What is the average blood sugar level?

In the UK there are around 2.9 million people who have some form of diabetes. The amount of people with this disease is increasing rapidly. This is partially due to our unhealthy eating habits and our irregular lifestyle. Your blood sugar concentration, or blood glucose level, has a lot of influence on the mood you are in. The sugar (glucose) in your blood produces energy. Too high or too low sugar concentrations can cause serious physical complications. The blood sugar level is measured by molarity (mmol/l). The level is mostly dependent on the substances you have eaten or drank. For instance, your blood sugar level will be a lot higher if you have just eaten. The average blood sugar level is under normal circumstances between 4.4 and 6.1 mmol/l (82 to 110 mg/dL). Your blood sugar level just after a meal can rise to 7.8 mmol/l (140 mg/dL).

 

 

When do you have diabetes?

If your blood sugar level is often above 6 mmol/l on a normal stomach (around 2 hours after your last meal), then there is a chance you have diabetes. This is also true if your blood sugar level is often above 11 mmol/l just after you have eaten. If this is the case, it is wise to contact your general practitioner. However, keep in mind that critical values can vary a lot per person. Your GP is the best judge of whether your values are critical or not.  

How can you measure blood sugar levels?

It is nowadays very easy to measure your blood sugar levels. You can do so by using a blood sugar meter. This device can measure your blood sugar level with only 1 drop of your blood. It is best to measure your blood sugar concentration at least 2 hours after your last meal. This will give the most neutral reading.

How can you prevent high blood sugar levels?

The good thing is, is that you can do a lot to prevent getting too high blood sugar levels. The cause of a too high blood glucose level is that your body can not burn or store the glucose (sugars) quick enough. If sugars stay in the bloodstream for too long they can become toxic which could harm your organs. Diabetes can be prevented by taking in no, or only a small amount of sugars and by exercising regularly. This way the sugars are quickly taken up and removed by the body. 

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