What is considered a normal fasting blood sugar level. How does fasting blood sugar relate to prediabetes and diabetes. What factors influence fasting blood sugar readings. How can you test and monitor your fasting blood sugar at home.

Understanding Fasting Blood Sugar Levels

Fasting blood sugar levels provide crucial insights into how the body manages glucose. These measurements are typically taken several hours after eating, offering a more accurate view of a person’s glucose regulation. According to the American Diabetes Association, normal fasting blood sugar levels should be below 5.7%. A reading between 5.7% and 6.4% indicates prediabetes, while a level of 6.5% or higher is diagnostic of diabetes.

Why are these numbers important? Elevated fasting blood sugar levels can point to insulin resistance or diabetes, while abnormally low levels might suggest complications from diabetes medications. Understanding these benchmarks is essential for maintaining optimal health, especially for those at risk of developing diabetes or already managing the condition.

Factors Influencing Fasting Blood Sugar

Several factors contribute to fasting blood sugar levels:

• The content and size of your last meal
• Your body’s ability to produce insulin
• How well your body responds to insulin

These elements work together to determine how effectively your body manages blood glucose overnight and between meals.

The Role of Insulin in Blood Sugar Regulation

Insulin plays a pivotal role in blood sugar management. After a meal, blood sugar levels rise, typically peaking about an hour after eating. The pancreas responds by releasing insulin, which helps lower blood sugar by breaking it down for immediate energy use or storage for later.

For individuals with diabetes, this process is impaired. Those with Type 1 diabetes don’t produce enough insulin due to an autoimmune attack on insulin-producing cells. In contrast, people with Type 2 diabetes initially don’t respond well to insulin and may later struggle with insufficient insulin production. Both scenarios result in elevated blood sugar levels and difficulties in glucose utilization.

How Diet Affects Blood Sugar Peaks

The extent and timing of blood sugar rises after eating depend significantly on diet. Factors that can trigger substantial increases include:

• Consuming large meals
• Ingesting sugary foods and drinks
• Eating foods high in simple carbohydrates (e.g., bread, sweet snacks)

Testing Methods for Fasting Blood Sugar

Several methods are available for assessing fasting blood sugar levels, each offering unique insights into glucose management:

The HbA1c Test

The glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test is a comprehensive measure of blood sugar control over time, typically reflecting the past three months. This test is conducted in a medical setting and results are expressed as a percentage. It’s particularly useful for gauging long-term blood sugar management.

Home Blood Sugar Testing

Home testing provides immediate feedback on blood sugar levels. For most people, the recommended time for testing fasting blood sugar is immediately upon waking, before eating or drinking anything. Some individuals may also test before meals or two hours after eating, depending on their treatment goals and medical advice.

The process of home blood sugar testing involves:

1. Preparing the testing strip and glucose monitor
2. Cleaning the testing area (usually a fingertip) with an alcohol swab
3. Lancing the testing area
4. Applying a drop of blood to the test strip
5. Inserting the strip into the monitor
6. Recording the results, time, and recent food intake in a log

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)

CGM offers a more comprehensive view of blood sugar fluctuations. This method involves wearing a monitor continuously, which records glucose levels throughout the day and night. While potentially more expensive, CGM can provide a more detailed picture of blood sugar patterns and trends.

Prediabetes: A Critical Warning Sign

Prediabetes is a condition characterized by blood sugar levels higher than normal but not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes. It serves as a crucial warning sign, indicating an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and associated cardiovascular problems.

Recognizing Prediabetes Symptoms

Prediabetes often develops without clear symptoms, making regular blood sugar testing vital. However, some individuals may experience:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision

If you notice these symptoms or have risk factors for diabetes, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation.

Causes and Risk Factors for Prediabetes

Understanding the causes and risk factors for prediabetes is crucial for prevention and early intervention. While the exact causes aren’t always clear, several factors increase the likelihood of developing prediabetes:

• Excess weight, especially around the waist
• Lack of physical activity
• Family history of diabetes
• Age (risk increases after 45)
• Gestational diabetes during pregnancy
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Certain racial and ethnic backgrounds (e.g., African American, Hispanic, Native American)

Recognizing these risk factors can motivate individuals to make lifestyle changes or seek medical advice to prevent the progression to Type 2 diabetes.

Managing Fasting Blood Sugar Levels

Maintaining healthy fasting blood sugar levels is crucial for overall health and preventing the progression from prediabetes to diabetes. Here are some effective strategies:

Dietary Modifications

A balanced diet plays a significant role in blood sugar management. Consider incorporating these dietary habits:

• Choose complex carbohydrates over simple sugars
• Increase fiber intake through whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
• Control portion sizes to manage calorie intake
• Include lean proteins and healthy fats in meals
• Limit processed foods and sugary drinks

Regular Physical Activity

Exercise is a powerful tool for improving insulin sensitivity and lowering blood sugar levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week, along with strength training exercises.

