Blood Sugar Basics
Essential information about glucose levels and management
What is Blood Sugar?
Blood sugar, or glucose, is the main sugar found in your blood. It comes from the food you eat and is your body’s primary source of energy. Your blood carries glucose to all of your body’s cells to use for energy.
The hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas, helps glucose from food get into your cells. When your body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin well, glucose stays in your blood and doesn’t reach your cells.
Key Topics
Blood Sugar Levels
Understanding what constitutes normal blood sugar levels is the foundation of glucose management. These values vary depending on when you last ate.
| Condition | Glucose Level (mg/dL) |
|---|---|
| Normal fasting | 70-99 mg/dL |
| Normal before meals | 70-99 mg/dL |
| Normal after meals | Less than 140 mg/dL |
| Prediabetes (fasting) | 100-125 mg/dL |
| Diabetes (fasting) | 126 mg/dL or higher |
For most adults with diabetes, target pre-meal glucose levels are 80-130 mg/dL and post-meal levels below 180 mg/dL.
Monitoring Blood Sugar
Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is essential for effective diabetes management. It helps you understand how food, activity, and medication affect your blood sugar.
Monitoring Methods
- Fingerstick testing – Traditional method using a glucose meter
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) – Sensors that measure glucose throughout the day
- HbA1c test – Laboratory test measuring average blood sugar over 2-3 months
Test at different times of day to get a complete picture of how your blood sugar changes.
Managing Blood Sugar
Effective blood sugar management involves a combination of lifestyle modifications, medication (if prescribed), and regular monitoring.
Dietary Strategies
- Carbohydrate counting – Managing intake of carbs
- Choose high-fiber foods – Slows glucose absorption
- Portion control – Managing serving sizes
- Limit sugary foods and drinks – Reduces glucose spikes
Physical Activity
Regular exercise helps your body use insulin more efficiently and can lower blood sugar levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
A 15-minute walk after meals can significantly reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes.
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