A1c Goals Should Be Individualized
A1c goals should be individualized based on the individual capabilities, risks, and prior experiences, explains Gary Scheiner, MS, CDE, founder of Integrated Diabetes, and author of Think Like a Pancreas.
For example, we generally aim for very tight A1c levels during pregnancy and more conservative targets in young children and the elderly.
However, Scheiner highlights important factors that could justify aiming for a higher A1c, like hypoglycemia unawareness, which is described as when a person with diabetes no longer feels the oncoming warning signs of low blood sugar. This can put you at significant risk for severe low blood sugars resulting seizures or death. To reduce that risk, you would aim for higher target blood sugar ranges.
Someone with significant hypoglycemia unawareness and a history of severe lows should target higher blood glucose levels than someone who can detect and manage their lows more effectively, adds Scheiner. And certainly, someone who has been running A1cs in double digits for quite some time should not be targeting an A1c of 6% better to set modest, realistic, achievable goals.
Learn how to lower your A1c in DiabetesStrongsA1C Guide.
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Normal Blood Sugar 1 Hour After Eating
The ideal blood sugar level can vary from person to person. Ask your doctor what your ideal level is, although the ideal goal would be to achieve blood glucose levels similar to those without diabetes.
Ideal blood sugar levels are usually found between these numbers:
- 80 120 mg/dl, upon waking and before eating
- 180 or less, two hours after eating
- 100 140 mg / dl, at bedtime
Ask your doctor or healthcare professional when to get tested.
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Why Does Blood Glucose Level Rise In Diabetes
The food we eat is converted to glucose and released into the bloodstream. Therefore, blood sugar levels are high after eating. The increase in glucose level signals our pancreas to release insulin.
Insulin helps our body cells to absorb glucose. As a result, blood glucose level goes down / becomes normal again. This process of cell absorption helps in regulating/maintaining normal blood glucose levels.
But in the case of diabetes, our body becomes insulin resistant, or there is insulin deficiency. Due to this our body cells do not absorb blood glucose, resulting in high blood glucose levels, thus causing Diabetes which comes with health problems like thyroid, stress, loss of muscle weight, acidity, insomnia, low energy level, etc. Over a period of time, such high blood glucose levels can cause damage to nerves, kidneys, eyes, and heart. With the right changes in your habits of eating, exercising, sleeping patterns, and stress management we have seen more than 10.000 patients reversing their diabetes. Get started with your diabetes reversal journey, connect with top diabetes experts now.
Therefore if you have diabetes, it is essential to maintain your blood sugar readings at some typical acceptable values, which can be attained by having a healthy lifestyle that will aid the reversal of diabetes and following a sustainable diet plan that you can follow which includes staple food, easily available in your kitchen and does not include supplements.
Summary
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The Best Treatment Strategy For High Blood Sugar Levels Of 200
Your primary therapy will be drug therapy, which may includethe use of oral antidiabetics or insulin as your doctor will advise you.If left untreated, it will predispose for the heart, brain, kidney and eye issues, among many other problems.
But,when diabetic, lifestyle changes do matter a lot. They are a very importantpart of diabetes treatment.
The lifestyle changes you need to do are as following:
1. Drink plenty of water this will help clean your bloodstream from excessive sugar.
2. Think what have you eaten to cause high blood sugar levels? Try to eliminate as much as possible high carbohydrate foods, fat, and foods rich in calories.
3. Physicalactivity after eating Not only it decreases your glucose levels, but it also improves bloodcirculation and decreases fat levels in your bloodstream. These changes delaythe long-term complications of diabetes.
Try mild exercise 10 or 15 minutes after eating, this will avoid spikes in blood sugar levels after eating.
When the increase in blood sugar is induced by some drugs, stop using them immediately and consult with a doctor whether you need to start the use of anti-diabetic drugs for a while, or not.
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You Feel Tiredness And Fatigue Constantly
Fatigue and extreme tiredness are symptoms of uncontrolled blood sugar, the ADA says. Simply put, when your body is not processing insulin properly or it doesnt have sufficient amounts of insulin, the sugar is staying in our blood rather than getting into our cells to be used for energy, Zanini says. Also, frequent urination can lead to dehydration, which Bandukwala identifies as another contributing factor to fatigue.
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Blood Sugar In The 200s Over A Longer Time
The above problems will occur in the short term of blood sugar being in the 200s.
Over time, high uncontrolled blood sugar leads to heart disease, neuropathy , retinopathy , says Dr. Besser.
Its not just the number at one blood test its how long the number has been elevated that leads to the problems.