Weight Management

Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly impact blood sugar levels. Even a modest weight loss of 5-7% of body weight can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Stress Reduction

Chronic stress can elevate blood sugar levels. Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine.

Adequate Sleep

Poor sleep quality and insufficient sleep duration can negatively affect blood sugar control. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to support overall health and blood sugar regulation.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While lifestyle modifications can significantly impact blood sugar levels, it’s essential to know when to consult a healthcare professional. Consider seeking medical advice if:

• Your fasting blood sugar consistently reads above 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L)
• You experience symptoms of high or low blood sugar
• You have multiple risk factors for diabetes
• You’re struggling to manage your blood sugar levels through lifestyle changes alone

A healthcare provider can offer personalized advice, conduct further testing if necessary, and recommend appropriate interventions to manage your blood sugar effectively.

Technological Advancements in Blood Sugar Monitoring

The field of blood sugar monitoring is rapidly evolving, with new technologies offering more convenient and accurate ways to track glucose levels. These advancements are particularly beneficial for individuals with prediabetes or diabetes, providing real-time data to inform decision-making and improve overall health outcomes.

Smart Glucose Meters

Modern glucose meters now come with smartphone connectivity, allowing users to easily log and track their blood sugar readings over time. Many of these devices offer features such as:

• Automatic data syncing with mobile apps
• Trend analysis and personalized insights
• Reminders for testing and medication
• The ability to share data with healthcare providers

Non-Invasive Monitoring Technologies

Research is ongoing into non-invasive blood sugar monitoring methods, which could revolutionize diabetes management. Some promising technologies include:

• Optical sensors that measure blood glucose through the skin
• Breath analysis devices that detect acetone levels correlated with blood glucose
• Smart contact lenses that measure glucose levels in tears

While many of these technologies are still in development or early stages of implementation, they represent the future of blood sugar monitoring, potentially offering painless and continuous glucose tracking.

Artificial Intelligence in Diabetes Management

AI-powered algorithms are being integrated into diabetes management tools to provide more personalized care. These systems can:

• Predict blood sugar trends based on historical data
• Suggest optimal insulin dosing
• Identify patterns that may lead to hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia
• Offer personalized lifestyle recommendations

As these technologies continue to advance, they promise to make blood sugar management more precise and less burdensome for individuals with prediabetes and diabetes.

The Global Impact of Prediabetes and Diabetes

Prediabetes and diabetes represent significant global health challenges, with far-reaching implications for individuals, healthcare systems, and economies worldwide. Understanding the scope of these conditions is crucial for developing effective prevention and management strategies.

Prevalence and Trends

The prevalence of prediabetes and diabetes has been steadily increasing globally:

• According to the International Diabetes Federation, approximately 463 million adults were living with diabetes in 2019
• This number is projected to rise to 700 million by 2045
• An estimated 374 million adults have prediabetes, putting them at high risk for developing Type 2 diabetes

These statistics highlight the urgent need for widespread education, prevention efforts, and improved management strategies.

Economic Burden

The economic impact of diabetes is substantial:

• Global health expenditure on diabetes was estimated at $760 billion in 2019
• This figure is expected to reach $845 billion by 2045
• Indirect costs, such as reduced productivity and early retirement, further compound the economic burden

Addressing prediabetes through early intervention and lifestyle modifications could significantly reduce these costs and improve global health outcomes.

Public Health Initiatives

Recognizing the growing challenge of prediabetes and diabetes, many countries and international organizations have launched public health initiatives aimed at:

• Raising awareness about risk factors and prevention strategies
• Implementing screening programs to identify individuals with prediabetes
• Promoting healthy lifestyles through policy changes and community interventions
• Improving access to healthcare and diabetes management resources

These efforts are crucial for stemming the tide of diabetes and its associated complications on a global scale.

The Future of Prediabetes and Diabetes Care

As our understanding of prediabetes and diabetes continues to evolve, so too do the approaches to prevention, management, and treatment. The future of care in this field looks promising, with several exciting developments on the horizon:

Personalized Medicine

Advances in genetic research and data analytics are paving the way for more personalized approaches to diabetes care. This could include:

• Tailored dietary recommendations based on individual genetic profiles
• Customized medication regimens that consider a person’s unique metabolic characteristics
• Precision interventions for prediabetes that target specific underlying causes

Regenerative Medicine

Stem cell research holds promise for treating Type 1 diabetes and potentially reversing pancreatic damage in Type 2 diabetes. Ongoing studies are exploring:

• Methods to generate insulin-producing cells from stem cells
• Techniques to transplant these cells effectively
• Ways to protect transplanted cells from autoimmune attack

Artificial Pancreas Systems

The development of closed-loop insulin delivery systems, or artificial pancreas devices, continues to advance. These systems aim to:

• Automatically monitor blood glucose levels
• Adjust insulin delivery in real-time
• Reduce the burden of diabetes management for patients

Novel Therapeutic Approaches

Research into new medications and treatment modalities is ongoing, with potential breakthroughs in areas such as:

• Gut microbiome modulation to improve insulin sensitivity
• Nanotechnology for targeted drug delivery
• Immunotherapy to prevent or reverse Type 1 diabetes

As these advancements continue to develop and become more accessible, the landscape of prediabetes and diabetes care is poised for significant transformation, offering hope for improved outcomes and quality of life for millions of people worldwide.

