Glucose Levels in Diabetes

Glucose is the key substance that fuels proper body functioning. The carbohydrates that we consume are converted into sugar and then utilized during the process of metabolism. All the forms of carbohydrates are broken down into sugar so that they can be easily digested and utilized by the body, as the prime source of energy. Insulin is one of the hormones which is also a crucial factor during this process. When we consume excessive carbohydrates, the body fails to convert it into sugar. This incapability leads glucose to enter into the blood stream and this presence of glucose in the blood is called blood glucose. Blood glucose/blood suga is expressed in mmol/l (millimoles/liter) or mg/dl (milligram/deciliter). There are two basic ways to measure the glucose levels . First is to frequently measure the blood glucose levels and second is to measure the glycohemoglobin levels.

Normal Blood Glucose Levels
Using various blood glucose monitors is the best way to measure blood glucose levels of a diabetic person. Several tests that are used for measuring blood glucose levels include: random blood sugar test, fasting blood glucose test and oral glucose tolerance test. Frequent measurements and maintenance of a journal of diabetes blood sugar levels are the most important things, that are recommended for a person who is suffering with diabetes. It is the best follow-up method that lets you to know the effects of lifestyle changes and treatment for diabetes on that individual. Ideally, a diabetic person can monitor the blood sugar levels for four times a day or at least twice a day (before meal and before bedtime). Rarely, the doctor may ask the patient to take measurements at midnight to note down overnight changes in the blood glucose levels. The goal is to maintain the blood glucose levels under 140 mg/dL and as close to the normal blood glucose level of 70 to 120 mg/dL.

Normal Blood Glucose Levels - Diabetes Relationship
Here is a glucose levels chart that describes the difference between the normal glucose levels and diabetes glucose levels, by the means of different blood glucose test. Remember that oral glucose tolerance test is administered 2 hours after consuming the sugar solution on an empty stomach.

Type of Test	Normal Glucose Levels	Diabetes Glucose Levels
Fasting Blood Glucose Test	110 mg/dL or higher	126 mg/dL or higher
Random Blood Glucose Test	up to 100 mg/dL	200 mg/dL or higher
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test	140 mg/dL	less than 200 mg/dL

Normal Blood Hemoglobin Levels in Diabetes
Another method of checking the levels is of periodic measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin, which is also called glycohemoglobin or hemoglobin A1c. This test is mandatory to be performed at a laboratory. The results of the hemoglobin A1c test correlate well with the recent reports of the blood glucose levels of that person. For instance, if the blood glucose levels in diabetes have been on the higher side for the past few months then the reports for hemoglobin A1c will also be higher. Hence, a periodical monitoring of hemoglobin A1c is found extremely effective for the observation of overall development of the patient. People who are suffering with type 1 diabetes are asked to get the hemoglobin A1c test done once in every 3 to 4 months, while those suffering with type 2 diabetes, can get it done once a year. Less than 6.5% of hemoglobin A1c is found normal since it matches with the mean blood glucose levels of 135 mg/dL.

Normal Blood Glucose - Hemoglobin Levels Relationship
The average given in the chart about hemoglobin levels - diabetes relationship is pretty simple. Remember that it is based on the mean of the reading taken before meal, after meal and before going to bed.

Average Blood Glucose Levels	Average Hemoglobin A1c Percentage
135 mg/dL	6%
170 mg/dL	7%
205 mg/dL	8%
240 mg/dL	9%
275 mg/dL	10%
310 mg/dL	11%
345 mg/dL	12%

As I mentioned earlier, every diabetic person should keep a check on their blood glucose levels from time to time, and also try to find out ways for lowering blood glucose levels. So that higher glucose levels do not manifest into other serious health ailments. Take care!