Langgam Pos - High blood sugar levels can lead to serious health issues and damage to organs such as the kidneys, eyes, blood vessels, and heart. So, what is considered a normal blood sugar level?
Sugar is an essential substance for the body, serving as a source of energy. Once ingested, sugar is processed into glucose, which is then distributed throughout the body.
When the body detects glucose, the pancreas releases insulin, a hormone that allows glucose to enter cells to be used as energy.
While beneficial, excessive sugar consumption can lead to health problems. Elevated blood sugar levels can result in hyperglycemia and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Moreover, complications from high blood sugar can cause damage to blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and other organs.
Therefore, it's crucial to maintain normal blood sugar levels. But what exactly is considered normal?
Fasting and Post-Meal Blood Sugar Levels
Blood sugar levels can fluctuate throughout the day, influenced by factors such as activity level and the food or drink consumed.
As such, blood sugar levels before and after eating can vary, as can their normal ranges. According to the Cleveland Clinic, normal blood sugar levels are as follows:
- Fasting blood sugar (after at least eight hours without eating): 70-99 mg/dL
- Two hours after eating: Less than 140 mg/dL
What if blood sugar levels exceed these ranges?
A fasting blood sugar level of 100-125 mg/dL indicates prediabetes, with a 50% chance of developing type 2 diabetes within the next 10 years.
A fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or higher signifies diabetes.
What Causes Blood Sugar Spikes?
In addition to activity levels and diet, several other factors can cause blood sugar spikes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following factors and habits can lead to increased blood sugar:
- Sunburn: Excessive sun exposure can cause pain and stress, triggering blood sugar spikes.
- Artificial sweeteners
- Coffee: Some individuals experience blood sugar sensitivity to caffeine.
- Lack of sleep: Poor sleep can affect insulin performance.
- Skipping breakfast: This habit can increase blood sugar levels at lunch and dinner.
- Dehydration: A lack of fluids makes blood sugar more concentrated.
- Dawn phenomenon: A natural increase in blood sugar levels in the morning, affecting both diabetics and healthy individuals.
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