Fasting blood sugar levels and testing

Blood sugar tends to peak about an hour after eating and declines after that. Fasting blood sugar levels are measured several hours after eating, as this gives a more accurate view of a person’s glucose levels. In most cases, fasting blood sugar levels should be below 5.7%.

According to the American Diabetes Association, a measure of 5.7–6.4% indicates prediabetes. At 6.5%, a doctor will diagnose diabetes.

High fasting blood sugar levels point to insulin resistance or diabetes, while abnormally low fasting blood sugar can be due to diabetes medications.

Knowing when to test and what to look for can help people stay healthy, especially if they have diabetes or are at risk of developing the condition.

Keep reading to learn more about fasting blood sugar levels, including information on testing and tips for maintaining normal levels.

The body needs glucose for energy, and glucose comes from the food a person eats. However, the body does not use all of this energy at once. Insulin makes it possible to store and release glucose as necessary.

Following a meal, blood sugar levels rise and usually peak about an hour after eating.

How high blood sugar rises and the precise timing of the peak depends on a person’s diet.

Food-related factors that can trigger significant rises include:

• eating large meals
• consuming sugary foods and drinks
• eating foods with simple carbohydrates, or carbs, such as bread and sweet snacks

As blood sugar rises, the pancreas releases insulin. Insulin lowers blood sugar, breaking it down so the body can use it for energy or store it for later.

However, people who have diabetes have difficulties with insulin in one of two ways.

Those with type 1 diabetes do not produce enough insulin because their body attacks its insulin-producing cells. Those with type 2 diabetes do not respond well to insulin in their body and, later, may not make enough insulin.

In both cases, people experience high blood sugar levels and have difficulty using glucose, or blood sugar.

Fasting blood sugar depends on three factors:

• the contents of a person’s last meal
• the size of their previous meal
• their body’s ability to produce and respond to insulin

Blood sugar levels between meals offer insight into how the body manages sugar. High levels of fasting blood sugar suggest the body was not able to lower blood sugar levels.

This points to insulin resistance, inadequate insulin production, or in some cases, both.

Very low blood sugar levels may indicate that diabetes medications are lowering the blood sugar too much.

To assess fasting blood sugar levels, people or healthcare professionals can use a glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test, a conventional blood sugar test, or continuous glucose monitoring.

The HbA1c test

HbA1c is a test doctors use to assess overall blood sugar control. The HbA1c test measures how the body manages blood sugar over time, usually during the past 3 months.

A person will undergo this test at a doctor’s office or in a lab. If levels are very high, the individual may need a second test. The results appear as a percentage.

Blood sugar testing at home

A person can test their blood sugar levels at home.

In most cases, doctors ask people to measure fasting blood sugar immediately upon waking and before they have anything to eat or drink. It may also be appropriate to test blood sugar before eating or 2 hours after a meal, which is when blood sugar returns to normal levels.

The right time to test depends on treatment goals and other factors. For example, most people with diabetes do not need to test between meals unless they are using a diabetes drug that can lower blood sugar. Other people may test between meals if they feel their sugar levels may be low.

Because people with type 1 diabetes do not make enough insulin, they need to test their blood sugar levels several times a day so they can adjust their insulin doses.

A person will test blood sugar levels by:

• preparing the testing strip and glucose monitor to be ready for the blood sample
• using an alcohol swab to clean the testing area, which is usually the side of a fingertip
• lancing the testing area and bracing against a firm surface to help resist the impulse to pull away
• squeezing the testing area around the wound to maximize blood flow
• squeezing a drop of blood onto the test strip
• putting the strip into the monitor
• recording the time, blood sugar reading, and recent food intake in a log

Find out more about home blood sugar testing here.

Continuous glucose monitoring

Another option for daily use is continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).

For CGM, a person wears a monitor 24 hours a day. The monitor records their blood glucose levels on an ongoing basis.

CGM can give a more accurate picture of a person’s levels and fluctuations throughout the day. However, this type of kit can be more expensive in some cases, depending on a person’s insurance coverage.

There are also nonfasting blood tests.

These include the random plasma glucose (RPG) test and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

For an RPG, a doctor does a conventional blood sugar test when a person is not fasting.

For an OGTT, a healthcare professional tests a person’s blood sugar levels over 2 hours, starting with a fasting blood test. Next, the person drinks a sugary beverage, and the doctor takes a blood sample every 30–60 minutes over a 2-hour period.

