Pay attention to normal blood sugar levels to prevent diabetes

The human body consists of various complex systems. As living things, humans need food nutritional food balanced for health. If nutritional intake is not met, health problems can arise.

In the human body there is blood sugar, which is sugar in the blood that is formed from food intake carbohydrate in the diet and stored as glycogen in the liver and skeletal muscles. This is explained in “Guidelines for Laboratory and Diagnostic Examinations” by Joyce Le Fever.

It is important to measure the rate blood sugar periodically because high levels will cause hyperglycemia. The definition of hyperglycemia according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) organization is a high blood sugar level with a value that is higher than normal.

Sugar levels become high because the body does not produce insulin or insulin does not work properly so that it can cause type 2 diabetes or diabetes diabetes mellitus also known as diabetes.

Normal blood sugar levels means the amount of sugar in the blood is not too low or too high. Maintaining a regular diet, activity, and taking the medications you need can help maintain normal blood sugar levels.

Normal Blood Sugar Levels

From publication Ministry of Health, the amount of normal blood sugar levels are distinguished as follows.

• Current Blood Sugar (GDS) / without fasting is
• Fasting Blood Sugar (GDP) is

Referring to Diponegoro Medical Journal Volume 7, Number 1, January 2018, Temporary Blood Sugar (GDS) is a parameter for checking blood sugar levels that can be measured at any time regardless of the time the patient last ate.

Meanwhile, Fasting Blood Sugar (GDP) is a parameter for checking blood sugar levels which is measured after the patient has fasted for at least 8 hours.

Other recommendations according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) organization suggesting normal blood sugar levels are:

• 80 – 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 4.4 to 7.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L) before meals.
• Less than 180 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or the equivalent of 10.0 mmol/L within two hours of eating.

World Health Organization (WHO) also set normal blood sugar levels during fasting is between 70 mg/dL to 100 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L – 5.6 mmol/L). If during fasting blood sugar levels reach 100 to 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L), the WHO recommends lifestyle changes and further monitoring.

The ADA organization explains that some people will have slightly higher blood sugar levels for the following groups of people:

• Age 60 years or more.
• Have another medical condition, such as heart, lung or kidney disease.
• Having low blood sugar levels but not realizing it (hypoglycemic unconsciousness).

How to Maintain Normal Blood Sugar Levels

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), normal blood sugar levels can be maintained in the following ways:

• Consumption healthy food with lots of fruit and vegetables.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Do regular physical activity.
• Measure blood sugar levels regularly.
• Eat at regular times and don’t skip meals.
• choose low calorie healthy diet menu.
• Monitor your food, drink and physical activity intake.
• Drink white water instead of juice or soda.
• Limit alcoholic beverages.
• Control your portions of food.

How to Measure Blood Sugar Levels

There are the following options for measuring blood sugar levels.

Blood Test

Blood tests can be done in a laboratory. Before doing the test, you must fast for 12 hours first. After that, there is a second blood test that is done 2 hours after eating.

Urine test

This test is also done in a laboratory or clinic. Urine or urine will be checked by measuring the levels of albumin, sugar, and microalbuminuria to determine blood sugar levels.

Glucometer

This test can be done in a laboratory or at home if you have the equipment. How to use a glucometer are:

• insert chip found on the test strip tube to the glucometer.
• Clean the fingertips (ring/middle/index finger) with cotton that has been given 70% alcohol, then dry.
• Insert the test strip when the test strip image appears.
• Insert a special needle/lancet at the fingertip vertically, quickly, and not too deep.
• Press your fingertips outwards.
• Touch one/two drops of blood until it fills the center of the area/mark on the test strip.
• Read the results of the blood glucose test that appear.

Symptoms of High Blood Sugar

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) describes the symptoms of high blood sugar levels as:

1. Often feel thirsty and want to urinate continuously

Excessive urination (polyuria) occurs when sugar builds up in the blood so the kidneys start working harder to get rid of the excess sugar. If the kidneys are unable to maintain and adjust blood sugar back to normal, the body will excrete it through urine.

2. Feeling tired

Constant fatigue is a symptom of high blood sugar levels. When the body doesn’t process insulin properly or doesn’t have enough insulin, the sugar stays in the blood and doesn’t go into the cells to be used as energy.

3. Experiencing blurred vision and frequent headaches

High blood sugar levels can cause the lens of the eye to swell due to fluid leaking, according to the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston, United States of America. This changes the shape of the lens of the eye, making it unable to focus properly and causing blurred vision.

4. Wounds that heal more slowly appear

High blood sugar levels cause nerve damage and affect circulation, especially in the lower legs and feet. This can delay healing due to insufficient blood flow to the area.

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