Diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases that affects a large number of people in India today. Millions of people are suffering from it, and millions more suffer from it and don’t even realise it. So many cases of diabetes are undetected because diabetes does not have noticeable symptoms in the early stages. One might have elevated blood sugar levels for months or years without ever experiencing any symptoms.
This is why it is vital to understand what blood sugar is and what its meaning is. Being aware of your numbers puts you in control and allows you to take action before a small problem turns into a big one. We at Criticare Hospital Lucknow believe that prevention and management of diabetes is first and foremost an awareness of the disease.
What is Blood Sugar and Why?
Blood sugar (also known as blood glucose) refers to the level of blood sugar present at a specific time. Carbohydrates are converted to glucose when you eat food, which then enters the bloodstream. This glucose is transported from the bloodstream into the body cells by a hormone made in the pancreas called insulin.
If the body does not make insulin or if it does not respond properly, the blood glucose level rises instead of entering cells. Diabetes is a serious long-term illness because excessive blood sugar can damage blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, eyes, and the heart.
What is the unit of measurement for blood sugar?
Blood sugar is measured in milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL). Three types of tests are commonly used to monitor blood glucose levels:
- Fasting Blood Sugar Test: Blood is taken after a minimum of 8 hours without any food or drink (except water) intake. The most frequently ordered blood test for diagnosis.
- Postprandial Blood Sugar Test (PP Test): Blood is taken 2 hours after eating. This tells you how food affects your body when it comes to sugar.
- HbA1C Test: This test shows the average level of blood sugar in your body over the last 2-3 months. It does not have to be done on an empty stomach, and it provides a fuller profile of the quality of blood sugar control over time.
Diabetes Level Chart: Understanding the Numbers was created
This is a straightforward and easy-to-understand explanation of the meaning of your blood sugar level results for all three tests:
- Fasting Blood Sugar (after 8 hours of fasting)
Normal: <100mg/dL Prediabetes: 100-125mg/dL Diabetes: ≥126mg/dL
- Postprandial Blood Sugar (2 hours after eating)
Normal: < 140 mg/dL Prediabetes: 140-199 mg/dL Diabetes: ≥ 200 mg/dL
- HbA1c (Average blood sugar for the last 2 to 3 months)
Normal – Less than 5.7 per cent Prediabetes – 5.7 – 6.4 per cent Diabetes – 6.5 per cent or higher
These ranges are widely accepted and adhered to by doctors all over the territory of India to diagnose and monitor blood sugar conditions.
But What Is Prediabetes – And Should You Worry?
Prediabetes is a blood sugar level that’s above normal and doesn’t meet the criteria for diabetes. One of the key indicators that your body is not managing blood sugar well.
The most important thing to know about prediabetes is that it is treatable. However, prediabetes can be reversed by lifestyle changes, such as improving your diet, exercising more, losing weight and reducing stress, and many people can get their blood sugar levels back to a normal range.
Generally, though, prediabetes slowly turns into type 2 diabetes in a few years if no action is taken to reverse it. That’s why early detection and prompt treatment are so beneficial for your health.
Signs that might indicate it’s time for a blood sugar check
There are no symptoms for many people with prediabetes or early diabetes. Some symptoms that can occur if blood sugar is increasing are polyuria (frequent urine output), polydipsia (increased thirst), weakness, diarrhoea, blurred vision, slow healing of cuts or wounds, and numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
It is strongly recommended that your blood sugar level be checked if you have any of the symptoms listed above, or have a family history of diabetes, are overweight, or are over the age of 35.
Get the facts about diabetes and what you can do to manage it
When blood sugar is in the diabetes range, the most important thing is to do something, not panic. With the right support, medication, and lifestyle habits, diabetes can be very well managed.
Keeping a balanced diet that is low in refined sugar and processed foods, walking or exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, monitoring your blood sugar regularly, taking your medication as prescribed, and having regular check-ups with your doctor are fundamental for good diabetes control.
In the diabetes care centre at Criticare Hospital, Lucknow, our team of professionals gives you a customised treatment strategy, advanced monitoring, and all-around support to control your blood sugar levels and to live life to its full richness and health.
Get Tested at Criticare Hospital, Lucknow
If you need a quick blood sugar level test, a comprehensive diabetes assessment, or professional advice on managing diabetes, Criticare Hospital in Lucknow has got you covered. Call us now to schedule a blood sugar checkup or diabetes consultation and get started on the first step to better health.
