Understanding 202 Blood Sugar: Normal Levels, Risks, and Management Strategies
Is 200 blood sugar normal after eating. What are the dangers of high blood sugar. How can you manage blood sugar levels effectively. What symptoms indicate dangerously high blood sugar.
Decoding Blood Sugar Levels: What’s Normal and What’s Not?
Blood sugar levels play a crucial role in our overall health, especially for those living with diabetes. Understanding what constitutes normal blood sugar levels is essential for effective management of the condition.
According to the American Diabetes Association, here are the guidelines for fasting blood sugar levels:
- Normal: Less than 100 mg/dL
- Prediabetes: 100-125 mg/dL
- Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher
For those outside the US using mmol/L measurements, simply divide these numbers by 18.
When it comes to blood sugar levels two hours after eating or during an oral glucose tolerance test, the benchmarks are as follows:
- Normal: Less than 140 mg/dL
- Prediabetes: 140-199 mg/dL
- Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or higher
Is a blood sugar level of 202 normal after eating?
A blood sugar level of 202 mg/dL after eating is considered high and falls into the diabetic range. While it’s not uncommon for blood sugar to rise after a meal, levels should typically return to normal within 1-2 hours. Consistent post-meal readings above 200 mg/dL indicate poor glycemic control and may require adjustments in diet, medication, or lifestyle.
The Dangers of High Blood Sugar: What You Need to Know
High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, occurs when there’s an excess of glucose in the bloodstream due to insufficient insulin or insulin resistance. While occasional spikes may not cause immediate harm, chronic hyperglycemia can lead to serious health complications.
At what point does high blood sugar become dangerous?
Blood sugar levels above 180-200 mg/dL typically cause noticeable symptoms. However, levels exceeding 250 mg/dL require immediate attention and necessitate checking for ketones to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Blood sugar levels of 600 mg/dL or higher can lead to a diabetic coma, a life-threatening condition requiring emergency medical intervention.
Long-term complications of persistently high blood sugar include:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Kidney damage
- Nerve damage (neuropathy)
- Eye problems (retinopathy)
- Foot problems
- Skin conditions
Recognizing the Symptoms of High Blood Sugar
Identifying the signs of high blood sugar early can help prevent more serious complications. Symptoms may vary depending on the severity of hyperglycemia.
What are the early signs of high blood sugar?
When blood sugar levels reach around 200 mg/dL, you may experience:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
- Mild blurred vision
- Headache
What symptoms indicate dangerously high blood sugar?
As blood sugar levels continue to rise and ketones build up, more severe symptoms may develop, including:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fruity-smelling breath
- Dry mouth
- Rapid weight loss
- Extreme weakness and fatigue
- Confusion
- Severe muscle aches
- Severely blurred vision
- Shortness of breath
If you experience these symptoms, especially in combination with high blood sugar levels, seek immediate medical attention to prevent progression to diabetic ketoacidosis or diabetic coma.
Effective Strategies for Managing Blood Sugar Levels
Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is crucial for people with diabetes. Here are some proven strategies to help keep your blood sugar in check:
How can diet impact blood sugar control?
A balanced diet plays a pivotal role in blood sugar management. Consider the following dietary approaches:
- Focus on low glycemic index foods
- Incorporate plenty of fiber-rich vegetables
- Choose whole grains over refined carbohydrates
- Include lean proteins in your meals
- Practice portion control
- Stay hydrated with water instead of sugary drinks
Can exercise help regulate blood sugar levels?
Regular physical activity is essential for blood sugar control. Exercise helps your body use insulin more effectively and can lower blood sugar levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with resistance training exercises twice a week.
What role does medication play in blood sugar management?
For many people with diabetes, medication is a crucial component of their treatment plan. This may include:
- Insulin injections or pump therapy
- Oral medications like metformin
- GLP-1 receptor agonists
- SGLT2 inhibitors
Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate medication regimen for your individual needs.
The Importance of Regular Blood Sugar Monitoring
Frequent blood sugar monitoring is essential for effective diabetes management. It helps you understand how your body responds to different foods, activities, and medications.
How often should you check your blood sugar?
The frequency of blood sugar checks varies depending on your diabetes type and treatment plan. Generally, people with type 1 diabetes may need to check their blood sugar 4-10 times a day, while those with type 2 diabetes might check less frequently. Your healthcare provider can help determine the best monitoring schedule for you.
What tools are available for blood sugar monitoring?
Several options exist for blood sugar monitoring:
- Traditional glucose meters with test strips
- Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)
- Flash glucose monitoring systems
Discuss with your healthcare team to find the most suitable monitoring method for your lifestyle and needs.
Preventing and Treating High Blood Sugar Episodes
While maintaining stable blood sugar levels is ideal, occasional high blood sugar episodes can occur. Knowing how to prevent and address these situations is crucial for effective diabetes management.
How can you prevent high blood sugar?
