exercise

Glucose levels swing dramatically during exercise. If you are diabetic, check your blood glucose before and after exercising. Physical activity can cause a decrease in your blood glucose level either during or after exercise or even up to one day later. If your blood glucose level is less than 100 mg/dl before exercise have a snack. Stop exercising if you develop signs and symptoms of low blood glucose, which include feeling shaky, weak, confused, irritable, anxious, tired and sweaty. If your blood glucose is higher than 300mg/dl don't exercise.

Prevention/Solution

Blood glucose levels that remain high over a period of time can damage your heart, eyes, kidneys, nerves and blood vessels. If you are diabetic, controlling your blood sugar by careful monitoring and diet. If you are not diabetic or have been diagnosed as pre-diabetes, studies have shown that you can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes through healthy lifestyle choices.

Considerations

Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia may be caused by other diseases and conditions than diabetes. Too high blood sugar or hyperglycemia may be caused by acute stress which may be in response to trauma, heart attack or stroke, chronic renal failure, Cushings syndrome, excessive food intake, pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, hyperthyroidism and certain drugs such as corticosteroids. Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia may be caused from adrenal insufficiency, drinking alcohol, drugs such as anabolic steroids or acetaminophen, extensive liver disease, hypothyroidism, insulin overdose and starvation.

Reference

Posted in: Health

Sunday, October 3, 2010