Normal blood sugar readings you need to know, avoid diabetes

Readings of blood sugar refers to the glucose level in one’s bloodstream.

Glucose is important as a major source of energy, but when its level is out of control, it can invite various health problems, especially diabetes.

Understanding blood sugar readings is an important step in preventing complications such as nerve damage, kidneys, and eyes.

In this article, we will be deeper into the meaning of blood sugar readings, abnormal readings, warning signs, and ways to control it.

What is the meaning of blood sugar readings?

Blood sugar readings are usually measured in units millimoles per liter (MMOL / l).

These readings can be measured in fasting or after meals.

The normal reading of fasting is around 4.0 – 5.5 MMOL / Lwhile reading after meals is usually less than 7.8 MMOL / L.

If your blood sugar readings are always beyond this range, it may be an early sign of pradiabetes or diabetes (diabetes).

It is important for us to do regular inspections as many are unaware of their high levels of sugar until complications occur.

Normal reading of blood sugar

Normal blood sugar readings are very important to keep the body functioning properly and to avoid the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes.

This reading is usually measured in milllimol units per liter (mmol/l).

For healthy individuals, the normal reading of blood sugar during fasting (after not eating at least 8 hours) is between 4.0 to 5.6 mmol/L.

After meals (usually two hours after), glucose readings should be less than 7.8 MMOL / l.

If your glucose reading is outside this range, it can be a sign of health problems that require attention.

Reading between 5.7 to 6.9 mmol/L During fasting is considered as pradiabetes, while reading 7.0 MMOL / l above indicates the possibility of diabetes.

Understanding and monitoring the reading of blood glucose levels regularly is a wise step, especially for those with risk factors such as family history of diabetes, overweight or less active lifestyle.

By maintaining blood sugar readings at a normal level, you can help prevent future health complications.

Always consult your doctor for further advice if you find your sugar readings abnormal.

Read too:

Keep a warning sign of hypoglycemia, it can cause seizures!

Causes of abnormal blood sugar readings

Here are some causes that often cause glucose levels to become high or low:

1. Intake of high sugar and carbohydrate foods
   The sugary and high carbohydrate foods increase blood sugar dramatically.
2. Less exercise
   Physical activity helps cells use glucose for energy. Lack of moving can cause blood sugar levels to rise.
3. Hormone problems or certain diseases
   Diseases such as cushing syndrome or pancreatic disorders can affect blood sugar control.
4. Taking a particular drug
   Some drugs such as steroids can increase blood sugar levels.
5. Stress and lack of sleep
   Chronic stress or insufficient sleep can affect hormone balance and interfere with blood sugar levels.

Signs of blood sugar readings abnormal

Get to know the initial signs that show your glucose readings may be out of control:

1. Weight loss down for no apparent reason
The body begins to burn fat and muscles for energy as it cannot use sugar.

2. Frequently thirsty and frequent urination
This occurs when the body tries to get rid of excess sugar through the urine.

3. Quickly tired and weak
Unused sugars of cells cause the body to lack energy.

4. Blurred vision
High sugar levels can cause changes in the lenses.

5. Slow wound healed
High glucose readings affect wound healing.

How to control blood sugar readings

Controlling blood sugar readings requires a combination of healthy lifestyle and regular monitoring.

Here are the steps that can be practiced:

Practice a balanced diet
Choose low glycemic foods, high fiber such as vegetables, full cereals and legumes.

Exercise consistently
Try to exercise at least 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week.

Monitor blood sugar levels at home
Use a glucometer tool to identify your sugar reading pattern.

Reduce stress and get enough sleep
The practice of meditation, yoga or relaxation techniques can help control blood sugar levels.

Follow the doctor’s advice
If necessary, your doctor may recommend medication or insulin injection to stabilize your blood sugar readings.

Complication

If blood sugar readings are not well controlled, they can cause serious complications such as:

1. Heart disease and stroke. Excessive blood sugar contributes to narrowing of the blood vessels.
2. Neuropathy (nerve damage). Usually starting in the feet or hands, causing numbness or pain.
3. Nephropathy (kidney damage). Can lead to kidney failure.
4. Retinopathy (eye damage). Blind risk if left untreated.

Normal reading of sugar in the blood of a pregnant mother

For pregnant women, glucose levels control is very important for the health of the mother and baby in the womb.

Excessive sugar levels can cause complications such as gestational diabetes, large baby (macrosomia), premature birth, and the risk of maternal diabetes 2 after childbirth.

Therefore, the blood sugar readings in pregnant mothers have a more stringent range than the ordinary individual.

Here are the normal readings of blood sugars recommended for pregnant women:

• Before meals (fasting): 3.5 to 5.1 mmol/l
• One hour after meal: less than 7.8 mmol/l
• Two hours after meals: less than 6.7 mmol/l

If the sugar readings exceed this level, doctors will usually do further tests such as Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) to confirm gestation diabetes.

It is important for pregnant mothers to monitor blood sugar regularly, practice a balanced diet, exercise lightly, and follow your doctor’s advice to ensure healthy content to the end of pregnancy.

If you are pregnant and worry about sugar readings, talk to a health expert as soon as possible.

The following is a MOH blood sugar reading chart for pregnant mothers who refer to guidelines Clinical Practice Guidelines (Diabetes in Pregnancy) and Pregnant Health Record Handbook 2019/2020 (KIK/1 (A), KIK/1 (b)) by the Ministry of Health Malaysia:

Examination time	Target of Sugar Paras (Mmol/L)
Before eating (Pre-Meal)	≤ 5.3 MMOL / L
1 hour after eating	≤ 7.8 mmol / l
2 hours after meals	≤ 6.7 MMOL / l

• MOH sets the readings Fasting or before eating should not exceed 5.3 mmol/l
• Reading 1 Jam Post-PRANDIAL (after meals) targeted ≤ 7.8 mmol/l.
• While reading 2 Jam Post-PRANDIAL It should be ≤ 6.7 mmol/l.

This guide line is used for pregnant women, especially those who experience or risk of gestational diabetes.

It is also noted in the MOH’s antenatal record book and is based on Clinical Practice Guidelines Diabetes in Pregnancy 2017.

Important Tips:

• Maintain this reading through balanced diet,Lightweight exercises (such as walking or swimming), as well as regular monitoring at a clinic or hospital.
• If the reading exceeds the recommended range, follow -up appointments such as OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test) will usually be organized.
• The use of glucometers at home allows for more frequent monitoring; But official clinical decisions must be based on tests in health facilities.

If you are pregnant and are worried about sugar readings, you should talk to a health officer for further evaluation and monitoring.

Conclusion

Glucose reading is not just a number in your glucose meter.

It is a reflection of your overall lifestyle and health.

It is important for all of us – no matter what diabetes or not – monitoring blood sugar levels regularly.

With healthy eating habits, consistent exercise and periodic monitoring, we can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses.

Consult your doctor or nutritionist for the right health plan.