Normal Blood Glucose Range
What exactly is the normal range for our blood glucose and how do we measure it? Here's an article on what is glucose and what is the normal range for it.
What is Glucose?
Before we proceed, it is important to first understand what glucose is. It is a sugar created when the dietary carbohydrates we consume are broken down in the body during the metabolism process. Metabolism breaks the complex and simple carbohydrates down into a form which can be absorbed by the individual cells of the body, which is commonly known as glucose. It thus produced is supplied to the cells in the body through the blood. Thus, when we talk about the blood glucose level or the level of sugars in blood, we are actually talking about the amount of glucose present in the blood at that time.
What is the big deal about glucose levels and why is there so much of fuss about it? While a high blood level isn't a disease by itself, it may be a cause of several diseases in the future. A consistently high blood glucose level, hyperglycemia, may damage the smaller blood vessels in the body. If it is not kept in check, it may also lead to more complications, most conspicuous of which is diabetes. Other complications caused due to high sugar levels include retinopathy (eye diseases), neuropathy (nerve diseases) and nephropathy (kidney diseases).
Average Blood Glucose Levels for Adults
The normal blood glucose range for adults varies based on what type of blood test they are taking. There are three types of tests that a person can give to check his blood glucose level. The most common type is the fasting blood glucose test. You are not supposed to eat anything for 8 hours before your test is scheduled. Hence, most people prefer taking it in the morning. The test usually brings out a lower glucose level in the blood as it is already digested. The normal range for a fasting blood test is 70-99 mg/dl.
The second type of blood test is the random blood glucose test. This test can be taken any time during the day, before or after eating. The normal glucose level that one needs to have after taking this test is 70-135 mg/dl.
The third test is known as the postprandial glucose test. This test is supposed to be taken by a person 2 hours after a regular meal. The normal levels for this test are less than 100mg/dl.
If your blood glucose level is higher than the levels specified for each of the tests, you ought to monitor your eating and exercise. You need to reduce your consumption of sugar and follow a healthy diet. Regular exercise will also help reduce the blood sugar levels as the cells will use up the glucose in the blood to fuel body activity. A blood sugar level lower than these levels is known as hypoglycemia.
If your levels are consistently higher than the ones specified for each test, there are chances that you may have diabetes. But do not jump to conclusions! It is always better to get that checked from a doctor!
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