Whether at risk or simply maintaining your health, blood glucose testing can help you stay well
Just as students routinely take exams to track their progress, regular medical screenings are the most effective way to “grade” your health and stay ahead of potential issues. Whether you are managing an existing condition or simply want a baseline for your long-term wellbeing, a blood glucose test is an invaluable tool in your preventative health arsenal.
Quick Read:
- A blood glucose health check is a practical tool for managing diabetes.
- With regular blood glucose testing, you can quickly detect any imbalances, helping you stay on top of your health.
- Understanding your sugar levels helps you manage your energy more effectively throughout the day.
What is blood glucose?
In the simplest of terms, blood glucose (commonly referred to as blood sugar) is the primary source of fuel for your body’s cells. This sugar is mainly derived from the carbohydrates in your diet, such as bread, rice, pasta, fruits, and starchy vegetables.
When you have a meal, your digestive system breaks down these carbohydrates into glucose, which is then released into your bloodstream. To ensure this fuel gets to where it needs to go, your pancreas produces insulin, a vital hormone that acts like a key, “unlocking” your cells so they can absorb the glucose and convert it into energy.
Why does blood glucose go up and down?
What you eat and when you eat matters. For example, if you’ve just had a heavy meal, full of sugars and carbohydrates, your blood glucose will rise. It’s normal for blood glucose levels to fluctuate during the day. The problem arises when they remain consistently high or low – a sign of potential health issues, such as diabetes or pre-diabetes. Low levels may hint at hypoglycaemia, a condition where there’s not enough glucose to meet the body’s energy needs.
Blood glucose checks are important
So, as you can see, it’s necessary to keep an eagle eye on your blood glucose levels. High blood glucose is often a red flag of diabetes or pre-diabetes. Regular checks can alert you to elevated levels before they cause more severe health problems. Plus, people with diabetes are at risk of complications like heart disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and vision problems. Managing blood glucose levels through regular testing can significantly lower these risks.
For those with diabetes, regular checks are essential for assessing how well medications and diet adjustments are working. Blood glucose readings can help you make better choices for better long-term health.
Symptoms of high blood glucose (hyperglycaemia) can cause excessive thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow healing of cuts or infections. On the other hand, low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia) may lead to shakiness, dizziness, sweating, confusion, irritability, and fainting if it becomes severe. Both conditions call for attention.
How do blood glucose tests work?
You can do regular tests at home with a blood glucose meter or through lab tests as directed by a doctor. Common blood glucose tests:
- Fasting blood sugar (FBS): Typically done after an overnight fast, this test gives baseline blood sugar levels.
- Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): This test involves having a glucose drink and measuring blood sugar levels over a few hours to see how well the body processes glucose.
- Haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c): This test measures your average blood glucose over the past two to three months.
- Random blood sugar test: This is a single measurement taken at any time of day, used for quick screenings.
Help at hand
Healthy blood glucose levels vary depending on your age, overall health, and if you have diabetes. Generally, a healthy fasting blood glucose level for someone without diabetes is 70 to 99 mg/dL (3.9 to 5.5 mmol/L). Values between 50 and 70 mg/dL (2.8 to 3.9 mmol/L) for people without diabetes can be “normal” too.
Keeping your blood glucose levels in check does not have to be difficult. Here are some simple tips to help you stay on track:
- Skip the sugary snacks and refined carbs that can send your blood sugar levels soaring.
- Exercise is essential to help your body use glucose for energy. Try to fit in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day.
- Even healthier foods can cause blood sugar spikes if you eat too much. Keep your portions in check to avoid those sharp rises.
- Too much alcohol may lead to unpredictable blood sugar changes.
- Choose water as much as possible. Staying hydrated helps your body maintain healthy blood volume and can improve its ability to regulate blood sugar levels.
- Make quality sleep a priority. Skimping on sleep impacts your insulin sensitivity, making it harder for your body to control blood sugar.
Please go to a doctor or visit the clinic if you notice symptoms of high or low blood sugar, or if your blood glucose test results consistently fall outside the healthy range.
Images: Freepik
