Is 200 blood sugar normal after eating. What are the dangers of high blood sugar. How can you manage and prevent dangerous glucose levels. What symptoms indicate critically high blood sugar.

Normal Blood Sugar Levels: What You Need to Know

Understanding normal blood sugar levels is crucial for managing diabetes and overall health. The American Diabetes Association provides clear guidelines for interpreting blood glucose measurements:

• Fasting blood sugar (after 8 hours without food or drink, except water):
  • Normal: Less than 100 mg/dL
  • Prediabetes: 100-125 mg/dL
  • Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (2 hours after consuming sugar):
  • Normal: Less than 140 mg/dL
  • Prediabetes: 140-199 mg/dL
  • Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher

For those using mmol/L measurements, simply divide these numbers by 18 to convert from mg/dL.

The Dangers of Elevated Blood Sugar: Immediate and Long-Term Risks

High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, occurs when there’s an excess of glucose in the bloodstream due to insufficient insulin. While occasional spikes may not cause immediate harm, chronic hyperglycemia can lead to serious complications.

Short-Term Risks of High Blood Sugar

Blood glucose levels exceeding 200 mg/dL require prompt attention. Levels above 250 mg/dL necessitate ketone testing to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a potentially life-threatening condition. When blood sugar reaches 600 mg/dL or higher, the risk of diabetic coma increases significantly.

Long-Term Complications of Chronic Hyperglycemia

Prolonged exposure to high blood sugar can result in various health issues, including:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Kidney damage (nephropathy)
• Nerve damage (neuropathy)
• Eye problems (retinopathy)
• Slow wound healing
• Increased risk of infections

Recognizing the Symptoms of High Blood Sugar

Identifying the signs of hyperglycemia is crucial for timely intervention. Symptoms can vary based on the severity of the blood sugar elevation.

Early Signs of High Blood Sugar

When blood glucose levels approach 200 mg/dL, you may experience:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Mild blurred vision
• Headache

Advanced Symptoms of Severe Hyperglycemia

As blood sugar levels continue to rise and ketones accumulate, more severe symptoms may develop:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Fruity breath odor
• Dry mouth
• Unexplained weight loss
• Extreme weakness and fatigue
• Confusion
• Severe muscle pain
• Significantly blurred vision
• Shortness of breath

If you experience these advanced symptoms, seek immediate medical attention to prevent progression to diabetic ketoacidosis or diabetic coma.

Managing High Blood Sugar: Strategies for Prevention and Control

Effectively managing blood glucose levels is essential for preventing hyperglycemia and its associated complications. Here are some strategies to help keep your blood sugar in check:

Lifestyle Modifications

1. Regular Exercise: Physical activity helps your body use glucose more efficiently and increases insulin sensitivity.
2. Balanced Diet: Focus on whole foods, complex carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
3. Stress Management: Chronic stress can elevate blood sugar, so incorporate stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga into your routine.
4. Adequate Sleep: Poor sleep can affect blood sugar control, so aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.

Medication Management

For those with diabetes, proper use of insulin or other prescribed medications is crucial. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding dosage and timing.

Regular Blood Sugar Monitoring

Frequent blood glucose checks allow you to detect and address high blood sugar promptly. Consider using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for real-time tracking.

When to Seek Medical Attention for High Blood Sugar

While managing blood sugar at home is often possible, certain situations require immediate medical intervention. Seek emergency care if:

• Your blood sugar remains above 250 mg/dL despite treatment
• You have moderate to high ketones in your urine
• You experience symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis
• Your blood sugar exceeds 600 mg/dL

Remember, prompt action can prevent life-threatening complications associated with severe hyperglycemia.

The Role of Diet in Blood Sugar Management

Dietary choices play a significant role in maintaining healthy blood glucose levels. Understanding how different foods affect your blood sugar can help you make informed decisions about your meals and snacks.

Low Glycemic Index Foods

Incorporating foods with a low glycemic index (GI) can help prevent rapid spikes in blood sugar. These include:

• Non-starchy vegetables (e.g., broccoli, spinach, bell peppers)
• Whole grains (e.g., quinoa, oats, barley)
• Legumes (e.g., lentils, chickpeas, black beans)
• Nuts and seeds
• Most fruits (especially berries)

Portion Control and Carbohydrate Counting

For individuals with diabetes, managing carbohydrate intake is crucial. Learning to count carbs and control portion sizes can help maintain more stable blood sugar levels throughout the day.

Balanced Meal Planning

Creating balanced meals that include a mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats can help slow the absorption of glucose and prevent sharp blood sugar increases after eating.

The Impact of Exercise on Blood Sugar Control

Regular physical activity is a powerful tool for managing blood glucose levels. Exercise affects blood sugar in several ways:

Immediate Effects of Exercise

• Increased insulin sensitivity: Your body’s cells become more responsive to insulin, allowing for better glucose uptake.
• Muscle glucose utilization: Active muscles use glucose for energy, helping to lower blood sugar levels.

