So what is blood sugar level?
An individual’s blood sugar level (often known as serum glucose level or plasma glucose level) is simply the quantity of glucose (sugar) found in their blood at any moment.
Why is glucose critical?
Glucose (also referred to as dextrose) is a simple sugar which is produced by the human body from the carbs that we take in. It’s important for a wide range of imperative physiological processes. Notably, it is vital because it delivers energy to our body tissues, nervous system and the brain.
Glucose is transported from the digestive tract or liver to cells via the bloodstream, and is made available for cell absorption through the hormone insulin, made by the pancreas.
Glucose that isn’t directly used as an energy source by brain cells, intestinal cells and red blood cells is delivered to the liver, adipose tissue and muscle cells, where it is actually absorbed and stored as glycogen. This glycogen can be transformed back to glucose and returned to the bloodstream in the event that insulin is low or absent.
Just how is blood sugar level assessed?
Blood sugar is usually measured in molecular count, the unit for which is mmol/L (millimoles per liter). It is also frequently calculated as a weight in grams, the unit for which is mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter).
Just what is a healthy or standard blood sugar level?
On average, one’s 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 humans is around 4 mmol/L (or 72 mg/dL), although the level clearly changes during the course of the day. As perhaps you might expect, glucose levels usually are lowest in the morning, prior to the first meal of the day and spike just after eating for 1 – 2 hours by a couple of milliMolar. Having said that, when it comes to diabetes sufferers, blood sugar fluctuates more widely – see further below.
How does blood sugar / glucose levels have an effect on your overall health?
As mentioned above, glucose provides one’s body with the fuel that it requires to undertake important biological functions. Too little sugar / glucose (a low blood sugar level) or an excess of sugar / glucose (a high blood sugar level) may bring about considerable health issues and blood sugar levels outside the typical range may be an indicator of a medical condition.
Hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia
A constantly high blood sugar level is technically referred to as hyperglycemia, whilst low levels are known as hypoglycemia.
Hypoglycemia is a potentially fatal condition. Symptoms include lethargy, reduced mental functioning, frustration, shaking, twitching, a weakness in arm and leg muscles, pale complexion, perspiration, paranoid or hostile mentality and loss of consciousness. In rare cases, brain damage is possible.
By contrast, hyperglycemia usually involves the appetite being suppressed in the short term, with longer term health conditions including heart related illnesses, diabetes and eye, kidney, and nerve damage.
Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is characterised by continual hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) either because the body does not generate an adequate amount of insulin, or due to the fact cells don’t react to the insulin that’s produced. It’s the most prevalent disease linked to failure in blood sugar regulation.
For anyone with diabetes, it’s particularly significant to hold blood sugar levels inside normal ranges, otherwise serious health complications may occur. 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 play a pivotal role. In this case, the person’s body fails to recognise the intake of sugars and carbohydrates and this means that it continues to pump out insulin which is not required. If this carries on for a prolonged time period, the pancreas can stop working and stop producing insulin entirely. If proper care is not taken by individuals who have this condition to ensure a healthy diet and balanced blood sugar levels, it can ultimately lead to type two diabetes.
Can anything else affect blood sugar levels?
Quite a few factors can affect an individual’s blood sugar level. Including, it can be temporarily elevated as a result of extreme stress (such as trauma, stroke, myocardial infarction, surgery or sickness) or as a result of drug / medication usage, which can cause glucose levels to go up or reduce.
Alcohol intake additionally triggers an initial surge in blood sugar, but eventually tends to cause levels to drop.
Maintaining your blood sugar level in check
Making positive and healthy lifestyle choices (and, if needed, adjustments) is a great first step in keeping your blood sugar levels in control. For example, taking regular physical exercise and (if need be) reducing your weight in a smart and healthy way.
Dietary changes, in particular, can be amazingly useful in keeping blood sugar levels within normal ranges. For people with restricted diets (such as diabetics), it can often be a problem to ensure an ideal intake of nutrients and vitamins every single day. Many people find that top quality, nutrients-fortified meal replacement powders / shakes can help with this.
MEALtime is a liquid meal / meal replacement drink which is rich in quality protein, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, nutritious herbs and psyllium husks. Best of all, it’s appropriate for diabetics and others looking 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 simple 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!
Of course, prior to changing your diet or taking health supplements, always be sure to consult your doctor or qualified health practitioner (particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or on medications).
www.sonicloans.net