Blood sugar target levels are the ideal range that people should try to maintain as often as possible.

Because blood sugar levels vary throughout the day due to factors such as medications, food intake, and physical activity, no single blood sugar reading can reveal how well someone processes sugar.

HbA1c results

According to the American Diabetes Association, the results of an HbA1c test will be one of the following:

• normal: less than 5. 7%
• prediabetes: between 5.7% and 6.4%
• diabetes: 6.5% and over

Prediabetes is when blood sugar levels are higher than normal levels but not high enough to indicate diabetes. People can take measures to reverse prediabetes and stop diabetes from developing. Find out more here.

Home testing

Doctors express target blood sugar numbers for people with diabetes in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) as follows:

• fasting (testing in the morning before food or water): 80–130 mg/dL
• 2 hours after eating a meal: under 180 mg/dL

Meanwhile, for people without diabetes, target blood sugar levels are:

• fasting (testing in the morning before food or water): 72–99 mg/dL
• 2 hours after eating a meal: under 140 mg/dL

For people with prediabetes, the goal is to reach the same target blood sugar levels as people without diabetes.

However, the target numbers will vary between people. A healthcare professional will help a person identify their target levels.

Fasting blood sugar test

Doctors consider a fasting blood sugar level of less than 99 mg/dL as normal.

On the other hand, fasting blood sugar levels ranging from 100–125 mg/dL indicate prediabetes, and levels of 126 mg/dL or above indicate diabetes.

It is vital to follow a healthy diet to keep fasting blood sugar from rising too high. Strategies include:

• eating plenty of fiber-rich foods
• choosing whole grain bread and pasta instead of white bread and pasta
• eating high-protein foods to increase feelings of fullness
• limiting sugar and salt intake
• choosing nonstarchy vegetables

People who take diabetes medications and are at risk of dangerous blood sugar dips should follow a similar diet. They also must take proactive steps to prevent blood sugar from dropping. This includes:

• eating regular meals throughout the day
• increasing food intake and snack frequency during intense physical activity
• avoiding or limiting alcoholic beverages
• consulting a doctor if vomiting or diarrhea make it difficult to manage blood sugar

People are likely to experience symptoms if their blood sugar levels are too low or too high.

Low blood sugar levels

Blood sugar that is too low can cause symptoms such as:

• shaking and sweating
• feeling jittery
• difficulty concentrating
• lack of energy
• skin that looks paler than usual
• fatigue or tiredness
• headaches or muscle aches
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• weakness
• lack of coordination

In extreme cases, low blood sugar can trigger seizures, loss of consciousness, confusion, and an inability to drink or eat.

Find out more about hypoglycemia or low blood sugar here.

High blood sugar levels

High blood sugar levels, or hyperglycemia, can cause the following symptoms:

• increased hunger or thirst
• excessive urination
• blurred vision
• headache
• tiredness

As with low blood sugar, high blood sugar may cause loss of consciousness or seizures if people do not get treatment. Persistent high blood sugar can increase the risk of serious complications that doctors relate to diabetes, such as cardiovascular disease.

Any significant change in blood sugar patterns warrants a visit to a doctor. People with diabetes and those at risk of diabetes should also speak with a doctor if:

• blood sugar levels become unusually high or low
• well-managed blood sugar levels suddenly start fluctuating
• they have new or worsening symptoms of diabetes
• they change their medication or stop using it
• they experience abnormally high blood pressure
• they develop an infection or sore that will not heal

Diabetes needs ongoing monitoring, and the treatment can change over time. Information about diet and exercise is vital for a doctor to outline a proper treatment plan for each individual.

People with diabetes can assist their doctor by keeping detailed logs of their blood sugar levels and any relevant information, such as changes in activity, medications, or sleep. They should talk with a doctor about dietary and lifestyle habits that affect their blood sugar levels.

To manage diabetes, it is important to monitor and maintain healthy fasting blood sugar levels. For people with prediabetes, managing blood sugar levels can help reverse the condition and prevent the development of diabetes.

People who have diabetes or prediabetes need to test their blood sugar levels regularly and record their results. They should talk with a doctor if they notice any changes or unusual symptoms.

Fasting blood sugar levels and testing

Blood sugar tends to peak about an hour after eating and declines after that. Fasting blood sugar levels are measured several hours after eating, as this gives a more accurate view of a person’s glucose levels. In most cases, fasting blood sugar levels should be below 5.7%.

According to the American Diabetes Association, a measure of 5.7–6.4% indicates prediabetes. At 6.5%, a doctor will diagnose diabetes.

High fasting blood sugar levels point to insulin resistance or diabetes, while abnormally low fasting blood sugar can be due to diabetes medications.

Knowing when to test and what to look for can help people stay healthy, especially if they have diabetes or are at risk of developing the condition.

Keep reading to learn more about fasting blood sugar levels, including information on testing and tips for maintaining normal levels.