Long-Term Benefits of Regular Exercise

1. Improved overall blood sugar control
2. Reduced risk of diabetes complications
3. Better weight management
4. Enhanced cardiovascular health

It’s important to note that different types of exercise can affect blood sugar differently. Always monitor your glucose levels before, during, and after physical activity, especially if you’re on insulin or other diabetes medications.

Technology and Blood Sugar Management: Tools for Better Control

Advancements in technology have revolutionized diabetes management, offering new ways to monitor and control blood sugar levels.

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)

CGMs provide real-time glucose readings throughout the day and night, allowing for more precise management and early detection of high or low blood sugar trends.

Insulin Pumps

These devices deliver insulin continuously, mimicking the body’s natural insulin production more closely than injections. Some advanced pumps can even integrate with CGMs to automatically adjust insulin delivery based on glucose readings.

Smartphone Apps

Numerous apps are available to help track blood sugar levels, medication doses, carbohydrate intake, and exercise. Many can sync with glucose meters or CGMs for seamless data integration.

Psychological Aspects of Managing High Blood Sugar

Living with diabetes and managing blood sugar levels can have significant psychological impacts. Understanding and addressing these aspects is crucial for overall well-being and successful diabetes management.

Diabetes Distress and Burnout

The constant vigilance required to manage blood sugar can lead to emotional exhaustion and burnout. Recognizing these feelings and seeking support is essential.

Anxiety and Depression

People with diabetes are at higher risk for anxiety and depression. These conditions can make blood sugar management more challenging and may require professional help.

Coping Strategies

• Join support groups or online communities for people with diabetes
• Practice stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness or deep breathing
• Seek counseling or therapy if needed
• Educate friends and family about diabetes to build a supportive network

Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as managing your physical health when it comes to diabetes care.

Navigating Special Situations: Blood Sugar Management During Illness and Travel

Certain circumstances can make blood sugar control more challenging. Being prepared for these situations can help prevent complications and ensure better management.

Managing Blood Sugar During Illness

Illness can cause blood sugar levels to rise, even if you’re not eating as much as usual. To manage this:

• Check blood sugar more frequently
• Stay hydrated
• Continue taking insulin or other diabetes medications as prescribed
• Have a sick day plan prepared with your healthcare provider

Blood Sugar Control While Traveling

Travel can disrupt your usual routine, affecting blood sugar levels. To maintain control:

1. Pack extra supplies and medications
2. Carry snacks and glucose tablets for low blood sugar
3. Adjust insulin dosages for time zone changes if necessary
4. Stay hydrated, especially during air travel
5. Plan for increased activity or changes in diet

By anticipating these challenges and planning accordingly, you can maintain better blood sugar control even in unusual circumstances.

The Future of Blood Sugar Management: Emerging Technologies and Treatments

Research in diabetes care is ongoing, with promising developments on the horizon that could revolutionize blood sugar management.

Artificial Pancreas Systems

These closed-loop systems combine CGM technology with insulin pumps to automatically adjust insulin delivery based on real-time glucose readings, mimicking the function of a healthy pancreas.

Smart Insulin

Researchers are developing glucose-responsive insulin that would activate only when blood sugar levels rise, potentially reducing the risk of hypoglycemia.

Non-Invasive Glucose Monitoring

New technologies aim to measure blood glucose levels without the need for finger pricks or sensor insertion, using methods such as light-based sensors or sweat analysis.

Gene Therapy and Beta Cell Regeneration

Ongoing studies are exploring ways to regenerate insulin-producing beta cells or modify genes to prevent or reverse diabetes.

While these advancements are exciting, it’s important to focus on current best practices for blood sugar management while staying informed about emerging options.

Building a Comprehensive Diabetes Care Team

Effective blood sugar management often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Assembling a care team can provide comprehensive support for all aspects of diabetes management.

Key Members of a Diabetes Care Team

• Endocrinologist or diabetologist
• Primary care physician
• Certified diabetes educator
• Registered dietitian
• Ophthalmologist
• Podiatrist
• Mental health professional

The Role of Self-Advocacy

While your care team provides expert guidance, you are the most important member of your diabetes management team. Advocating for yourself, staying informed about your condition, and actively participating in treatment decisions are crucial for optimal blood sugar control.

Regular Check-ups and Screenings

Establish a schedule for regular visits with your care team members to monitor your overall health and catch any potential complications early. This typically includes:

1. HbA1c tests every 3-6 months
2. Annual eye exams
3. Regular foot checks
4. Kidney function tests
5. Cardiovascular health assessments

By working closely with your care team and staying proactive about your health, you can achieve better blood sugar control and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.

Empowering Others: Education and Support for Blood Sugar Management

Knowledge is power when it comes to managing blood sugar levels. Whether you’re living with diabetes or supporting someone who is, education and community support play vital roles in achieving better outcomes.

