The World Health Organization believes that by the year 2030,  336 million people worldwide will be diagnosed with diabetes. 90-95% of those diagnosed have type two diabetes which is largely dependent on weight and lifestyle choices. So, how can you know if you have diabetes and what is normal blood sugar range?

Depending on the time of day you test you will notice that your blood glucose levels will vary. The best time of day to test yourself is six to eight hours after you have last eaten and is known as your fasting blood glucose level. Typically this will be the first thing in the morning. A normal range for fasting blood glucose is 70-100 mg/dl (milligrams/deciliter).

After you eat your blood glucose level will increase and if you are “normal” this level should never go above 140 mg/dl.  If your glucose levels drop below 65 you may experience symptoms such as shaking, racing heart, or a feeling of hunger. When you eat these symptoms will go away but this is known as hypoglycemia. If levels drop below 50 there is a potential for seizures and even unconsciousness.  If your glucose levels are above 180 you are leaving sugars in your blood rather than them being absorbed into your body’s cells. This is known as hyperglycemia and can cause damage to many of your body’s organs if your levels do not decrease.

You can prevent becoming a statistic in the WHO’s database. The best way to keep your levels in the normal blood sugar range is to eat a proper diet that is low in carbs and to get exercise on a regular basis.

If you have diabetes it is essential that you make attempts to lower your stress levels. Stress and diabetes are a dangerous combination since stress has been found to increase your glucose levels. Yet, everyone who has diabetes knows that the disease naturally lends itself to stress and worry. So, how can you alleviate your stress so you are not increasing your glucose levels? Here are a few suggestions.

Exercise is not only a great way to lose weight and increase your insulin sensitivity but also releases endorphins which have the ability to relieve pain, reduce stress and even help your immune system. 

Depending on the recommendations from your physician you can choose anything from walking to aerobics to strength training. While getting started on an exercise regime can be difficult, if you set aside a set time each day and stick with it, after a week you will actually begin to look forward to it and should notice your stress levels lowering.

Meditation is another great way to reduce stress. When you meditate your heart rate decreases, your blood pressure normalizes, your immune functions improve, and you use oxygen more efficiently. It is a simple process which simply involves sitting in a relaxed position and letting your mind relax by concentrating on regular, deep breathing, Unlike exercise, which may not always be available when you need it, meditation is free and can be done anywhere by anyone.

Relieving yourself of stress is a vital element when it comes to regulating your glucose levels. Diabetes and stress are a vicious combination but with a bit of exercise or relaxation you can lower your stress and live a healthier life.

If you listen closely enough you will hear your body speak to you. Normally this is done through aches and pains but in nearly every situation your body is telling you when something is wrong. The key is to listen. If you are feeling tired, have tingling or numbness in your hands or feet, are experiencing muscle cramps, moodiness, or a change in vision you may have high blood sugar symptoms and these are signs from your body that something is wrong.

When you eat food your body converts it into sugar which is then pushed into the cells of your body by the hormone insulin where it can be used as energy. This is the ideal situation. However, when the insulin isn’t able to do its job properly the cells don’t receive the sugar they need to create the energy your body needs to work efficiently. This is when your body will start sending you signals that something is wrong and you need to correct it immediately.

Unfortunately most people don’t listen to their body or ignore the signs which allow the blood sugar levels to rise to dangerous levels. When blood sugar levels rise above normal and stay there for prolonged periods of time you are putting your body at risk for several other problems including heart attack, stroke, and even nerve damage.

Listening to your body is essential. Taking time out from your busy schedule to check out why you are going to the bathroom every 20 minutes or why your mouth is always so dry can literally save your life. These symptoms, and the ones mentioned above, are only a few of the many signs that your body will give you to let you know that there is something wrong. Listen to your body, it can save your life.