Implement these strategies to minimize the risk of high blood sugar:
- Stick to your medication schedule
- Follow a consistent meal plan
- Stay active and exercise regularly
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques
- Get adequate sleep
- Stay hydrated
What steps should you take when experiencing high blood sugar?
If you notice your blood sugar rising above target levels:
- Drink plenty of water to help flush out excess glucose
- Take a brisk walk or engage in light exercise if it’s safe to do so
- Review your recent food intake and adjust if necessary
- Check your insulin pump or injection site for any issues
- Administer correction insulin if prescribed by your doctor
- Monitor your blood sugar closely over the next few hours
If your blood sugar remains persistently high or you experience symptoms of severe hyperglycemia, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Long-Term Strategies for Optimal Blood Sugar Control
Achieving and maintaining good blood sugar control over time requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond day-to-day management.
How can you improve your overall diabetes management?
Consider these long-term strategies for better blood sugar control:
- Work closely with your healthcare team to adjust your treatment plan as needed
- Attend regular check-ups and screenings
- Educate yourself about diabetes management through reputable sources
- Join a diabetes support group for peer encouragement and advice
- Consider using diabetes management apps or digital tools
- Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
- Maintain a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise
What role does technology play in modern diabetes management?
Advancements in technology have revolutionized diabetes care. Some innovative tools include:
- Smart insulin pens that track dosing and timing
- Closed-loop insulin delivery systems (artificial pancreas)
- Advanced data analysis software for better decision-making
- Telemedicine platforms for remote consultations with healthcare providers
Staying informed about these technological advancements can help you and your healthcare team make more informed decisions about your diabetes management strategy.
Understanding the Psychological Impact of Blood Sugar Management
Living with diabetes and constantly monitoring blood sugar levels can take a toll on mental health. It’s essential to address the psychological aspects of diabetes management for overall well-being.
How does diabetes affect mental health?
Managing diabetes can lead to various psychological challenges, including:
- Diabetes distress
- Anxiety about complications
- Depression
- Burnout from constant self-care demands
- Fear of hypoglycemia
What strategies can help cope with the emotional aspects of diabetes?
Consider these approaches to maintain good mental health while managing diabetes:
- Seek support from a mental health professional specializing in chronic illness
- Practice mindfulness and stress-reduction techniques
- Set realistic goals and celebrate small victories
- Connect with others who have diabetes through support groups or online communities
- Incorporate enjoyable activities into your daily routine
- Communicate openly with your healthcare team about your emotional well-being
Remember, taking care of your mental health is just as important as managing your blood sugar levels. A holistic approach to diabetes care that addresses both physical and emotional needs can lead to better overall outcomes and quality of life.
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 Sugar | Result |
Less than 100 mg/dl | Normal |
100 mg/dl to 125 mg/dl | Prediabetes |
126 mg/dl or higher | 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:
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test | Result |
Less than 140 mg/dl | Normal |
140 mg/dl to 199 mg/dl | Prediabetes |
200 mg/dl or higher | Diabetes |
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.
Diabetes mellitus and its types
Glucose is the main and universal source of energy for people. However, if the endocrine system is disturbed, it begins to accumulate in the blood, and a person develops diabetes mellitus: the body does not produce the required amount of insulin or even loses sensitivity to it. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that cannot be completely cured, but you can learn to live with this diagnosis.
About dangerous diabetes mellitus
A disease detected in time will help to avoid serious pathologies, disability and, in advanced cases, death. To do this, you need to regularly take tests for glucose levels and undergo a medical examination. Diabetes is becoming a problem for more and more people, so it is important to identify the disease in the initial stages and take it under control: change your lifestyle, switch to proper nutrition and monitor blood sugar levels.
Consequences of elevated glucose levels
Diabetes mellitus is dangerous with health complications, and the main reason for this is an irresponsible approach to hyperglycemia. Due to high blood sugar levels, other life-threatening diseases develop. Vision, kidneys, musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems are especially affected by diabetes. In most cases, the organs suffer due to untimely treatment, because type II diabetes is asymptomatic in the initial stages and begins to manifest itself only in the later ones. Type I diabetes is easier to detect: it starts acutely, but it also requires more thorough treatment – insulin therapy. Therefore, it is important to follow all the recommendations of doctors in order to avoid the serious consequences of diabetes listed below.
Decreased visual acuity
Often, it is the optometrist who can suspect diabetes mellitus, because one of its main symptoms is a significant decrease in visual acuity. High blood glucose levels damage the retina and cause clouding of the lens. In this regard, diabetic complications such as retinopathy and cataracts develop, which already require surgical intervention. Often these consequences develop gradually and are diagnosed late, when they begin to bring serious discomfort to a person.
Kidney disease
Elevated blood sugar levels affect pathological changes in the kidneys: the filtration function is disturbed, diabetic nephropathy and renal failure appear.
The disease develops gradually and can be localized if detected in the early stages. The main task of treatment is to prevent the development of renal failure, which leads to a violation of all kidney functions.