Diabetes Education Programs

Many healthcare providers and community organizations offer diabetes education classes. These programs can cover topics such as:

• Blood sugar monitoring techniques
• Proper use of diabetes medications
• Nutrition and meal planning
• Exercise strategies for blood sugar control
• Managing diabetes in special situations

Peer Support Groups

Connecting with others who are managing diabetes can provide emotional support, practical tips, and motivation. Look for local support groups or online communities dedicated to diabetes management.

Family Education

Educating family members about diabetes and blood sugar management can create a more supportive home environment. This includes teaching them about:

1. Recognizing signs of high and low blood sugar
2. Assisting with blood glucose monitoring if needed
3. Understanding dietary considerations
4. Supporting lifestyle changes
5. Knowing how to respond in emergencies

Workplace Awareness

For those managing diabetes at work, educating colleagues and supervisors about the condition can lead to better understanding and support. This might include explaining the need for regular blood sugar checks or snack breaks.

By spreading awareness and fostering a supportive community, we can collectively improve blood sugar management and quality of life for those living with diabetes.

What Levels of Blood Sugar Are Dangerous?

If you live with diabetes, you probably know that life with the condition is similar to walking on a tightrope. 

Staying in range without too many high (hyperglycemic) and low (hypoglycemic) blood sugars is a constant balancing act. 

But what levels of blood sugar are actually considered dangerous? 

This article will explore the issue and provide advice for how you can help manage both the highs and lows of diabetes, literally! 

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What is a normal blood sugar level? 

According to the American Diabetes Association, a normal fasting blood sugar (in the morning when you haven’t had anything to eat or drink except water for 8 hours ) is less than 100 mg/dL. 

A fasting blood sugar reading of 100-125 mg/dL indicates prediabetes, and a reading above 125 indicates diabetes.

(If you live outside the US and are used to measures in mmol/L, just divide all numbers by 18)

If you test your blood sugar two hours after eating or drinking something containing sugar instead (an oral glucose tolerance test), the numbers to look for are:

You can learn more in the in-depth article: What Are Normal Blood Sugar Levels?

The danger of high blood sugar 
Having a high blood sugar means there is too much sugar in the blood because the body is lacking in insulin. This can happen for many reasons, including not taking enough insulin exogenously, too little exercise, eating too much, or even stress, hormonal changes, or lack of sleep. 
High blood sugar is dangerous, but it’s important to remember that high blood sugar is mostly dangerous over prolonged periods of time (unless you are in DKA, more on that below). 
This means that, for the most part, your blood sugar at diagnosis will not cause long-term complications, and the spike you saw last week from eating an ice cream sundae won’t impact you over the long term. 
But chronic, prolonged high blood sugars (think a lifetime of diabetes with an average, all the time blood sugar of 200 mg/dL) will cause diabetes complications in most people. 
 
What is considered high blood sugar? 
Blood sugar levels are considered high in people with diabetes once they’re more than the 125 mg/dL that indicates a diabetes diagnosis. However, having a blood sugar of 145 mg/dL usually won’t cause any problems (especially if you’re going to sleep or planning to exercise).  
For most people, high blood sugars become symptomatic once the blood sugar level reaches between 180-200 mg/dL. 
Blood sugars above 200 mg/dL need to be treated immediately with insulin (and water and exercise are helpful, too), and any blood sugar over 250 mg/dL requires that you do a urine test for ketones, to make sure you’re not spiraling into diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). 
This is when the body’s blood turns acidic due to prolonged, dangerously high blood sugar levels and ketones in the blood. This can be fatal if not treated immediately. 
This can occur when one is sick or battling an infection, due to a pump infusion site failure, or even if you forgot to take your insulin for a few days. 
Unfortunately, about 25% of newly diagnosed people with type 1 diabetes are diagnosed when they are already in DKA.
If you are experiencing a blood sugar higher than 250 mg/dL along with moderate to high ketones for several hours and cannot get your blood sugar down, contact your doctor immediately and seek emergency medical attention.  
People with diabetes are at heightened risk of falling into a diabetic coma from high blood sugar once their blood sugar levels reach 600 mg/dL or higher. 
At this point, your blood turns thick and syrupy and excess sugar passes from your blood into your urine, which triggers a filtering process that draws large amounts of fluid from your body (called “diabetic hyperosmolar syndrome”). 
This is a true medical emergency, is extremely dangerous, and can be life-threatening. If you are in this situation, you should call 911. 
 
What are the symptoms of high blood sugar? 
The symptoms of high blood sugar can vary depending on severity. 
Early signs and symptoms of high blood sugar 
When your blood sugar is around 200 mg/dL, but not yet dangerously high, you may experience the following symptoms: 
Increased thirst 
Frequent need to urinate 
Fatigue
Achy muscles
Slightly blurred vision
Headache 
Later signs and symptoms of high blood sugar 
If you have ketones and are at risk of falling into DKA, you may experience these symptoms: 
Nausea 
Vomiting
Fruity-smelling breath
Dry mouth
Weight loss
Weakness
Extreme fatigue 
Confusion
Severely achy muscles
Extremely blurred vision 
Shortness of breath 
Coma 
If you are experiencing any of the later-stage symptoms of high blood sugar, seek immediate medical attention.
 
