Glucose Levels Chart

Our body is constantly in need of energy for performing its different functions. This energy is supplied to the body through glucose. Glucose is a type of sugar present in the blood stream, which is the primary source of energy used by the body. It enters the body through the carbohydrate rich foods that we consume. The starch and sugar present in these foods are broken down into glucose, which is absorbed into the blood stream.

Glucose Level
Glucose level refers to the amount of sugar or glucose preset in the blood. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is responsible for regulating the glucose levels. It causes the cells in the liver, muscles and fat tissues to absorb glucose from the blood and use it as an energy source. When your blood sugar level falls between 70 and 150 mg/dl, it is said to be normal. Keeping glucose levels in the normal range becomes very important for the smooth functioning of the body. Any fluctuation in the normal blood glucose levels can cause serious problems.

High Glucose Levels
When your blood sugar level goes higher than the normal, the condition is known as hyperglycemia. This can result when the body is unable to produce insulin, or when it fails to respond to insulin. This results in excess build up of glucose in the blood and can cause several health problems. It increases the risk of heart diseases and stroke, hampers the normal vision, and can also cause nerve problems.

Low Glucose Levels
The condition that arises when the blood glucose level drops below a certain point is known as hypoglycemia. It is a mild condition and can be treated quickly and easily, by consuming glucose rich food or drink. If the condition is not treated immediately and persists for long, it may cause confusion or clumsiness. Low blood sugar level is one of the common causes of fainting spells.

Chart to Identify Blood Glucose Levels
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it becomes very important to compare and monitor your glucose levels. Here is a chart for normal blood glucose levels which can be of help to you. Have a look at it.

Time	Glucose Level
Before breakfast	80 mg/dl - 100 mg/dl
Before the meal	80 mg/dl - 100 mg/dl
Two hours after meals	160 mg/dl or less mg/dl
At bedtime	100 mg/dl - 140 mg/dl

The above chart shows the normal glucose levels at different times of the day. You can keep your diabetes in control if you don't let your glucose levels rise beyond 140 mg/dl. Now let's see the limits, both upper and lower, of blood glucose, which are considered normal.

Category of the Person	Maximum	Minimum
Normal	70 mg/dl	100 mg/dl
Early diabetes	101 mg/dl	126
Established diabetes	More than 126 mg/dl	-

Keep a record of your glucose levels and make sure they are within the limits mentioned above. Any deviation from the glucose levels normal range can cause serious health problems. Now comes another chart that will give you the normal glucose levels in different types of tests that are used to measure it.

Type of Test	Normal Glucose Level
Simple Blood sugar test	80-100 mg/dl
Fasting blood sugar level test	80-100 mg/dl
Oral-glucose-tolerance-test	<140 mg/dl
A1C Test	4- 6 %

Now that you have a glucose levels chart with you, I'm sure it will be very easy to monitor your condition regularly, without having to rush to the doctor every time you check your glucose level. Try to keep your glucose levels within the normal range and stay fit and healthy throughout your life!