A common topic among many of us these days is 'sugar' or diabetes. Perhaps someone in your family, a friend or you yourself have heard about this condition. Although everyone is afraid of this, it is not that difficult to control it and stay healthy if you are properly informed about it. So what exactly is this blood sugar level (Blood Sugar)? What happens when it increases? Let's talk about this simply and clearly.
What exactly is blood sugar?
Simply put, blood sugar is the amount of glucose in our blood. This glucose is a source of energy for our bodies from the foods we eat, especially carbohydrates. Just like gasoline for a car, this glucose gives our body cells the energy to work.
But to let this glucose into the cells, our body needs a special 'key'. That key is a hormone called insulin . This is produced by our pancreas. When we eat, the blood sugar level rises. Then the pancreas produces insulin, which opens the 'doors' of the cells and allows glucose in. Then the blood sugar level returns to normal.
But this process does not work properly in someone with diabetes.
- A person with Type 1 Diabetes almost completely stops producing insulin.
- In a person with Type 2 Diabetes , even though insulin is produced in the body, the body's cells do not respond to it properly. It's like having a 'key' but the 'lock' doesn't work.
Regardless of the type of diabetes, the result is that blood sugar levels remain high for a long time. This is what we call hyperglycemia . Over time, this excess sugar in the blood can damage our nerves and blood vessels, leading to serious conditions like heart disease.
What is a normal blood sugar level?
A healthy person's blood sugar levels are normally within a certain range. These values are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
The important thing is that these are just average values. If you have diabetes, you should talk to your doctor about what your blood sugar levels should be.
Let's explain this further in the table below.
| Time to check | Normal value for a healthy person (mg/dL) | Goal for a diabetic (usually) |
|---|---|---|
| Before eating (Fasting - 8 hours fasting) | Less than 100 mg/dL (usually between 72-99) | Between 70 - 130 mg/dL |
| 2 hours after a main meal | Less than 140 mg/dL | Less than 180 mg/dL |
What are the symptoms of high blood sugar?
The symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can vary in the early and late stages.
| Type of symptom | Symptoms that indicate |
|---|---|
| Early Symptoms |
|
| Long-term Symptoms |
|
Prediabetes, which means that when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes, there are often no symptoms. That's why it's very important to get regular medical checkups.
Tests to diagnose diabetes
Doctors use several tests to find out if you have diabetes or prediabetes.
| Name of the test | Description |
|---|---|
| Fasting Plasma Glucose Test | Blood sugar levels are checked after fasting for 8 hours. If the value is higher than 126 mg/dL, diabetes is suspected, and if it is between 100-125 mg/dL, pre-diabetes is suspected. |
| Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) | After fasting for 8 hours, a special sugary liquid is given to drink. After 2 hours, a blood sugar level of more than 200 mg/dL is considered diabetes, and a level between 140-199 mg/dL is considered pre-diabetes. |
| A1c Test | This measures your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. A value of 6.5% or higher is considered diabetes, while a value between 5.7% and 6.4% is considered pre-diabetes. |
| Random Blood Sugar Test | Check your blood sugar levels at any time of the day. If your blood sugar is above 200 mg/dL and you have symptoms of diabetes, you will be tested for diabetes as mentioned above. |
Why is high blood sugar dangerous?
While glucose is a valuable fuel for our cells at normal levels, when it increases, it can become like a slow-acting poison.
High blood sugar levels over a long period of time can damage almost every organ in our body.
High blood sugar levels cause the walls of your blood vessels to gradually thicken and harden. Doctors call this atherosclerosis . Damaged blood vessels can lead to serious problems such as:
- Kidney disease or kidney failure , and sometimes even dialysis, may be necessary.
- Strokes
- Heart attacks
- Vision loss or blindness
- Weakened immune system and increased risk of frequent infections.
- Erectile dysfunction
- Nerve damage (Neuropathy) , which can cause numbness, pain, or loss of sensation in the legs, arms, and feet.
- Decreased blood flow to the legs and feet.
- Delayed wound healing and, very rarely, surgical removal of parts such as the feet.
To avoid many of these complications, it is very important to maintain your blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible , following your doctor's instructions .
How to measure sugar levels at home?
If your doctor diagnoses you with diabetes, they will advise you to check your blood sugar levels at home. This involves using a blood glucose monitor . This measures your blood sugar levels with a small drop of blood taken from your fingertip.
Ask your doctor for advice on the best way to use this device. It's also important to record the information in a notebook or app after each test. Try to note down the following:
- The medication you took and the dosage.
- What did you eat, when did you eat, and whether you were fasting.
- If you did exercise, details such as what it was and how long you did it.
This information will be a great help to you and your doctor in understanding how successful your treatment is.
Take-Home Message
- Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is very important in controlling diabetes.
- Be aware of symptoms of high blood sugar, such as excessive thirst, frequent urination, and blurred vision.
- Always follow your doctor's instructions regarding testing your sugar levels, taking medication, and making lifestyle changes.
- A balanced diet and regular exercise are essential for controlling diabetes.
- Do not ignore any symptoms. If you have any doubts or concerns, see your doctor immediately.
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