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202 Blood Sugar: Understanding High Blood Glucose Levels and Their Implications

Is 200 blood sugar normal after eating. What are the dangers of high blood sugar. How can you manage blood glucose levels effectively. What symptoms indicate dangerously high blood sugar.

Understanding Normal Blood Sugar Levels

Blood sugar management is crucial for individuals with diabetes. But what exactly constitutes a normal blood sugar level? The American Diabetes Association provides clear guidelines:

  • Fasting blood sugar (after 8 hours without food or drink except water):
    • Normal: Less than 100 mg/dL
    • Prediabetes: 100-125 mg/dL
    • Diabetes: Above 125 mg/dL
  • 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 outside the US using mmol/L, simply divide these numbers by 18.

The Dangers of High Blood Sugar

High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, occurs when there’s an excess of glucose in the bloodstream due to insufficient insulin. This can result from various factors, including inadequate insulin dosage, lack of exercise, overeating, stress, hormonal changes, or sleep deprivation.

While occasional spikes in blood sugar may not cause immediate harm, chronic hyperglycemia can lead to severe complications over time. For instance, maintaining an average blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL throughout one’s life significantly increases the risk of diabetes-related complications.

When Does Blood Sugar Become Dangerous?

For individuals with diabetes, blood sugar levels above 125 mg/dL are considered high. However, symptoms typically manifest when levels reach 180-200 mg/dL. Blood sugar exceeding 200 mg/dL requires immediate insulin treatment, while levels above 250 mg/dL necessitate a urine ketone test to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

DKA is a life-threatening condition where prolonged high blood sugar and ketones cause the blood to become acidic. It can occur due to illness, insulin pump failure, or missed insulin doses. Alarmingly, about 25% of newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes cases are identified when patients are already in DKA.

Recognizing the Symptoms of High Blood Sugar

The severity of high blood sugar symptoms varies depending on glucose levels. Early signs include:

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

As blood sugar levels continue to rise, more severe symptoms may develop, indicating the risk of DKA:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fruity-smelling breath
  • Dry mouth
  • Weight loss
  • Extreme weakness and fatigue
  • Confusion
  • Severe muscle aches
  • Severely blurred vision
  • Shortness of breath

Managing High Blood Sugar Effectively

Proper management of high blood sugar is essential to prevent complications. Here are some strategies to help control blood glucose levels:

  1. Regularly monitor blood sugar levels
  2. Adhere to prescribed insulin regimens
  3. Maintain a balanced diet
  4. Engage in regular physical activity
  5. Stay hydrated
  6. Manage stress through relaxation techniques
  7. Get adequate sleep

Can lifestyle changes significantly impact blood sugar control? Indeed, adopting a healthy lifestyle can dramatically improve blood glucose management. Regular exercise, for instance, increases insulin sensitivity, allowing your body to use glucose more efficiently.

The Role of Insulin in Blood Sugar Regulation

Insulin plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. This hormone, produced by the pancreas, allows cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream. In individuals with diabetes, either the body doesn’t produce enough insulin (Type 1) or cells become resistant to its effects (Type 2).

How does insulin therapy work for people with diabetes? Insulin therapy aims to mimic the body’s natural insulin production. It can be administered through injections or an insulin pump. The type and dosage of insulin prescribed depend on various factors, including the individual’s blood sugar levels, lifestyle, and overall health.

Preventing and Treating Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

Diabetic ketoacidosis is a severe complication of diabetes that requires immediate medical attention. Prevention is key, and it involves:

  • Consistent blood sugar monitoring
  • Regular ketone testing when blood sugar is high
  • Adhering to insulin regimens
  • Staying hydrated
  • Being vigilant during illness or stress

What should you do if you suspect DKA? If you experience symptoms of DKA along with high blood sugar and ketones, seek emergency medical care immediately. Treatment typically involves intravenous fluids, insulin, and electrolyte replacement.

The Importance of Regular Health Check-ups for Diabetics

Regular health check-ups are crucial for individuals with diabetes to monitor their condition and prevent complications. These check-ups typically include:

  • HbA1c tests to assess average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months
  • Kidney function tests
  • Eye examinations
  • Foot examinations
  • Cardiovascular health assessments

How often should diabetics have these check-ups? The frequency of check-ups depends on individual circumstances, but generally, people with diabetes should see their healthcare provider at least every 3-6 months. More frequent visits may be necessary if blood sugar control is poor or complications arise.

Emerging Technologies in Diabetes Management

Advancements in technology have revolutionized diabetes management. Some of the latest innovations include:

  • Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) systems
  • Automated insulin delivery systems (artificial pancreas)
  • Smart insulin pens
  • Diabetes management apps

How do these technologies improve diabetes care? These innovations provide real-time glucose data, automate insulin delivery, and offer personalized insights, enabling more precise and convenient diabetes management. For instance, CGM systems can alert users to impending high or low blood sugar events, allowing for proactive intervention.

