Diabetes and blood sugar levels are two inseparable terms. Anyone who has been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and pre diabetes has to constantly see to it that he / she maintains his / her blood sugar level within the normal blood sugar range. In the human body, the sugar exists in form of glucose. Glucose is absorbed into the blood stream when you eat foods rich in carbohydrates. Excess glucose is stored in the muscles and the liver in form of glycogen. Regulation of glucose levels in the body happens through the action of the body’s glucagon hormones and insulin which are produced in the pancreas.

Diabetes and anomalies in the level of blood sugar in the body arise as a result of failure on the part of the pancreas to produce enough glucose. The normal range of blood sugar in the body is 70 to 150mg. The range fluctuates throughout the course of the day depending on your most recent meal as well as the time of the day. Both low and high glucose levels could have sever consequences on your health. Low blood glucose level is referred to as hypoglycemia. It is characterized by blood sugar levels of less than 70mg/dl (milligram per deciliter). High blood glucose level is referred to as hyperglycemia and occurs when the blood sugar levels exceeds 150mg/dl. However, these values are not absolute and might vary from one person to another.

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), hypoglycemia is associated with symptoms such as:

• Headaches.

• Dizziness.

• Shakiness.

• Hunger.

• Sweating.

• Confusion.

• Lack of concentration and focus.

• Jerky movements.

• Irritability.

• Seizures.

Hyperglycemia on the other hand is associated with:

• Increased thirst.

• Frequent urination.

• High sugar levels in urine.

• High levels of blood sugar in the body.

The principle role of insulin in the body is to regulate the production, absorption and conversion of excess glucose to glycogen for storage. By effectively playing its role, insulin prevents toxicity by getting rid of excess glucose by converting it to energy. It also prevents the body from generation energy from stored fats.

According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), some 21 million Americans are living with diabetes. This is about seven percent of the population. A further 6 million people are undiagnosed. Research has shown that women in the child bearing age are more prone to developing type 2 diabetes.

Persons suffering from diabetes usually have their hypoglycemia response impaired. There are several methods for determining the level of blood glucose in your body. Here are some of them:

• There is the oral glucose tolerance test that diagnoses gestational diabetes. This test is done after having a sweet drink and is mainly performed on pregnant women.

• Random blood sugar (RBS) test which is carried out irrespective on you last ate.

• The 2hour postprandial blood sugar which measures glucose levels 2 hours after eating.

• Fasting blood sugar (FBS) test- used to determine fasting blood sugar normal range.
Always see to it that you are within the normal blood sugar range, between 70mg/dl and 150mg/dl, for your own good.