The danger of low blood sugar 
Low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia, can become a lot more dangerous more quickly. Hypoglycemia, if left untreated, can quickly result in diabetic coma and death. 
Low blood sugars will not lead to permanent complications in most cases (unless someone experiences brain swelling and a traumatic brain injury from falling into a diabetic coma) but cause frequent, short-term complications in the form of being physically unable to function when experiencing a low. They require fast-acting glucose (or a shot of Glucagon) as treatment. 
Symptoms of low blood sugar can hit different people at different times, and some people may not feel their low blood sugars at all (called hypo unawareness), which can be very dangerous. 
Continuous glucose monitoring systems and diabetes alert dogs can help people detect their lows earlier, before they become extremely dangerous. 
Hypo unawareness occurs in about 40% of people with type 1 diabetes, and less frequently in people with type 2 diabetes.  
Additionally, one study showed that the average person with type 1 diabetes experiences two episodes of low blood sugar per week! 
Low blood sugars can happen for many reasons, all of which result from too much insulin in the bloodstream and not enough glucose for the body to function properly. 
Reasons can be anything from taking too much insulin for food, to accidentally over-bolusing with an insulin pump, to not finishing a meal, to drinking alcohol in excess, or even after physical exertion and exercise while not reducing basal insulin settings appropriately. 
 
What is considered low blood sugar? 
For the average person with diabetes, low blood sugar means anything under 80 mg/dL (for pregnant women, who need to have tighter control, low blood sugars are anything under 60 mg/dL). 
Very low blood sugars are any readings under 40 mg/dL. Anything under 40 mg/dL is considered extremely dangerous and potentially fatal. 
A person is at a significantly higher risk of falling into a diabetic coma if they cannot get their blood sugar above 40 mg/dL for several hours.  
If a person is experiencing a severe low, and they are unable to chew food or swallow liquids, they will require an emergency shot of Glucagon  (typically in the thigh muscle or buttocks). 
 
What are the symptoms of low blood sugar? 
Confusion
Anger/Frustration 
Sweating/Clammy 
Shaky, unsteady movement 
Rapid pulse 
Hunger
Lethargy 
Irritability 
Dizziness 
Difficulty speaking 
Muscle weakness 
If you are experiencing an extremely low blood sugar, which is anything less than 40 mg/dL, that is not responding to fast-acting glucose or glucagon, and you have taken fast-acting insulin within the previous 2 hours, call 911 and seek immediate emergency medical attention. 
This condition can be life-threatening if not treated. 
 
Tips for avoiding high and low blood sugars
Walking the tightrope of a life with diabetes is not easy.  
We need to strive every day to make sure that we don’t let our blood sugars go too high or too low, and that can be exhausting. 
Here are some strategies to help keep your blood sugar in balance: 
Eat similar foods and meals that have predictable carbohydrate counts 
Cook food at home, so you know all of the ingredients in your meal 
Keep to a routine, and eat at the same times every day 
Get enough sleep! 
Double-check your insulin doses to make sure you’re not taking too much, nor too little
If you’ve counted carbohydrates for a meal and dosed insulin for those carbohydrates, eat everything 
Check the expiration dates on your insulin regularly
Always have fast-acting glucose and glucagon nearby 
Take all insulin and diabetes medications as prescribed
Wear a CGM or get a diabetes alert dog to help you detect low blood sugars if you’re experiencing hypo unawareness 
Wear a diabetes alert bracelet 
Don’t over drink alcohol on an empty stomach 
Work with your doctor to increase or decrease your insulin needs as you experience life changes (puberty, pregnancy, aging, training for a race, etc. ) 
Treat all high and low blood sugars early and often, before they become dangerous 
High and low blood sugars can be a nuisance, but they don’t always have to become scary and dangerous.
Enlisting these strategies can help you better prepare for and (hopefully) prevent many of them in the future. 
What are Normal Blood Sugar Levels?
Your blood sugar levels are a critical part of your overall health and your body’s ability to function properly on a daily basis.
For those of us with diabetes, striving to achieve “normal” blood sugar levels is a constant, hour-by-hour pursuit. And it isn’t easy.
In this article, we’ll look at “normal” blood sugar levels and goal ranges for a non-diabetic’s body, and realistic blood sugar goals for people with prediabetes, type 1, and type 2 diabetes.
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Normal blood sugar ranges in healthy non-diabetics
For a person without any type of diabetes, blood sugar levels are generally between 70 to 130 mg/dL depending on the time of day and the last time they ate a meal.
Newer theories about non-diabetic blood sugar levels have included post-meal blood sugar levels as high as 140 mg/dL.
(If you live outside the US and are used to measures in mmol/L, just divide all numbers by 18)
Here are the normal blood sugar ranges for a person without diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association:
Fasting blood sugar (in the morning, before eating): Less than 100 mg/dL
1-2 hours after a meal: Less than 140 mg/dL
2-3 hours after eating: Less than 100 mg/dL
 
