Authored by R. Elizabeth C. Kitchen in Health
Published on 07-25-2009
Normal blood sugar levels in your body are essential for overall good health. Not having normal blood sugar levels in your body can lead to a number of complications including coma and death. Everyone is different, but there are specific target numbers that apply to everyone and though some people will feel better a little below the target number and some will feel better a little above the target number, these numbers should be adhered to. To maintain normal blood sugar levels in your body, a number of things can be done.
There are specific target numbers for normal blood sugar levels in your body. When fasting, the target number is under 100. One hour after eating, the target number is approximately 140. Two hours after eating, the target number is approximately 120. Keeping as close to these target numbers are possible can help to avoid diabetic complications. If a person feels that these target numbers do not quite work for them or if they are having trouble maintaining them then they need to consult their physician to discuss normal blood sugar levels for their body. However, the American Diabetes Association insists that the lower a person’s blood sugar levels the better, but there is a limit. For example, normal blood sugar levels in your body will not be 20, 30 or 40.
Complications can arise when the normal blood sugar levels for your body become abnormal. When a person’s blood sugar levels are too high and remain high they face complications such as blindness, kidney failure, amputation, diabetic coma and even death. If the normal blood sugar levels for your body drop too low, complications such as dizziness, shakiness, nausea and passing out can occur. Those with high blood sugar levels also face nerve damage, also referred to as diabetic neuropathy, that can result in severe pain and other neurological complications depending on the extent of the nerve damage. When it comes to normal blood sugar levels in your body, higher blood sugar levels can do far more serious damage, and often permanent damage, than low blood sugar levels can. Low blood sugar levels are also easier to normalize than high blood sugar levels are.
Maintaining normal blood sugar levels in your body can be challenging. When maintaining blood sugar levels it is important to test often using a blood sugar monitor. People should test their blood sugar levels as soon as they wake up in the morning, before each meal and before they go to bed. They should also test their blood sugar levels one hour after they eat and two hours after they eat. Those trying to maintain their blood sugar levels will benefit from keeping a blood sugar level diary.
Maintaining normal blood sugar levels in your body also requires regular exercise and a healthy and balanced diet. Those with high blood sugar problems should avoid foods high in starch and sugar. If a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise are not enough to maintain normal blood sugar levels in your body, then consulting a physician is necessary. Those who have trouble maintaining their blood sugar levels may require daily insulin or oral blood sugar medications.