Dr. Besser provides comprehensive family care, treating common and acute primary conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Her ongoing approach allows her the opportunity to provide accurate and critical diagnoses of more complex conditions and disorders.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. Shes also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of High Blood Sugar
- High blood sugar levels
- High levels of glucose in the urine
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
DKA is a medical emergency and requires emergency treatment in a hospital. Symptoms of DKA may include:
- Fruity-smelling breath
- Shortness of breath
HHS is also a medical emergency and requires emergency treatment. Symptoms of HHS, which may worsen over days or weeks, may include:
- Increased thirst and urination
| < 5.7% |
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When Should I Check My Blood Sugar
How often you check your blood sugar depends on the type of diabetes you have and if you take any diabetes medicines.
Typical times to check your blood sugar include:
- When you first wake up, before you eat or drink anything.
- Two hours after a meal.
If you have type 1 diabetes, have type 2 diabetes and take insulin, or often have low blood sugar, your doctor may want you to check your blood sugar more often, such as before and after youre physically active.
What Is Low Blood Sugar
Hypoglycaemia is a condition wherein blood sugar levels are too low. This condition affects a number of diabetic people when their bodies do not have enough glucose to use as energy. Hypoglycaemia is commonly the result of taking too much of the medication/s prescribed to treat diabetes, eating less than expected, exercising more than normal or skipping meals.
Some of the symptoms of hypoglycaemia include:
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How Do I Detect Spikes In My Sugar Levels
The exact timing of blood sugar spikes can vary from person to person and meal to meal. However, on average, the post-meal peaks tend to be about one hour and 15 minutes after starting a meal.
The best way to measure post-meal patterns is by using a continuous glucose monitor or Flash monitors. These devices can give you a clear view, including graphs, of what happens with the glucose levels after meals without the need for finger pricking . You can ask your diabetes health team if they are available for you as they are not available to everybody.
If you are not using a CGM, then please speak to your healthcare team about the best way to do this for you with finger prick testing.
How do I know it is a spike?
There is no universal answer or specific guidelines on when a sugar level is too high after meals. However, if post-meal readings are consistently above your target range , then you should discuss whether it would be beneficial for you to address these spikes and how to do this, with your healthcare team .
If you are reviewing your post-breakfast sugar levels, you should also be aware of changes in your hormones in the morning, which cause increases in sugar levels . This Digibete video may help.
Some ways to reduce blood sugar spikes after meals
1. Choose low glycaemic index foods
When blood sugar levels are low or hypoglycaemic we need high glycaemic index foods , such as dextrose tablets or juice, that are absorbed quickly to raise our levels and to treat the hypo.
How Can I Quickly Lower My Blood Sugar
A number of factors can affect your blood sugar levels. These include what and when you eat, how much physical activity you get, whether or not you smoke cigarettes, your medications, alcohol intake and stress level. So its important to know the basics about diabetes so that if symptoms arise , then youll know what might be going on with your body.
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Target Blood Glucose Levels After Meals By Age
Your target blood sugar level after eating will depend on how old you are, whether or not you have diabetes and how you are treating it , and whether you’re pregnant.
Here are some general guidelines for post-meal blood glucose levels:
- Children with diabetes: < 200mg/dl one hour after eating < 180 mg/dL two hours after eating
- Adults without diabetes who are not pregnant: 90-140 mg/dL two hours after eating
- Adults with diabetes who are not pregnant:< 180 mg/dL two hours after eating
- Adults with diabetes taking mealtime insulin: < 180 mg/dL two hours after eating
- Adults with diabetes not taking mealtime insulin:< 140 mg/dL two hours after eating
- Adults with gestational diabetes:< 140 mg/dL one hour after eating < 120 mg/dL two hours after eating
- Pregnant adults with preexisting type 1 or type 2 diabetes:< 110-140 mg/dL one hour after eating < 100-120 mg/dL two hours after eating
What Should Glucose Levels Be 2 Hours After Eating
A rise in blood glucose levels is normal after eating a meal, particularly a meal loaded with carbohydrates. People who have diabetes will have higher spikes in blood glucoseand for longer periods. Function Carbohydrates convert to glucose in the bloodstream. The pancreas secretes insulin, which bonds with the blood glucose to supply the body with energy. Someone with diabetes either has an insufficient supply of insulin or the body does not process the insulin efficiently, resulting in too much glucose in the bloodstream. Normal Levels Normal blood glucose levels are 70 mg/dl to 120 mg/dl . A blood glucose level above 120 mg/dl could result in a condition known as hyperglycemiahigh blood sugar. Postprandial Levels Postprandial blood glucose levels, or blood glucose levels after eating a meal, should be 120 mg/dl two hours after the start of a meal for healthy people. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse states that someone with diabetes could see blood glucose levels as high as 180 mg/dl one to two hours after the start of a meal. Cause The rise in blood glucose levels after eating is directly related to the amount and types of carbohydrates included with the meal. Implications If postprandial blood glucose levels are consistently higher than 120 mg/dl two hours after the meal, diabetes, pre-diabetes or insulin resistance might be indicated. Consult your physician for testing and diagnosis.Continue reading > >
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What Is High Blood Sugar
If your blood sugar levels are chronically higher than normal, then this is referred to as hyperglycaemia. This is a common issue for those suffering from diabetes. The condition can also affect pregnant women who have gestational diabetes and occasionally those who are severely ill .