The field of diabetes management continues to evolve, with researchers exploring new treatments and technologies to improve the lives of those living with this condition. From artificial pancreas systems to smart insulin that activates only when needed, the future holds promise for even better blood sugar control and reduced complications.

In conclusion, understanding and managing blood sugar levels is crucial for individuals with diabetes. While a blood sugar of 202 mg/dL is considered high and requires attention, it’s important to remember that occasional spikes don’t typically cause long-term damage. The key is maintaining good overall control through a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring. By staying informed and working closely with healthcare providers, people with diabetes can lead healthy, fulfilling lives while keeping their blood sugar levels in check.

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.

Fasting Blood SugarResult
Less than 100 mg/dlNormal
100 mg/dl to 125 mg/dlPrediabetes
126 mg/dl or higherDiabetes

(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:

Oral Glucose Tolerance TestResult
Less than 140 mg/dlNormal
140 mg/dl to 199 mg/dlPrediabetes
200 mg/dl or higherDiabetes

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!

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Facts and figures

WORLDWIDE

million people have diabetes

million deaths due to diabetes

diabetes in 2016 high blood sugar in 2012

IN RUSSIA

90,004 4,584,575 90,005 90,004 cases (3. 1% of the population) are officially registered. Of which:

4 238 503 – type 2 diabetes mellitus

256 202 – type 1 diabetes mellitus

89 870 – other types of diabetes mellitus

The causes of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes

are different, but it has been proven that there are two common factors influencing the onset of the disease: hereditary predisposition and external factors.

What is prediabetes

Prediabetes can be called a “gray zone” between normal and diabetes: blood sugar levels are already elevated, but not yet high enough to be diagnosed.
Patients with prediabetes usually do not have serious clinical manifestations of the disease
, however, over time, most of them develop type 2 diabetes. The state of prediabetes is indicated by a glucose level in the range of 6.1 – 7 mmol / l.

What is diabetes

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder in which the body cannot control the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. This chronic disease is treatable: constant control of sugar allows patients with diabetes to lead a full life and prevent the development of dangerous macrovascular complications (stroke, myocardial infarction, damage to the vessels of the lower extremities up to amputation) and microvascular, leading to damage to the retina, kidneys and nerve endings .

What is type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a rare type of disease that occurs in approximately 10% of patients. It develops due to the absence or decrease in the number of pancreatic cells that produce insulin, a hormone needed for the absorption of glucose. The cause of the disease can be injuries or diseases of the pancreas, followed by removal of the organ or part of it, some infectious diseases (rubella, mumps), congenital pathologies, autoimmune diseases. Type 1 diabetes requires continuous injections of insulin.

What is type 2 diabetes

In type 2 diabetes, the insulin needed to absorb glucose is produced in the right amounts, but is not used effectively by the body. Risk factors for the disease are chronic pancreatitis, obesity, genetic predisposition, sedentary lifestyle, alcohol abuse, stress. Chronic thirst, dry mouth, excessive or frequent urination, dramatic weight changes, dry skin, and prolonged healing of wounds and abrasions can indicate diabetes. Glucose levels in the case of diabetes will rise above 7 mmol / l.

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Look in the catalog

Complex “Monitoring of diabetes mellitus” (every 6 months) –
if you have been diagnosed with diabetes

Deadline – 1 day.
Taking biomaterial is paid separately

See catalog

Nearest branch

What to do after receiving the results?

Call the free number
800 550 13 13
and find out what your indicators mean

,

to contact an endocrinologist if the results indicate the pre -ore, diabetes or high risk of the development of the disease

How to prepare
for a study?

  • Schedule your blood donation
    from 8 am to 11 am

It is recommended to donate blood in the morning on an empty stomach. After the last meal should be
pass 12-14 hours, you can drink only non-carbonated water.

  • 24 hours before analysis

Give up alcohol, intense
physical activity, drugs (as agreed with your doctor). Do not smoke 1-2 hours before the test.

  • 15 minutes before analysis

Sit in the laboratory for a while, catch your breath and calm down.

Gemotest is a federal medical network of 700 laboratory departments in 280 Russian cities. Each of them can pass more than 2,500 types of tests – from general clinical to complex and unique tests for commercial laboratories.

Advantages of the
laboratory:

Reliable

The results of the Gemotest laboratory are recognized by all medical institutions in Russia –
and state polyclinics,
and private medical centers

Comfortable
Laboratory staff

professional, attentive
and tactful employees

Reliable
All analyzes are performed on modern automatic equipment from leading manufacturers

Profitable
From the first order, you will become a member of the bonus program, which allows you to accumulate points and pay for part of the following studies with them. For patients under 25 and over 55 years of age, on any day of the week, there is a 5% discount on all
laboratory tests (including promotional complexes)

Fast
The results of most tests are ready in 1 day

Find a department

THERE IS A CONTRAINDICATION ANIA .