If you’re trying to manage your diabetes, sugar intake, or general health and wellness, then learning about fasting blood sugar is crucial. So, what exactly is it? Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), also known as Blood Glucose tests, are routine check-ups to measure the amount of glucose in your bloodstream.
FBS helps determine how well your body can break down the sugar you consume. If anything looks different than usual, it might mean that there is damage from exposure to high blood sugar levels. This is an important sign for people with diabetes and anyone who wants to understand their health better. Keep reading for all the information related to a fasting blood sugar level.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that occurs when the body cannot properly regulate the amount of glucose (blood sugar) in the bloodstream. There are two types of diabetes — Type 1 and Type 2.
With Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough insulin to control blood sugar levels. With Type 2 diabetes, the body is resistant to existing insulin, or insufficient amounts are produced.
You can manage diabetes with lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and taking certain medications, if needed.
What is a Normal Blood Sugar Range?
The blood sugar normal level range is considered to be much lower than most people may think. Healthy individuals typically have a blood sugar normal level between 90-110 mg/dL.
When Should You Get a Fasting Blood Sugar Test?
Fasting blood sugar tests are vital as they reveal how much sugar is present in your blood at the time of the test. You should get this test done if you’re experiencing increased thirst and frequent urination, blurred vision, unexplainable fatigue, or slow healing of wounds.
A fasting blood sugar level test can also be done to monitor diabetes management as it gives clinicians valuable insight into how well current treatment plans are working to reduce blood sugar levels. Additionally, this test can be used as a routine health check-up to screen for pre-diabetes and diabetes.
Things that Might Cause a Healthy Person’s Blood Sugar to Increase
Everybody knows that controlling blood sugar levels is important for overall health. For many, this means ensuring that their diets and lifestyle habits remain consistent. However, certain factors can lead to a sudden spike in blood sugar levels even for otherwise healthy individuals. Here are some of the most common causes of a sudden spike in blood sugar levels.
- Eating too much: Consuming large meals or too many carbohydrates can cause a sudden blood sugar drop.
- Eating high-sugar foods: Consuming high-sugar foods can cause a quick and dramatic spike in your blood sugar levels. This can lead to fatigue, headaches, irritability, and even more serious health complications.
Our bodies cannot easily process the large amounts of added sugars found in candy, cake, and soft drinks. It pays to be mindful of sugar intake and replace unhealthy sweets with healthier options like fresh fruit or yoghurt. - Stress: Emotional stress can lead to a rise in blood sugar levels. So it is crucial to manage your stress. Regular exercise and relaxation techniques such as yoga, tai chi, deep breathing, and meditation can help reduce stress levels.
- Not enough exercise: People with diabetes must remain active to keep their blood sugar levels in check. If you feel too drained or unmotivated to exercise, try talking to your doctor about ways to improve your lifestyle. Your doctor can help you come up with a plan that fits into your day-to-day life, so you don’t have an excuse not to stay as active as possible!
- Not enough sleep: Lack of quality sleep can cause an increase in blood sugar levels.
- Illness: An infection or illness can cause a sudden increase in blood sugar levels.
- Hormone fluctuations: Changes in hormone levels, such as during pregnancy or menopause, can lead to a spike in blood sugar.
You must be aware of these potential causes for a sudden spike in blood sugar levels. If you have any concerns about your blood sugar levels, speak with a doctor. By making healthy lifestyle choices and monitoring your blood sugar levels, you can keep your blood sugar within the normal range.
In a Nutshell
It is important to check your blood sugar levels if you have diabetes. This will help you stay healthy and prevent any potential health risks. A fasting blood sugar level test can help you track your diabetes and reveal if you might have diabetes or pre-diabetes. This test can also help your doctor see how well your current treatment plan is working.
