Virtual Medical Centre

Blood Glucose Control (Blood Sugar Levels)

• Introduction to blood sugar levels
• Why is controlling blood sugar levels so important?
• Who is blood sugar control important for?
• Diabetic patients: how to test your blood sugar levels
• What level should my blood sugar be?

Introduction to blood sugar levels

Our blood glucose level, or blood sugar level, is the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. The amount of glucose in the blood is measured in millimoles per litre (mmol/l). Glucose levels are measured most commonly to diagnose or to monitor diabetes. It is also important to keep an eye on blood glucose levels during certain situations - for example: during pregnancy, pancreatitis and with increasing age. Normally, blood sugar levels stay within a narrow range during the day. A good level is between 4 to 8mmol/l. After you consume food, your blood sugar level will rise and after you have had a night's rest, they will usually be lowest in the morning.

Diabetes is a common disease in our society, affecting 2-5% of the general population, with many more people unaware that they may be affected by this condition. Diabetes results from a lack of insulin, or insensitivity of the body towards the level of insulin present. Thus if you have diabetes, your blood sugar level may move outside the normal limits.   

Why is controlling blood sugar levels so important?

Carbohydrate foods are the body's main energy source. When they are digested, they break down to form glucose in the bloodstream. If you make sure you eat regular meals, spread evenly throughout the day, you will help maintain your energy levels without causing large rises in your blood sugar levels. It is also important to maintain a stable and balanced blood sugar level, as there is a limited range of blood sugar levels in which the brain can function normally. Regular testing of your blood sugar levels allows you to monitor your level of control and assists you in altering your diabetes management strategy if your levels aren't within the expected/recommended range.

Long term complications, including eye disease, kidney problems, nerve problems, cerebrovascular disease such as strokes, and cardiovascular disease such as heart attacks, heart failure and high blood pressure, can be significantly reduced. Based on studies of people with type 1 diabetes (Diabetes Control and Complications Trial : DCCT) and type 2 diabetes (United Kingdom Prevention of Diabetes - UKPDS), maintaining near normal blood sugars and glycated haemoglobin levels significantly reduces the risks of complications arising from diabetes.

Who is blood sugar control important for?

Good blood sugar control is important for most people in the general population. However, if you have a condition such as diabetes, pancreatitis, hyperthyroidism / hypothyroidism or Cushing's syndrome, it becomes even more important to achieve good sugar control. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it is also essential to maintain good sugar levels to ensure both your own and your baby's wellbeing.

Stable blood sugar levels significantly reduces the risk of developing diabetic complications at a later date. Depending on the level of control achieved, these problems may start to appear 10 - 15 years after diagnosis with type 1 diabetes and often earlier in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Diabetic patients: how to test your blood sugar levels

Blood sugar levels are usually measured on a daily basis with a home blood sugar level testing kit. There are several brands and varieties available, but they will all consist of a measuring device and disposable paper strips. To check your blood sugar level, you are usually required to prick your finger tip with a lancet (a small, fine, sharp needle). Then you have to put a small amount of blood on the paper strip and place the strip into the measuring device. After about 15-30 seconds the blood sugar level will be displayed. These blood sugar measuring devices are available at most local pharmacies and also through Diabetes Australia.

There have been new meters that test alternative sites that have been released. These meters allow you to test alternative sites,such as the forearm, upper arm, base of the thumb and thigh. However, testing at different sites may give you results that are different from those obtained from the fingertip. It has been shown that blood sugar levels in the fingertips show changes more quickly than those in alternative testing sites.

People who have Type 1 diabetes should measure their blood sugar levels at least once a day, either in the morning before breakfast or at bedtime. Those with Type 2 diabetes and are on insulin treatment should also measure their blood sugar levels one - two times a day. For those type 2 diabetics who are on a special diet or oral tablets, blood sugar levels should be measured once or twice a week before mealtime or one to two hours after a meal.

What level should my blood sugar be?

The recommended range of blood sugar levels are:

• 4 to 7 mmol/l before meals.
• < 10 mmol/l one to two hours after meals.
• About 8 mmol/l at bedtime.