What is a normal blood sugar level?

Blood glucose levels measure the concentration of sugar in the blood, which is what the body uses for energy. An abnormal glucose test can indicate serious problems such as hypoglycaemia or diabetes. Keeping blood sugar levels within normal ranges can help to prevent health problems for diabetics and non-diabetics alike.

Normal blood sugar concentrations

Blood sugar is measured in millimoles per litre or mmol/l. Since blood sugar fluctuates depending on the individual, there is a range of acceptable measurements: 3.5 to 5.5 mmol/l before meals, and
less than 8mmol/l two hours after eating. Blood sugar levels can change throughout the day, depending on a person's activity level, and how much and what they have eaten. Individuals with diabetes must monitor their blood glucose levels regularly, often several times a day, using a diabetes testing kit or glucose meter. Home testing can monitor blood levels on a day to day level, but to test glucose levels for the past 2 or 3 months, a blood test called the glycated haemoglobin or HbAc1 test is used. This test measures the amount of glucose that the red blood cells have been carrying. It is important for diabetics to keep their blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible, to avoid complications such as nerve damage, kidney and eye problems.

What if blood sugar levels are abnormal?

High blood sugar can be caused by a variety of factors, including an increase in the amount of carbohydrates eaten, illnesses such as influenza, emotional stress, or a missed dose of diabetes medication. Surgery, stroke, and heart attacks can also cause temporarily elevated blood sugar. Symptoms of high blood sugar can include tiredness, extreme thirst and urination, weight loss, and tingling in the hands and feet. Consistently high blood sugar can be an indicator of diabetes. Low blood sugar or hypoglycemia can also be caused by a variety of factors, including increased physical activity, not eating enough, or increasing the dosage of diabetes medicine. Hypoglycaemia symptoms include sweating, mental confusion, shakiness, irritability, mood swings, seizures and fainting. Abnormal serum glucose levels can be a warning sign of serious medical conditions. Patients who are concerned about their blood sugar levels should consult with their physician or diabetes treatment team.
Sources:
Diabetes.org/uk