Diabetes
The food we eat is converted into glucose with the help of enzymes. Glucose is a form of sugar. Pancreas produce hormone insulin which helps glucose to enter the the cells where glucose is used as energy. Diabetes is caused when glucose is not consumed by the cells. This is caused when the hormone insulin is not produced in the body or when cell do not consume glucose. Most of the cases of diabetes are caused due to cells not accepting the glucose.
Types of Blood Sugar Test
- A1C: This is the test conducted every three months to find out the blood sugar levels are under control or not. The level of A1C should be less than 7. If the level exceeds 10 then the patient is at a risk.
- Self Monitoring of Blood Sugar: This help you to keep a check on your blood sugar levels. Every patient should have a glucose monitor and know how to monitor it. The results help you adjust your diet, medication and physical activity.
When a Patient is Supposed to Check his/her Blood Sugar
- According to the severeness the doctor will suggest when to check the sugar levels.
- The sugar level is normally checked in the morning known as fasting sugar and other is checked after 2 hours after a meal known as random sugar.
- Sugar needs to be checked when the patient is stressed or feels sick.
- The normal fasting sugar should be below 100 and the normal random sugar should be 120 to 150.
When is the Test Conducted
- Generally the test is conducted twice or once according to the need. But most preferred times of testing sugar are as follows.
- Fasting sugar is conducted in the morning to find out any adjustment in the insulin level.
- Sugar test conducted before a meal is to modify meals or medications.
- The test conducted after 2 hours after a meal is to find out how food affects sugar level.
- The test is also conducted at bedtime to adjust medication or diet.
When to Check Blood Sugar
- Symptoms like sweating, confusion, shaking and dizziness. This are symptoms of hypoglycemia.
- Symptoms like frequent urination, blurry vision, excessive thirst and sleepiness. This are symptoms of hyperglycemia.
- Before performing any task which requires concentration.
- To decide the diet, medication and physical activity required.