Diagnosing prediabetes, type 2, and type 1 diabetes
Depending on which country or medical organization you ask, the qualifying numbers for “normal” versus “prediabetes” versus diagnosed type 1 or type 2 diabetes can vary slightly.
The following blood sugar and A1c results are used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes according to sources including the American Diabetes Association and Diabetes UK:  
Prediabetes
HbA1c: 5. 7 to 6.4 percent
Fasting: 100 to 125 mg/dL
2 hours after a meal: 140 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL
Type 1 or 2 diabetes
HbA1c: 6.5 percent or higher
Fasting: 126 mg/dL or higher
2 hours after a meal: 200 mg/dL or higher
Please note: Type 1 diabetes tends to develop very quickly which means that by the time symptoms are felt, blood sugar levels are generally well above 200 mg/dL all the time. For many, symptoms come on so quickly that they are dismissed as the lingering flu or another seemingly ordinary virus.
By the time blood sugar levels are tested, many newly diagnosed type 1 patients will see levels above 400 mg/dL or higher. If you do suspect that you or a loved one has type 1 diabetes, visit your primary care or urgent care immediately and ask for a urine test to measure ketones in addition to testing blood sugar levels and A1c.
Read more about ketones at diagnosis in our Diabetic Ketoacidosis Guide. 
 
Your A1c and blood sugar goals
Managing any type of diabetes is far more complicated than giving a patient some insulin and telling them to keep their blood sugars within X and X. If you’ve lived with diabetes for more than a few days, you probably already know this.
What is A1c?
“A1c, hemoglobin A1c, HbA1c or glycohemoglobin test (all different names for the same thing) is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar over the last 2-3 months,” explains Christel Oerum in DiabetesStrong’s guide to lowering your A1c.
The prior two weeks of blood sugar levels before your blood is tested for your A1c have the largest impact on your results, but the amount of glucose attached to hemoglobin (the protein in your red blood cells) in your body from the prior 3 months. The more glucose there is in your bloodstream from high blood sugar levels, the more glucose there is to attach to hemoglobin.
Translating your A1c to a blood sugar level
Using this easy calculator from the ADA, you can translate your most recent A1C result to an “eAG” or “estimate average glucose level. ”
You can also use this translation when working to improve your A1c and achieve closer to normal blood sugar levels.
If you know an A1c of 6.5 is an average blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or a range of 100 to 152 mg/dL, then you can look at your current blood sugar results on your CGM and meter and pinpoint which time of day you’re frequently higher than this range.
12% = 298 mg/dL or range of 240 – 347 
11% = 269 mg/dL or range of 217 – 314
10% = 240 mg/dL or range of 193 – 282
9% = 212 mg/dL or range of 170 –249
8% = 183 mg/dL or range of 147 – 217
7% = 154 mg/dL or range of 123 – 185
6% = 126 mg/dL or range of 100 – 152
5% = 97 mg/dL or range of 76 – 120
“Normal blood sugar levels” in a person without diabetes can result in an A1c as low as 4.6 or 4.7 percent and as high as 5.6 percent. 
Just a decade or two ago, it was rare for a person with type 1 diabetes to achieve an A1c result below 6 percent. Thanks to new and improved insulin and better technology like continuous glucose monitors and smarter insulin pumps, more people with diabetes are able to safely achieve A1c levels in the higher 5 percent range.
 
Why your A1c matters
In a nutshell: your A1c is one of the clearest indicators of your risk for developing diabetes complications like neuropathy (nerve damage in your hands and feet), retinopathy (nerve damage in your eyes, risking blindness), nephropathy (nerve damage in your kidneys), and severe infection in any part of your body that requires healing.
For instance, a small cut on your toe could become infected due to high blood sugars, struggle to heal, and become severe enough that the infection could lead to an amputation.
The general guidelines from the American Diabetes Association recommend an A1c at or below 7.0 percent for the best prevention of diabetes complications. Your risk of developing a diabetes complication continues to drop as your A1c drops closer to 6 percent.
Some people with diabetes aim for A1c levels in the 5s and lower — especially those who follow strict low-carb diets like the ketogenic diet and the Bernstein diet. However, this hasn’t been proven in research as especially necessary, nor is it reasonably achievable for the larger population of people with diabetes.
It’s also important to remember that your blood sugar levels and your A1c are just information that tells you whether your body needs more or less of factors like insulin, other diabetes medications like Metformin, changes in your nutrition, and changes in your exercise.
If you don’t like the number you’re seeing on your glucose meter or your A1c results, use that number as motivation to make changes (with the support of your diabetes healthcare team) in how you safely manage your diabetes in order to get different results.
 
