How normal is this and what to do if the values ​​are not suitable?

Blood glucose

Given that the concentration of glucose or sugar in the blood can change throughout the day, changing the perception of reality, there is measuring basal blood glucose levels which refers to the patient’s fasting glucose level. The results may be normal, high or low, and therefore it is necessary to maintain the same behavior or adopt a different one to normalize the situation.

Factors influencing The glycemic index is varied and very different with each other, taking into account each person’s gender, age and other personal characteristics, such as their diet and frequency of exercise.

Why is it important to measure your basal blood glucose?

When blood glucose levels are above or below ideal values, the risk of conditions such as hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia increases. These are signs that something is not working as it should and possible health problems. It is for this reason that, given changes in blood glucose levels, treatment should be started as soon as possible.

Of course, there are at-risk groups, such as diabetics, who need to take extreme caution and precautions regarding glucose. But beyond the dangers faced by patients with an already diagnosed disease, everyone should check their blood glucose levels regularly.

What is the normal basal blood glucose level?

Your basal blood glucose level is obtained in a few seconds using a device called a glucometer. Usually those who are under treatment buy glucometer and they learn to use it themselves to anticipate problems.

Healthy adults have an ideal basal glycemic index It ranges from 70 to 110 mg/dl. In children from 40 to 100 mg/dl. Now, as we said, the concentration of glucose or sugar in the blood can change throughout the day. This requires some considerations if the meter is used during the afternoon, day or night. Remember this!

Always for adults, the ideal values ​​change during the day, reaching a peak at night.

• Before meals: 70–130 mg/dL.
• After meals: 90–180 mg/dL.
• Before bed: 80–140 mg/dL.

Of course, if our behavior changes, the meter results will tend to get closer to the ideal. Basic issues such as eating a balanced diet, exercising at least two or three times a week, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol can have an almost immediate impact on your basal blood glucose levels. But this is only if the values ​​are not far from “desirable”.

What happens if my basal blood glucose levels are high?

If fasting glucose levels are high and diabetes has not been diagnosed, this is may mean “prediabetes”. Values ​​above 125 mg/dL warn of hyperglycemia, which should be treated before type 2 diabetes develops.

Unfortunately, this body is clearly deficient in producing sufficient amounts of insulin.

Prediabetes occurs when metabolism does not allow glucose to enter cells to provide energy. Problems such as lack of training and excess weight may explain this pathology, and you should change them as soon as possible.

The most common symptoms of high basal blood glucose are blurred vision, weight loss, wounds that won’t heal, tingling or numbness in the legs and arms, and a gradual increase in thirst accompanied by uncontrollable urination.

What happens if my basal blood glucose level is low?

Although someone without knowledge might think that a low basal blood glucose level is less harmful than a high basal blood glucose level, this is actually not the case. Severe low blood sugar may require emergency medical attention. This can cause epileptic seizures and brain damage. Causes insulin or hypoglycemic shock They are varied and always need to be prevented.

If your fasting glucose level is low, without diagnosing diabetes, you will have to pay attention to other symptoms. Pallor, tremors and sweating are the most likely, but others may also occur, such as headaches, difficulty concentrating, hunger and nausea, fatigue and, most distressingly, a fast or irregular heartbeat.

When to contact a professional?

If the patient is disoriented or unable to perform daily tasks such as talking or moving, they should be immediately transferred to a clinic or hospital for care. Delayed treatment can lead to seizures, home or car accidents, falls, injuries and, in the worst case, irreversible coma, resulting in the death of the patient.

How often should you measure your basal blood glucose?

If you are healthy, two annual measurements should be sufficient. However, people with diabetes should constantly monitor their blood sugar to detect high or low spikes in blood sugar. If they find them, they will know what steps to take.