Just what is blood sugar level?
A person’s blood sugar level (often called serum glucose level or plasma glucose level) is basically the volume of glucose (sugar) within their blood at any given time.
So why is glucose important?
Glucose (commonly known as dextrose) is a simple sugar that is produced by the body from the carbs that people consume. It is vital for a broad range of essential bodily functions. In particular, it is very important since it gives energy to our cells, nervous system and also the brain.
Glucose is carried from the intestines or liver to body cells via the blood flow, and is made available for cell absorption by way of the hormone insulin, created by the pancreas.
Glucose which isn’t directly used as an energy source by brain cells, intestinal cells and red blood cells is sent to the liver, adipose tissue and muscle cells, where it is taken in and stored as glycogen. This glycogen can be converted back to glucose and returned to the bloodstream any time insulin is low or absent.
So how is blood sugar level assessed?
Blood sugar is usually measured in molecular count, the unit for which is mmol/L (millimoles per liter). Additionally it is often measured as a weight in grams, the unit for which is mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter).
Exactly what is a healthy or usual blood sugar level?
Normally, the body maintains its blood glucose level at a reference range of between 3.6 and 5.8 mmol/L (or 64.8 and 104.4 mg/dL).
The mean normal blood glucose level in human beings is around 4 mmol/L (or 72 mg/dL), although the level of course varies during the day. As you might expect, glucose levels are typically lowest upon waking, ahead of the first meal of the day and increase immediately after eating for one to two hours by a couple of milliMolar. However, when it comes to people with diabetes, blood sugar varies more extensively – see further below.
How might blood sugar / glucose levels impact your health?
As stated before, glucose supplies a person’s body with the energy that it needs to perform crucial bodily functions. Not enough sugar / glucose (a low blood sugar level) or too much sugar / glucose (a high blood sugar level) can lead to severe health concerns and blood sugar levels outside the normal range could possibly be an indication of a medical condition.
Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia
A continuously high blood sugar level is technically referred to as hyperglycemia, while low levels are called hypoglycemia.
Hypoglycemia is a potentially fatal condition. Signs and symptoms include lethargy, weakened mental performance, frustration, trembling, twitching, weakness in arm and leg muscles, pale colouration, perspiring, paranoid or hostile demeanour and passing out. In severe instances, brain damage is a possibility.
By contrast, hyperglycemia can involve the appetite being suppressed for the short term, with long term health problems including cardiovascular illnesses, diabetes and eye, kidney, and nerve damage.
Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is characterised by chronic hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) either because the body does not make a sufficient amount of insulin, or because their cells do not react to the insulin that’s produced. It’s the most commonly encountered disease linked to failure in blood sugar regulation.
For all those with diabetes, it is particularly significant to keep blood sugar levels inside normal ranges, or else major health complications can arise. Including, nephropathy (kidney disease), neuropathy (nerve disease), retinopathy (eye disease) and cardiovascular diseases (heart diseases).
Insulin resistance
Insulin resistance (a manifestation of polycystic ovarian syndrome) is yet another example of a medical condition where blood sugar levels are pertinent. In this case, the body fails to recognise the intake of sugars and carbohydrates which means that it continues to pump out insulin which isn’t necessary. If this keeps up for an extended period of time, the pancreas can shut down and cease to produce insulin entirely. If care isn’t taken by individuals who have this illness to ensure a balanced diet and balanced blood sugar levels, it could eventually bring on type two diabetes.
What else can have an impact on blood sugar levels?
A wide range of factors can impact on someone’s blood sugar level. Such as, it can be briefly elevated as a result of intense stress (such as trauma, stroke, myocardial infarction, surgery or sickness) or as a result of drug / medication use, which can cause glucose levels to increase or lower.
Alcohol intake likewise causes an initial surge in blood sugar, but eventually has a tendency to cause levels to fall.
Maintaining your blood sugar level in check
Making positive and healthy lifestyle choices (and, if required, modifications) is a good first step in keeping your blood sugar levels in control. For instance, taking regular physical exercise and (if needed) losing weight in a smart and healthy way.
Dietary changes, in particular, can often be extremely helpful in keeping blood sugar levels within normal ranges. For all those with limited diets (such as diabetics), it can certainly be a problem to ensure an ideal consumption of vitamins and minerals everday. Many people find that high quality, nutrients-fortified meal replacement powders / shakes can help with this.
MEALtime is a liquid meal / meal replacement drink that’s rich in quality protein, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, nutritious herbs and psyllium husks. Best of all, it is appropriate for diabetics and others seeking to maintain healthy, stable blood sugar levels because the only sugars included are those found naturally in the ingredient fruits.
MEALtime is a quick and easy way to fuel up on the go. Not only does this meal replacement / protein shake contain an array of important vitamins and minerals, but it also has important amino acids, ginseng and aloe vera for energy!
Obviously, before changing your eating habits or taking health supplements, always be sure to consult your physician or qualified health practitioner (particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on medications).