The body needs glucose for energy, and glucose comes from the food a person eats. However, the body does not use all of this energy at once. Insulin makes it possible to store and release glucose as necessary.

Following a meal, blood sugar levels rise and usually peak about an hour after eating.

How high blood sugar rises and the precise timing of the peak depends on a person’s diet.

Food-related factors that can trigger significant rises include:

• eating large meals
• consuming sugary foods and drinks
• eating foods with simple carbohydrates, or carbs, such as bread and sweet snacks

As blood sugar rises, the pancreas releases insulin. Insulin lowers blood sugar, breaking it down so the body can use it for energy or store it for later.

However, people who have diabetes have difficulties with insulin in one of two ways.

Those with type 1 diabetes do not produce enough insulin because their body attacks its insulin-producing cells. Those with type 2 diabetes do not respond well to insulin in their body and, later, may not make enough insulin.

In both cases, people experience high blood sugar levels and have difficulty using glucose, or blood sugar.

Fasting blood sugar depends on three factors:

• the contents of a person’s last meal
• the size of their previous meal
• their body’s ability to produce and respond to insulin

Blood sugar levels between meals offer insight into how the body manages sugar. High levels of fasting blood sugar suggest the body was not able to lower blood sugar levels.

This points to insulin resistance, inadequate insulin production, or in some cases, both.

Very low blood sugar levels may indicate that diabetes medications are lowering the blood sugar too much.

To assess fasting blood sugar levels, people or healthcare professionals can use a glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test, a conventional blood sugar test, or continuous glucose monitoring.

The HbA1c test

HbA1c is a test doctors use to assess overall blood sugar control. The HbA1c test measures how the body manages blood sugar over time, usually during the past 3 months.

A person will undergo this test at a doctor’s office or in a lab. If levels are very high, the individual may need a second test. The results appear as a percentage.

Blood sugar testing at home

A person can test their blood sugar levels at home.

In most cases, doctors ask people to measure fasting blood sugar immediately upon waking and before they have anything to eat or drink. It may also be appropriate to test blood sugar before eating or 2 hours after a meal, which is when blood sugar returns to normal levels.

The right time to test depends on treatment goals and other factors. For example, most people with diabetes do not need to test between meals unless they are using a diabetes drug that can lower blood sugar. Other people may test between meals if they feel their sugar levels may be low.

Because people with type 1 diabetes do not make enough insulin, they need to test their blood sugar levels several times a day so they can adjust their insulin doses.

A person will test blood sugar levels by:

• preparing the testing strip and glucose monitor to be ready for the blood sample
• using an alcohol swab to clean the testing area, which is usually the side of a fingertip
• lancing the testing area and bracing against a firm surface to help resist the impulse to pull away
• squeezing the testing area around the wound to maximize blood flow
• squeezing a drop of blood onto the test strip
• putting the strip into the monitor
• recording the time, blood sugar reading, and recent food intake in a log

Find out more about home blood sugar testing here.

Continuous glucose monitoring

Another option for daily use is continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).

For CGM, a person wears a monitor 24 hours a day. The monitor records their blood glucose levels on an ongoing basis.

CGM can give a more accurate picture of a person’s levels and fluctuations throughout the day. However, this type of kit can be more expensive in some cases, depending on a person’s insurance coverage.

There are also nonfasting blood tests.

These include the random plasma glucose (RPG) test and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

For an RPG, a doctor does a conventional blood sugar test when a person is not fasting.

For an OGTT, a healthcare professional tests a person’s blood sugar levels over 2 hours, starting with a fasting blood test. Next, the person drinks a sugary beverage, and the doctor takes a blood sample every 30–60 minutes over a 2-hour period.

Blood sugar target levels are the ideal range that people should try to maintain as often as possible.

Because blood sugar levels vary throughout the day due to factors such as medications, food intake, and physical activity, no single blood sugar reading can reveal how well someone processes sugar.

HbA1c results

According to the American Diabetes Association, the results of an HbA1c test will be one of the following:

• normal: less than 5.7%
• prediabetes: between 5.7% and 6.4%
• diabetes: 6.5% and over

Prediabetes is when blood sugar levels are higher than normal levels but not high enough to indicate diabetes. People can take measures to reverse prediabetes and stop diabetes from developing. Find out more here.

Home testing

Doctors express target blood sugar numbers for people with diabetes in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) as follows:

• fasting (testing in the morning before food or water): 80–130 mg/dL
• 2 hours after eating a meal: under 180 mg/dL

Meanwhile, for people without diabetes, target blood sugar levels are:

• fasting (testing in the morning before food or water): 72–99 mg/dL
• 2 hours after eating a meal: under 140 mg/dL

For people with prediabetes, the goal is to reach the same target blood sugar levels as people without diabetes.

However, the target numbers will vary between people. A healthcare professional will help a person identify their target levels.

Fasting blood sugar test

Doctors consider a fasting blood sugar level of less than 99 mg/dL as normal.