Some of the symptoms of hyperglycaemia include:
- Increased thirst
- Issues with concentration and/or thinking
If severe hyperglycaemia is left untreated the condition can lead to organ and tissue damage as the excess glucose present in the body can make it difficult for the organs and cells to function correctly. The disorder can also impair the immune system response in the healing of wounds and cuts.
Is 240 Blood Sugar Too High
What to do: If your blood sugar levels are too high, exercise can help bring them down. According to the ADA, if your blood sugar levels are over 240 mg/dL, you may be at risk for ketoacidosis, which is when your body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones and necessitates emergency care.
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Under Certain Conditions A Blood Sugar Reading In The 200s Can Damage The Bodys Organs
The longer that your glucose remains very high, the more likely it will cause a lot of problems and this includes blindness. 200
Blood sugar in the 200s isnt dangerous in the short term, and for most people has no real symptoms, but in the long term causes damage, as the bodys organs cant properly use the energy they need to function, says Susan L. Besser, MD, with Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore, and Diplomate American Board of Obesity Medicine and board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine.
Dr. Besser continues, It takes longer with lower high sugars because if the numbers are lower, it means the body is still able to use ingested sugar as fuel, at least to some degree.
The higher the glucose, the less the body is able to use the ingested sugar as energy.
The higher the sugar in the blood, the more likely there will be symptoms of diabetes such as thirst .
Another immediate symptom of abnormally high blood sugar is increased urination.
But this is not from drinking more water from the excessive thirst.
Its from the body attempting to get rid of all the sugar in the circulating blood. The thirst is actually from all the urination. 200
Unexplained weight loss is another outcome of persistent very elevated glucose.
Dr. Besser explains that the body is in essence eating itself for energy because it cant get energy for food. 200
Sugar builds up in the blood. Meanwhile, muscle cells become starved of energy.
High Calorie Foods May Or May Not Cause The Blood Sugar Level To Rise
Many people think that all high-calorie foods raise blood sugar level, but this is not always the case.
In general, foods that cause blood sugar level to rise the most are those that are high in carbohydrates, which are quickly converted into energy, such as rice, bread, fruits and sugar. Next are foods high in protein, such as meats, fish eggs, milk and dairy products, and oily foods. However, even though carbohydrates affect blood sugar levels, if you don’t eat them your diet will be unbalanced and you won’t feel satisfied after your meal, which can lead to excessive consumption of foods rich in protein and fat.
Food containing three major nutrients
| Carbohydrates |
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What Is A Normal Blood Sugar Level For Diabetics
A normal blood sugar level for diabetics is more difficult to define because it can vary greatly from person to person and is measured differently per age.
Whats important is that you work with your doctor to set goals that are achievable for you and that you maintain good blood sugar control as much as possible.
How Much Does Blood Sugar Increase After Eating
At this time the blood sugar level can reach 7.8 mmol/L in a healthy individual.
After the half-hour mark, the blood glucose level starts to fall as the sugar is absorbed from the blood into the cells of the body.
Its important to check your normal blood sugar level 1 hour after eating. For example, if you find that your blood sugar is 160 mg/dL after the meal, this equates to 8.9 mmol/L which means your blood sugar is high. Its an indication that you may need to seek medical treatment to control your blood sugar level.
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What Causes Low Blood Sugar
Low blood sugar has many causes, including missing a meal, taking too much insulin, taking other diabetes medicines, exercising more than normal, and drinking alcohol. Blood sugar below 70 mg/dL is considered low.
Signs of low blood sugar are different for everyone. Common symptoms include:
Know what your individual symptoms are so you can catch low blood sugar early and treat it. If you think you may have low blood sugar, check it even if you dont have symptoms. Low blood sugar can be dangerous and should be treated as soon as possible.
Being Extra Thirsty And Having To Urinate More Than Usual
This is a common but not-so-obvious sign of blood sugar that is too high: feeling really thirsty and needing to drink more than usual. Excessive urination, known as polyuria, occurs when glucose builds up in your blood, and your kidneys begin working harder to get rid of the extra glucose, says Zanini. If your kidneys cant keep up and adjust blood sugar so that it returns to a normal level, the excess sugar is flushed out of your body through urine, she adds. You may become dehydrated and get dizzy.
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