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
Diabetes mellitus affects the joints, in connection with which osteoarthropathy develops. This disease in the early stages is characterized by swelling, hyperemia and pain in the ankle. The patient may experience discomfort when moving and even lose the ability to walk. If timely action is not taken, then osteoarthropathy can lead to diabetic foot syndrome, gangrene and amputation of the leg in advanced cases.
Diseases of the cardiovascular system
Diabetes mellitus negatively affects the heart and blood vessels due to a lack of the hormone insulin and impaired glucose uptake by cells. People with this diagnosis may develop diabetic cardiomyopathy, suggesting pathological changes in the heart.
Again, timely detection of the disease will avoid serious consequences in the form of heart failure, which is characterized by a violation of the function of the muscle tissue of the heart and increased wear and tear.
Diabetic macroangiopathy – affects large blood vessels, namely the vessels of the heart and legs. The reason for this is hyperglycemia, which contributes to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and blood clots, a decrease in vascular elasticity, as well as insufficient blood supply to internal organs. To prevent rapidly progressing complications that threaten life, it is necessary to diagnose diabetes mellitus in time and begin its treatment.
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Types of diabetes mellitus
Doctors identify the main and specific types of diabetes, each of which has its own characteristics and a specific approach
The main types of diabetes:
Type I diabetes – s The disease can develop at any age, but is most commonly found in children, adolescents, and adults under 30 years of age. The insulin needed for metabolism is not produced by the pancreas at all, so people with this diagnosis are dependent on constant insulin injections.
Type II diabetes – the most common form of diabetes. People with this type of disease do not depend on insulin, on the contrary, it is produced in the right or even excessive amounts. However, the cells do not absorb glucose and the blood is oversaturated with it, which contributes to an increased level of sugar.
Specific types of diabetes mellitus:
- Gestational diabetes – develops in pregnant women. It is associated with disorders of the endocrine system in the mother and may affect the development of the child. Unlike the main types, it is considered temporary and curable.
- Symptomatic – develops as a result of other pathologies
- MODY diabetes is a hereditary variety in which diabetes is detected at an early age and proceeds as type II diabetes
- Pre-diabetes is a condition in which the body is predisposed to developing diabetes, and blood sugar is at the highest point of normal levels. You need to be especially careful, because prediabetes can turn into type II diabetes.
Diabetes mellitus is a diagnosis with which you can lead a full life, engage in your favorite hobby and travel. The main thing is to follow the recommendations of the doctor, adhere to proper nutrition and keep sugar levels under control.
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December 24, 2021
Company press release
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- Epineural, perineural suture
- Autoneuroplasty
- Neuroticization
- Treatment of painful neuromas
2. Treatment of diseases and injuries of the wrist joint:
- fracture, false joint of the navicular bone (minimally invasive osteosynthesis, vascularized bone grafting)
- fracture of the lower third (in a typical location) of the radius
- all types of osteosynthesis of fractures of the metacarpal, carpal bones (pins, miniplates, AutoFix, TwinFix screws)
- Kienböck’s disease
- removal of enchondromas with defect replacement with biocomposite nanoconstructive preparations: CollapAn, MIIG 115, ChronOs
- removal of osteoid osteomas with intraoperative use of navigation systems (electronic-optical converter, computed tomography)
3. Treatment of cicatricial deformities, trophic ulcers, osteomyelitis of the bones of the upper and lower extremities in combination with a skin defect:
- methods of microsurgical transplantation of bone and soft tissue autografts are used to replace defects and ensure the processes of fusion of bone fragments
- post-traumatic defects of soft tissues (muscles, skin) of various sizes and localization: microsurgical transplants of the corresponding tissue complexes are used.
4. Elimination of cicatricial deformities of any localization caused by thermal or chemical burns, trauma, electric current or surgical operations; correction and replacement of defects using local tissues, rotational, islet and microvascular flaps; dermatome skin grafting.
5. Suture or plasty of the main vessels and nerves of the extremities using microsurgical techniques.
6. Endoprosthetics of the joints of the fingers.
7. Treatment of patients with hand deformities due to rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus.
8. Treatment of Dupuytren’s disease and other contractures of the fingers.
9. Surgical treatment of the consequences of degenerative-inflammatory diseases of the hand and foot: surgery for stenosing ligamentitis (Knott’s disease, de Quervain’s disease), removal of ganglia, hygromas, carpal tunnel syndrome.
10. Surgical treatment of valgus deformity of the 1st toe, ingrown toenail.
11. Treatment of the consequences of severe injuries of the hand using simultaneous combined surgical interventions, including reconstruction of the non-toed hand by free transplantation of toes from the foot.
12. Treatment of flexor tendon injuries, extensor tendons:
- tendon suture
- primary tendon plasty
- two-stage tendon plasty
13. Injuries of tendons, muscles and nerves of the upper extremities: restorative, replacement and corrective operations in case of damage to the tendons, muscles and peripheral nerves of the upper extremities.