Blood sugar, or blood glucose, refers to the amount of sugar present in your blood at any given time. Glucose is a simple sugar that serves as a primary source of energy for your body’s cells. It’s derived from the carbohydrates you consume in foods and drinks. Carbohydrates examples include but not limited to this list rice, bread, macaroni, pasta, flour, ground provisions- tania, sweet potatoes, dasheen, green & ripe bananas, white potatoes, all fruits, including coconut water, mangoes, sugar apples etc.
Here’s a quick rundown on blood sugar (glucose):
1. How It Works:
– After eating, your digestive system breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which is then absorbed into your bloodstream.
– The hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas, helps cells absorb glucose from the blood to be used for energy or stored for future use.
2. Normal Levels:
– Fasting blood sugar levels (after not eating for at least 8 hours) should be between 70 and 100 mg/dL.
– Normal Levels After having a meal or any snack: your blood sugar levels can rise to 140 mg/dL or less than 200 mg/dl – This is considered normal.
3. Importance of Balance:
– Maintaining balanced blood sugar levels is crucial for overall health.
– Chronic (consistently) high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can lead to diabetes, and other medical conditions.
While low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) can cause symptoms like dizziness, confusion, or fainting.
4. Monitoring:
– People with conditions such as diabetes often monitor their blood sugar levels to manage their health effectively. By knowing your blood glucose (sugar) level decisions such as what will I eat your next meal, insulin and other medications adjustments can be made. Also it will be clear if your current actions are working or do you need to adjust.
Understanding and managing blood sugar is essential, especially for people dealing with diabetes or at risk of developing it. Diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices play significant roles in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
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