If your blood sugar level is low, you may start to feel some of the first signs of hypoglycemia, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or sweating. If your blood sugar level is low (or if you don't have access to these tools and you start feeling symptoms of low blood sugar), a general rule of thumb is to consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates (such as Smarties, apple juice, or glucose tablets) to increase blood sugar levels and prevent further symptoms, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Blood glucose levels are the amount of glucose, or sugar, that a person has in their blood at any given time. Blood glucose levels that are outside the ranges mentioned above are classified as high or low blood sugar levels.
Many things can cause high blood glucose levels, such as type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, stress, illness, or the phenomenon of sunrise. Low blood sugar levels can also be caused by many factors, such as certain medications or combinations of medications, alcohol, endocrine disorders, eating disorders, and liver, kidney, or heart disorders. For this reason, children with diabetes or episodes of hypoglycemia may need to have their parents measure their blood sugar level at midnight. If your blood sugar level rises a lot or if high blood sugar levels aren't treated, this can lead to two serious conditions.
A level of 5.7 to 6.4% is within the prediabetes range (and the higher this range, the higher the risk of developing type 2 diabetes), and a level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes. If you see a healthcare provider about your blood sugar levels, be prepared to answer questions about risk factors, such as what you eat, how much you exercise, and your family history. For example, basal insulin (which is injected once or twice a day or given through a pump) keeps blood sugar stable when fasting. Getting professional medical advice from a healthcare provider, such as an endocrinologist, is the best way to learn more about whether your blood sugar levels are where they should be.
In some cases, insulin or diabetes medications (such as metformin) may be needed to help lower blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels can be normal, high, or low, depending on how much glucose a person has in their bloodstream. Your healthcare provider will tell you when and how to measure your blood sugar level, and when and how to treat low blood sugar levels. Normal blood sugar levels for people with diabetes will vary depending on the person's age and time of day.