Determining the right A1c goal for you
Just because a normal blood sugar range of 70 to 130 mg/dL is considered the healthiest doesn’t necessarily mean that’s the appropriate goal range for you — especially if you have type 1 diabetes, or take insulin as a person with type 2 diabetes.
The reason this may not be the right goal for you is that extremely tight blood sugar management in people taking insulin can potentially lead to frequent low blood sugars — which can be dangerous.
Achieving extremely tight blood sugar management, like a range of 70 to 130 mg/dL, also often requires a strict nutrition plan, more frequent than usual blood sugar monitoring, precise medication management, and most importantly, years of experience studying your blood sugar levels.
A1c goals should be individualized 
“A1c goals should be individualized based on the individual capabilities, risks, and prior experiences,” explains Gary Scheiner, MS, CDE, founder of Integrated Diabetes, and author of Think Like a Pancreas.
“For example, we generally aim for very tight A1c levels during pregnancy and more conservative targets in young children and the elderly.”
However, Scheiner highlights important factors that could justify aiming for a higher A1c, like “hypoglycemia unawareness,” which is described as when a person with diabetes no longer feels the oncoming warning signs of low blood sugar. This can put you at significant risk for severe low blood sugars resulting in seizures or death. To reduce that risk, you would aim for higher target blood sugar ranges.
“Someone with significant hypoglycemia unawareness and a history of severe lows should target higher blood glucose levels than someone who can detect and manage their lows more effectively,” adds Scheiner. “And certainly, someone who has been running A1c’s in double digits [like 10 percent or higher] for quite some time should not be targeting an A1c of 6%… better to set modest, realistic, achievable goals.”
 
Your blood sugar isn’t just because of what you eat
Mainstream media would have you believe that your blood sugar levels are impacted only by what you eat and how much you exercise, but people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes who test their blood sugars frequently could tell you otherwise.
It’s especially important to keep this in mind when looking at your own blood sugars and your goals because there are certain variables and challenges that impact blood sugar levels that you can’t always control.
For example:
Menstrual cycles: raises blood sugar and insulin needs
Adrenaline rushes from competitive sports, heated arguments, or rollercoaster rides: raises blood sugar and insulin needs
The common cold and other illnesses: usually raise blood sugar and insulin needs
Hormonal changes due to puberty and healthy growth in young adults: raises blood sugar and insulin needs
An injury that raises overall inflammation levels: raises blood sugar and insulin needs
Glucogenesis during anaerobic exercise: raises blood sugar
While you can’t necessarily prevent these factors that affect your blood sugar from occurring, you can work with your diabetes healthcare team to adjust your insulin, other diabetes medications, nutrition and activity levels to help compensate for them when they do occur.
For example, when engaging in anaerobic exercise — like weightlifting — many people with type 1 diabetes find it necessary to take a small bolus of insulin prior to or during their workout because anaerobic exercise can actually raise blood sugar.
 