On the other hand, fasting blood sugar levels ranging from 100–125 mg/dL indicate prediabetes, and levels of 126 mg/dL or above indicate diabetes.

It is vital to follow a healthy diet to keep fasting blood sugar from rising too high. Strategies include:

• eating plenty of fiber-rich foods
• choosing whole grain bread and pasta instead of white bread and pasta
• eating high-protein foods to increase feelings of fullness
• limiting sugar and salt intake
• choosing nonstarchy vegetables

People who take diabetes medications and are at risk of dangerous blood sugar dips should follow a similar diet. They also must take proactive steps to prevent blood sugar from dropping. This includes:

• eating regular meals throughout the day
• increasing food intake and snack frequency during intense physical activity
• avoiding or limiting alcoholic beverages
• consulting a doctor if vomiting or diarrhea make it difficult to manage blood sugar

People are likely to experience symptoms if their blood sugar levels are too low or too high.

Low blood sugar levels

Blood sugar that is too low can cause symptoms such as:

• shaking and sweating
• feeling jittery
• difficulty concentrating
• lack of energy
• skin that looks paler than usual
• fatigue or tiredness
• headaches or muscle aches
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• weakness
• lack of coordination

In extreme cases, low blood sugar can trigger seizures, loss of consciousness, confusion, and an inability to drink or eat.

Find out more about hypoglycemia or low blood sugar here.

High blood sugar levels

High blood sugar levels, or hyperglycemia, can cause the following symptoms:

• increased hunger or thirst
• excessive urination
• blurred vision
• headache
• tiredness

As with low blood sugar, high blood sugar may cause loss of consciousness or seizures if people do not get treatment. Persistent high blood sugar can increase the risk of serious complications that doctors relate to diabetes, such as cardiovascular disease.

Any significant change in blood sugar patterns warrants a visit to a doctor. People with diabetes and those at risk of diabetes should also speak with a doctor if:

• blood sugar levels become unusually high or low
• well-managed blood sugar levels suddenly start fluctuating
• they have new or worsening symptoms of diabetes
• they change their medication or stop using it
• they experience abnormally high blood pressure
• they develop an infection or sore that will not heal

Diabetes needs ongoing monitoring, and the treatment can change over time. Information about diet and exercise is vital for a doctor to outline a proper treatment plan for each individual.

People with diabetes can assist their doctor by keeping detailed logs of their blood sugar levels and any relevant information, such as changes in activity, medications, or sleep. They should talk with a doctor about dietary and lifestyle habits that affect their blood sugar levels.

To manage diabetes, it is important to monitor and maintain healthy fasting blood sugar levels. For people with prediabetes, managing blood sugar levels can help reverse the condition and prevent the development of diabetes.

People who have diabetes or prediabetes need to test their blood sugar levels regularly and record their results. They should talk with a doctor if they notice any changes or unusual symptoms.

Gestational Diabetes – Bahçeci IVF Clinic

How is Gestational Diabetes Diagnosed?

Diabetes mellitus is an extremely important medical problem when the pancreas produces very little or no insulin. Diabetes, the number of diseases of which is increasing along with obesity, has become a global health problem.

Diabetes is a metabolic disease that is associated with the metabolism of proteins, fats and especially carbohydrates. Without insulin, sugar and other nutrients cannot get to the cells that need them. Thus, when cells lack sugar, blood glucose levels rise to above normal levels. There are two different forms of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas cannot supply enough insulin to the body. Usually the diagnosis is made at an early age. Type 1 diabetes is always treated with insulin. Type 2 diabetes is known as non-insulin dependent diabetes. In women, it is observed especially in combination with polycystic ovary syndrome. However, a woman who has never been diagnosed with diabetes may be diagnosed with diabetes during pregnancy. This condition, known as gestational diabetes, may go away on its own after pregnancy. Women at risk for gestational diabetes include women with a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and overweight. Gestational diabetes occurs in about 3 percent of all pregnant women, but in about 10 percent of these cases, the condition becomes permanent.

How does Gestational Diabetes develop?

Women with gestational diabetes do not develop diabetes before pregnancy. Although these women have adequate insulin levels, the hormones produced by the placenta prevent the action of insulin, and therefore blood sugar levels rise. This effect usually increases at the 20th and 24th weeks of pregnancy. However, in overweight women, blood glucose levels may be high from the first months of pregnancy. As the placenta leaves the mother’s body at birth, these hormones stop being produced and the disease goes away.

Who is at Risk for Gestational Diabetes?

• Women with a family history of diabetes,
• Women who are overweight,
• Women whose previously born children weighed more than 4 kg,
• Women who have had a miscarriage,
• Pregnant women over 25,
• Women with high blood glucose levels in previous pregnancies,
• Women who have sugar in their urine.

What Should People with Gestational Diabetes Do?

Women at risk for gestational diabetes should have an oral glucose tolerance test during the first months of pregnancy. Even if diabetes is not diagnosed at this stage, the test should be repeated at 20-24 weeks of gestation.

