Diabetes readings measure glucose levels in the bloodstream, which can indicate pre-diabetes or diabetes. Testing methods include random sugar tests, oral sugar tests, and fasting glucose tests. Patients with diabetes may need to check their levels daily using a glucometer. Normal glucose levels vary throughout the day and can cause symptoms if too high or low for an extended period. Hyperglycemia can cause damage to internal organs and be life-threatening.
Diabetes readings can determine how much glucose is in your bloodstream. If the glucose level is too high or low for an extended period of time, the patient may have either pre-diabetes or diabetes. Glucose is a type of sugar used by the body for energy. The body’s cells use this type of sugar with the help of the hormone insulin, which is released when the blood glucose level is too high. Diabetes readings can help keep these blood glucose levels in check.
There are several ways to check blood glucose levels. A random sugar test involves measuring glucose levels frequently throughout the day. An oral sugar test is typically performed to diagnose a diabetes problem during pregnancy. Fasting for eight hours or more before a blood glucose test can help a test accurately determine whether a patient has pre-diabetes. If your results vary significantly, there may be a glucose problem.
When a patient is found to have diabetes, these diabetes readings may need to be checked every day. A patient typically uses a small device called a glucometer to measure blood glucose levels. This device is inserted into the finger with a pin prick to produce a small amount of blood. The blood can then be tested for glucose.
Diabetes readings can vary depending on the time of day. Before a morning meal, a normal glucose level should be around 80-120 milligrams per deciliter. After meals are eaten, these numbers can climb slightly to 170 milligrams per deciliter. At night, they can drop to 70 to 110. An occasional rise or fall in these numbers isn’t considered dangerous, but if the changes occur over a long period of time without being noticed, the glucose problem can cause permanent damage to the body.
These diabetes readings are also taken so that the patient can avoid any discomfort due to any diabetic symptoms. If the milligrams per deciliter are too low, the patient may experience a slight fever, anxiety or mental confusion. When the numbers keep plummeting, there’s also the possibility of blackouts or seizures. Hyperglycemia refers to the condition where these numbers are too high. It is directly responsible for damage to internal organs, which can become a life-threatening situation.
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