Still frustrated with your blood sugar and A1c results?
Your blood sugars and your insulin or medication needs never stay in one place. If you gain weight or lose weight, your insulin and medication needs will change. If you become more active or less active, your needs will change. If you make drastic or even small changes to your nutrition, your needs will change!
Working with your diabetes healthcare team, and diabetes coaches who can teach you how to make changes in your overall diabetes management plan are essential. Diabetes is a lifelong learning process.
Take a deep breath and be patient. If you don’t like what you’re seeing on your glucose meter, don’t get mad…get studying! Take good notes and work with your team to make changes to reach your goals.
Read more about improving your A1c in DiabetesStrong’s guide, How to Lower Your A1c.
 Glucose test – price in St. Petersburg 
 What does the term “blood sugar” mean? 
 According to statistics, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus among the working population is about 8. 5%. The number of patients is constantly increasing and, compared with the 80s of the last century, has increased 4 times. Diabetes mellitus is a serious endocrine disease, the cause of a significant decrease in the quality of life of patients and premature death.
 Blood glucose levels are a marker of carbohydrate metabolism disorders. A low level accompanies a state of hypoglycemia. In this case, the tissues of the body suffer from a lack of energy. A high level is a manifestation of hyperglycemia, a sign of impaired sugar utilization. The condition indicates either a deficiency of the hormone insulin, or a decrease in the sensitivity of insulin receptors (resistance). Both situations accompany diabetes mellitus (type 1 or type 2). A glucose test shows the content of this substance in the blood. According to its results, the quality of carbohydrate metabolism, the risk of developing diabetes, or the presence of this disease is already stated.
 Causes of high blood sugar 
 In a healthy person, plasma glucose levels are stable, due to the influence of hormones of multidirectional action (insulin and glucagon). Fluctuations signal a failure in the sugar utilization system. The sooner they are detected, the more likely it is to regulate metabolism and avoid the development of serious diseases.
 The causes of carbohydrate metabolism disorders are:
 autoimmune diseases;
 liver pathology;
 wrong way of life;
 simple carbohydrate diet;
 hypodynamic lifestyle;
 overweight or obese.
 In most cases, hyperglycemia indicates diabetes. A slight but prolonged increase in glucose concentration signals prediabetes (insulin resistance that precedes diabetes).
 Indications for glucose testing 
 The study is carried out in the following cases:
 prevention and control of diabetes mellitus;
 obesity;
 endocrine diseases;
 liver pathology;
 early diagnosis of diabetes in pregnant women.
 Is preparation necessary? 
 A day before visiting the laboratory, excessive physical and psycho-emotional stress, alcohol consumption should be excluded. It is advisable to adhere to the usual lifestyle and diet. Preparing for a glucose test involves 8-12 hours of fasting.
 Blood is taken in the morning on an empty stomach. On the day of the study, you can drink only clean water.
 Interpretation of results 
 Blood glucose test results are provided to the attending physician. The specialist conducts an interpretation taking into account the anamnesis data, as well as the results of other studies.
 A blood test can show that the glucose level is normal:
 for children under 1 month – 2.9-4.4 mmol / l;
 for children under 14 years old – 3.3-5.5 mmol / l;
 older than 14 and adults – 4.1-6 mmol / l;
 pregnant women – 4.0-5.0 mmol / l.
 It should be borne in mind that the norms may be different in different laboratories, which depends on the method used to determine the concentration of glucose. Therefore, reference values ​​are always given on the form.
 Hyperglycemia is observed in diabetes mellitus, endocrine diseases, against the background of severe somatic pathologies, after injuries and surgical interventions. Hypoglycemia accompanies some tumor and endocrine pathologies, liver diseases, exhaustion of the body, and is also observed with the abuse of alcoholic beverages.
 The results of only one glucose test are not the basis for a diagnosis. They are evaluated in conjunction with indicators of other laboratory tests and instrumental diagnostic procedures.
 The results of the analysis may be distorted if the preparation rules are violated, alcohol is consumed, and overeating is sweet. Certain medications (hormonal, antiviral, anticholesterolemic agents, immunosuppressants, some vitamins) affect sugar levels. If you regularly take any medications, you must agree with your doctor to cancel them 2-3 days before the study. Women are advised to undergo a study at the beginning of the cycle, since changes in the level of sex hormones before menstruation can affect the results.
 Where to do research? 
 You can quickly take an analysis for plasma glucose levels in the city of St. Petersburg at the multidisciplinary medical center “MEDIONA PARNAS”. The clinic has its own laboratory and advanced equipment for biochemical research.
 What is the cost of a glucose test? 
 How much does a glucose test cost, you can find out by phone or look in the “Price” section on the center’s website.
 Accurate laboratory diagnostics in the clinic “MEDIONA PARNAS” takes a minimum of time and is carried out at a convenient time. Don’t put off taking care of your health!
 Diabetes – treatment in St. Petersburg 
 How the disease develops 
 In diabetes, the metabolism or metabolism of carbohydrates is disturbed. Normally, glucose from the liquid part of the blood, plasma, enters the tissue cells, where it is broken down with the formation of energy in the form of ATP molecules.
 In diabetes, this process is disrupted. As a result, the cell does not receive glucose, and it accumulates in the plasma. Because of this, the work of organ systems is disrupted. But a violation of carbohydrate metabolism can develop according to different scenarios. In this regard, two types of the disease are distinguished.
  In the first type , an absolute deficiency of insulin, the hormone responsible for the penetration of glucose into the cell, is formed. This hormone is synthesized by the beta cells of the pancreas accumulated in the form of islets. Damage to these cells leads to a sharp decrease or complete cessation of insulin production and the development of the disease.