Because this condition is asymptomatic, all pregnant women should be tested for gestational diabetes. During an oral glucose tolerance test, a solution containing 50 g of glucose is given at any time of the day. An hour later, the level of glucose in the blood is assessed. If the blood glucose level exceeds 140 mg/dl, another test with 100 g of glucose is performed, as the situation is considered risky. If the results show glucose levels below 140 mg/dl, there is no risk of developing diabetes.

If a pregnant woman has a fasting glucose level of more than 126 g/dL, or if the glucose level measured at any time is more than 200 g/dL, she had diabetes before pregnancy.

How does Gestational Diabetes affect the baby?

In women with gestational diabetes, blood sugar levels usually rise around the 24th week. This does not lead to any deviations in the development of the baby. However, if the disease is diagnosed during the first trimester, the expectant mother should be careful. Women diagnosed with diabetes before pregnancy can also have healthy babies. However, these women should have their blood glucose checked regularly.

Gestational diabetes is an important risk factor as it leads to high birth weight. Because the mother’s blood sugar is high, the baby’s pancreas produces more insulin, which leads to weight gain. Therefore, a caesarean section may be required. The baby may have low blood sugar at birth, so the baby’s blood sugar must be monitored. In addition, these children may suffer from low levels of calcium and magnesium, which should also be monitored.

What should I look out for in Gestational Diabetes?

There are two ways to monitor gestational diabetes. The first way is to control the mother’s blood sugar levels. The second way is to monitor the development of the child. The most important thing in gestational diabetes is to keep blood sugar under control. Blood sugar levels are maintained between 60 and 120 mg/dL with regular blood tests. It is necessary to measure blood sugar levels on an empty stomach and after meals. In addition, blood sugar levels should be measured before dinner and at 22:30 (sometimes at 3-4 am). Fasting blood sugar should be at or below 95 mg/dl; and postprandial blood sugar levels should be equal to or below 140 mg/dL (one hour after a meal) and 120 mg/dL (two hours after a meal). In addition, it is important to measure the level of ketone bodies in the urine from time to time. High urinary ketone levels are an important marker of diabetes.

Nutrition and Exercise

Acceptable weight gain during pregnancy is 9 to 12 kg. If a woman was overweight before pregnancy, then the corresponding weight gain is 7-8 kg; and if she was underweight, the corresponding weight gain should be 17-20 kg. Exercise and a healthy lifestyle are essential for diabetes. This is because exercise helps lower blood sugar levels as well as keep them under control. Pregnant women are advised to go for walks 4-5 times a week. In addition to walking, they can do 45 minutes of daily aerobic exercise. While nutrition is very important for all pregnant women, it is even more important for women with gestational diabetes. Preference should be given to vegetables, whole grains, dried legumes, and meaty foods. Olive oil, whole grain bread, low-fat yogurt, and low-fat milk should be consumed. Margarine should not be consumed, and carbohydrate intake should be limited. Carbohydrates should not exceed 40% of the total daily calorie intake. Another important point is the values ​​​​of blood pressure. Blood pressure should be monitored regularly; in case systolic blood pressure is over 140 and diastolic blood pressure is over 90, you should contact your doctor immediately.

When and How is Gestational Diabetes Treated with Insulin?

If fasting blood sugar is greater than 105 mg/dl despite diet, and blood sugar is greater than 120 mg/dl within 2 hours of a meal, insulin treatment is required. Pregnant women who start insulin treatment should monitor their blood sugar levels at home. Insulin can be taken several times a day, as directed by your doctor. Oral antidiabetic agents are not used during pregnancy as they pass through the placenta.

Childbirth and the Postpartum Period

Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes may have a vaginal delivery. However, the condition of the child is a major factor in the decision. Delivery usually occurs at 38 weeks of gestation. If blood sugar levels remain high during labor, insulin is administered through a drip. With regular monitoring, you can give birth to a healthy baby.

During the postpartum period, the mother’s diet should be the same as during pregnancy. When blood sugar returns to normal, insulin treatment ends. For this reason, blood sugar levels should be measured regularly on the day of delivery and the following days. If blood sugar levels after childbirth are within the normal range, it should still be measured 1-2 months after childbirth.

Women with gestational diabetes are at a higher risk (about 10%) of developing diabetes in the future. That is why they should keep their weight under control, exercise regularly and eat healthy food. In addition, fasting and postprandial blood sugar levels should be checked every six months, especially if the patient is planning another pregnancy in the future.

