What is Blood Sugar?

Blood sugar, or blood glucose, is the main sugar found in your blood. It comes from the food you eat and is your body's main source of energy. Your blood sugar levels change throughout the day based on various factors, including your diet, physical activity, and overall health.

Why Monitor Blood Sugar Levels?

Monitoring blood sugar levels is important for:

• Diagnosing diabetes and prediabetes
• Managing diabetes effectively
• Preventing complications associated with high or low blood sugar
• Assessing the effectiveness of diabetes treatment plans

Normal Blood Sugar Levels Chart

Here's a comprehensive chart showing normal blood sugar ranges for different groups:

For Healthy Individuals (without diabetes)

For People with Diabetes

For Pregnant Women (Gestational Diabetes)

Note: These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor may set different targets based on your individual health status, age, and other factors.

Understanding HbA1c Levels

HbA1c, or glycated hemoglobin, is a measure of your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months.

For most adults with diabetes, the target HbA1c is less than 7%.

Factors Affecting Blood Sugar Levels

Several factors can influence your blood sugar levels:

• Food intake (especially carbohydrates)
• Physical activity
• Medications
• Stress
• Illness
• Hormonal changes
• Sleep patterns

How to Check Blood Sugar Levels

There are several methods to check blood sugar levels:

• Glucometer: A small, portable device that measures blood sugar from a small drop of blood, usually from a fingertip.
• Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM): A device that measures glucose levels continuously throughout the day and night.
• Laboratory Blood Tests: These include fasting plasma glucose test, oral glucose tolerance test, and HbA1c test.

When to Check Blood Sugar Levels

The frequency of blood sugar checks depends on various factors:

• For people without diabetes: During annual check-ups or if symptoms of diabetes appear
• For people with type 1 diabetes: Several times a day, including before meals and bedtime
• For people with type 2 diabetes: The frequency varies based on the treatment plan, ranging from once a day to several times a week

Managing Blood Sugar Levels

To maintain healthy blood sugar levels:

• Follow a balanced diet rich in fiber and low in simple carbohydrates
• Engage in regular physical activity
• Take medications as prescribed
• Monitor blood sugar levels regularly
• Manage stress effectively
• Get adequate sleep

When to Seek Medical Help

Consult a healthcare provider if:

• Your blood sugar levels are consistently outside the target range
• You experience symptoms of very high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• You have difficulty managing your blood sugar levels

Blood Sugar Testing with Bajaj Finserv Health

Bajaj Finserv Health offers convenient and reliable blood sugar testing services:

• Accurate Results: State-of-the-art laboratories ensure precise measurements
• Home Sample Collection: Convenient option for busy individuals
• Quick Turnaround: Receive your results promptly
• Expert Consultation: Access to healthcare professionals for result interpretation
• Comprehensive Packages: Options for diabetes screening and management

Diabetes Screening Package test price for other cities