 Why this happened in a particular patient is not always possible to determine. It is believed that damage to beta cells is associated with genetic abnormalities or with viral, bacterial infections. Sometimes these cells are damaged by the body’s own immune system. This type of disease is called autoimmune.
  The second type of  disease occurs with a relative lack of insulin. Tissue cells become insensitive, resistant to the action of this hormone. As a result, the pancreas secretes insulin in normal or even increased amounts, but it is still not enough.
 In such situations, they speak of an insulin-independent type 2. Over time, due to the increased load, the islet apparatus of the gland is depleted. The production of the hormone stops and an insulin-dependent second type develops. In most cases, the second type is associated with obesity, when the number of insulin-resistant adipose tissue cells increases.
 Also, the development of the second type is facilitated by concomitant chronic diseases, metabolic disorders, psycho-emotional stress, and alcohol abuse. Given the different mechanism, the treatments for type 1 and type 2 diabetes will also differ.
 Allocate another  third type , disease, gestational. It develops in women due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, gestation. After a successful delivery, blood sugar levels usually return to normal.
 How the disease manifests itself 
 Differences are also observed in clinical manifestations. The first type, as a rule, declares itself in childhood, adolescence or young age up to 30 years. The disease begins violently. Symptoms typical for diabetes form a triad:
 Polyuria. An increase in the volume of urine excreted with a high concentration of glucose.
 Polydipsia. Thirst, dry mouth due to dehydration due to polyuria.
 Polyphagia. In order to somehow saturate the cells with glucose, appetite reflexively increases.
 In the future, due to the accumulation of a large amount of glucose in the blood, ketoacidosis often develops – a shift in the acid-base balance to the acid side with the formation of ketone bodies, in other words, acetone. Polyphagia in ketoacidosis is replaced by lack of appetite, nausea, and repeated vomiting.
 Severe intoxication can lead to coma. In the future, these patients reduce body weight. In the absence of treatment, complications from organs and tissues develop:
 Encephalopathy is a disorder of the brain.
 Neuropathy is damage to the peripheral nerves.
 Nephropathy is damage to the kidneys.
 Retinopathy is damage to the retina and deterioration of vision up to complete blindness.
 Angiopathy – damage to blood vessels leads to a deterioration in blood microcirculation in tissues with the development of gangrene.
 The second type mainly develops in people over 40 years of age and is not as severe as the first type. Polyuria, polydipsia and polyphagia are mild. Patients complain of general weakness, poor performance. Men are characterized by erectile dysfunction.
 But if you do not carry out treatment, complications will also not keep you waiting. Cardiovascular pathology is directly related to the second type: hypertension, angina pectoris, myocardial infarction and cerebral stroke.
 How to recognize diabetes mellitus 
 The main laboratory sign in the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is hyperglycemia, an increase in blood glucose above the upper limit of 5.5 mmol / l (millimoles per liter). In diabetes mellitus, as a rule, hyperglycemia exceeds the level of 7.1 mmol / l.
 In the second type, there are often controversial cases when hyperglycemia is mild and there are no symptoms of the disease. In such cases, we do TSH, a glucose tolerance test. In the subject on an empty stomach, glycemia, the level of glucose in the blood, is determined. He then drinks 75 g of powdered glucose dissolved in a glass of water. After 2 hours, glycemia is re-determined.
 According to the growth rate of this indicator, it can be concluded that the patient:
 Norm. Glycemia after exercise less than 7.8 mmol / l.
 Prediabetes with reduced glucose tolerance. The corresponding indicator is 7. 8-11.0 mmol / l.
 Already formed diabetes mellitus. Glycemia after exercise more than 11.0 mmol / l.
 In our clinic, more complex methods of diagnosing diabetes are also carried out:
 determination of insulin levels. In the first type, it is reduced. In the second type, it is normal, increased or decreased.
 Determination of the level of C-peptide. This protein is formed during the synthesis of insulin. By changes in the level of C-peptide, we can determine the type of diabetes mellitus.
 In the first autoimmune type, antibodies specific to beta cells are found in the blood.
 Along with blood, we examine urine. Normally, there is no sugar or protein in the urine. In severe diabetes mellitus, glucosuria and proteinuria, the presence of glucose and protein in the urine are determined. Ketoacidosis occurs with ketonuria, excretion of acetone in the urine.
 Main directions of treatment 
 Therapeutic measures are aimed at normalizing carbohydrate metabolism and preventing complications. Type 1 diabetes is treated with insulin. The same goes for insulin dependent type 2.
 Synthetic insulins are represented by ultrashort-acting, short-acting, intermediate-acting and long-acting preparations. The choice of the drug, the dosage regimen is determined by the endocrinologist, depending on the course of the disease and the level of glycemia.
 Diet in diabetes is no less important than medication. Food should contain the required amount of proteins, fats, minerals. Carbohydrates are also essential. After all, the glucose accumulated in the blood is not available for tissues, and with glucosuria, a significant amount of it is lost in the urine.
 To compensate for the lack of fluid is shown:
 Plentiful drink. Natural freshly squeezed juices, dried fruit compotes, weak tea.
 With a tendency to ketoacidotic states, patients are recommended alkaline mineral waters, but without gas.
 For patients with decompensated diabetes mellitus, solutions of salts and glucose are administered intravenously in a hospital setting.
 In non-insulin dependent type 2 diabetes mellitus, treatment is based on oral administration of tablets to lower glycemia. The main groups of hypoglycemic tablets:
 Derivatives of sulfonylurea. Stimulates the secretion of insulin by the pancreas.
 Phenylalanine derivatives and meglitinides. Stimulate the release of insulin.
 Biguanides. Reduce tissue insulin resistance. Reduce the synthesis of glucose in the liver.
 Glitazones. Reduce insulin resistance, reduce glucose production in the liver.
 Derivatives of alpha-glucosidase. Inhibit the absorption of glucose in the intestine.