Another factor that is as important as weight is where exactly fat is deposited in the body. Men with a waist circumference greater than 102 cm and women with a waist circumference greater than 88 cm are at a higher risk of developing diabetes, even if their weight is within the normal range. Men with waist circumference over 94 cm and women with a waist circumference of more than 80 cm should be careful. Diabetes can be kept under control with individualized weight management, balanced and proper nutrition, and lifestyle changes, along with an appropriate exercise program. If these preventive methods fail, the patient may turn to medical acupuncture or alternative medicine. Recent studies have proven the effectiveness of medical acupuncture.

what properties it has and how to take it

Published:

January 23, 2023, 15:45

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Flax seeds and linseed oil: Pixabay

Flaxseed oil has a beneficial effect on the body and promotes weight loss. The product contains substances that reduce inflammation and improve digestion. The benefits of flaxseed oil for weight loss and how to use it correctly for weight loss, says Dr. Elaine Magee and nutritionist Louise Richards.

Linseed oil for weight loss

Why is linseed oil useful? The benefits of flaxseed oil are due to its unique composition, which nutritionist Louise Richards calls:

• lignans;
• isoflavones;
• antioxidants;
• omega-3;
• fiber.

Due to the high fatty acid content of flaxseed oil, the product has been compared to fish oil, says research author Ethan Basch. Flaxseed contains copper, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, zinc, iron, folic acid. All these components have certain properties that have a positive effect on metabolism, help to avoid obesity and control weight.

What is the effect of linseed oil? Katherine Watson tells how linseed oil works on the body:

1. Flaxseed oil is a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid. The body converts this essential polyunsaturated fatty acid into omega-3, which has anti-inflammatory effects and helps with weight management.
2. Flax seeds are rich in fiber. By eating foods high in fiber, a person feels full longer. This allows you to suppress hunger while reducing the daily calorie intake. Fiber is essential to move food through the intestines and to stabilize blood sugar levels. Controlling your glucose levels helps you achieve a healthy weight.
3. Flaxseed oil contains a large amount of lignans. As Dr. Elaine Magee writes, they act as antioxidants on cells, normalize metabolic rate and promote weight loss.

According to Shahla Rezaee, flaxseed oil reduces the level of fatty liver and improves cardiometabolic parameters. In combination with moderate physical activity and a healthy diet, this allows you to reduce weight and get rid of extra inches on the waist and hips.

To benefit from flaxseed oil, it must be part of a healthy diet. Improving metabolism, maintaining a feeling of satiety, reducing inflammation in the body promotes healthy digestion and weight control.

Man holding a scale: Freepik

How to use flaxseed oil for weight loss

When taken in the right doses and for the short term, flaxseed oil is generally safe for most adults. Large doses cause diarrhea and loose stools. Allergic reactions are possible. If you use flaxseed oil regularly, drink more water. If you’re not hydrated enough, your body won’t be able to handle the extra fiber, which can lead to stomach cramps and constipation.

When should you not take linseed oil? As Lana Barkhum notes, linseed oil is contraindicated:

• pregnant and lactating women;
• children;
• people with bleeding disorders;
• when taking anticoagulants;
• before surgery (2 weeks before).

Regular use of blood thinning medications, blood glucose control, and any metabolic and weight loss supplements should be discussed with a physician.

How to take linseed oil for weight loss? Flaxseed oil can be added to food, taken on an empty stomach, or as a supplement in capsules, writes Katherine Watson. Since there is no universal dose of flaxseed oil for weight loss, be guided by the recommendations of the supplement manufacturer. As a rule, one capsule or 1-2 tsp is enough. in a day. Be aware that supplements may contain less fiber than cold-pressed oil.

Is it possible to drink linseed oil at night? Flaxseed oil can be taken before bed. While you sleep, the product cleanses the intestines and normalizes metabolism. Also, the oil can be consumed before any meal.

Rules for the use of linseed oil for weight loss are described by the author of the book Yuri Konstantinov:

1. To cleanse the body, take linseed oil every day, one teaspoonful for a week.
2. After the first week, increase the dose to a tablespoon.
3. After a week, reduce the dose again to a teaspoon.
4. Drink a teaspoon for 3 months.

All this time, 15 minutes after the morning oil intake (half dose), you can start breakfast. 15 minutes after dinner, you should drink a second serving. In no case should you overeat during the cleansing period.

Oil is poured into a spoon: Freepik

Flaxseed oil is not a magic ingredient. It does not create a calorie deficit without a healthy diet and exercise plan.

Linseed oil is a source of a number of components that contribute to weight loss. Taking the product helps eliminate inflammation, improve metabolism and improve bowel function. With proper diet and exercise, you can get a good result in weight loss. However, it is important to avoid overdose and consult your doctor if you are taking medications regularly.

Attention! The material is for informational purposes only. You should not resort to the methods of treatment described in it without first consulting a doctor.

Sources:

1. Elaine Magee. The Benefits of Flaxseed // WebMD. — Access mode: https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/benefits-of-flaxseed
2. Ethan Basch, Steve Bent, Jeffrey Collins, Cynthia Dacey, Paul Hammerness, Michelle Harrison, Michael Smith, Philippe Szapary, Catherine Ulbricht, Mamta Vora, Wendy Weissner.