Diabetes Blood Sugar

Diabetes Blood Sugar

Blood sugar, also known as blood glucose, is a type of sugar found in the bloodstream. It is the main source of energy for the body's cells. The body gets blood sugar from the food we eat. When food is broken down in the digestive system, it turns into glucose, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps the body's cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream.

People with diabetes have trouble regulating their blood sugar levels. There are two main types of diabetes:

• Type 1 diabetes: The body does not produce insulin.
• Type 2 diabetes: The body does not produce enough insulin or the cells become resistant to the effects of insulin.

If blood sugar levels are not controlled, they can damage the body over time. This can lead to serious health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and nerve damage.

Blood sugar targets

Blood sugar targets are the ranges that people with diabetes aim to keep their blood sugar levels in. These targets are set by the doctor and may vary depending on the individual.

Here are some general blood sugar targets for adults:

• Before a meal: 80 to 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)
• Two hours after the start of a meal: Less than 180 mg/dL

It is important to note that these are just general guidelines. People with diabetes should talk to their doctor about their specific blood sugar targets.

If you are concerned about your blood sugar levels, please talk to your doctor. They can help you create a plan to manage your diabetes and keep your blood sugar levels under control.

Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

• The American Diabetes Association: https://diabetes.org/
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/index.html
• The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/