What Are Blood Sugar Levels

Most diabetics are accustomed to blood sugar, blood sugar test, blood sugar level, and glucometer, but what does blood sugar mean? Why does one need to control blood glucose levels within a specific range?

Blood glucose levels are the total glucose in the blood, also referred to as the serum glucose level. 

Typically, this value is expressed as millimoles per liter (mmol/l), and the average, acceptable level at any given time ranges between <strong>4-7.8 mmol/L.

Blood sugar levels will be higher following meals and at their lowest in the early mornings. For people with diabetes, blood sugar fluctuates more widely.

Why are good blood sugar levels critical?

Even a diabetic must maintain their blood sugar levels as normal as possible. 

Higher than normal sugar levels for extended periods increase the risk of diabetes complications developing.

Diabetes complications are health problems that include:

• Kidney disease
• Nerve damage
• Retinal disease
• Heart disease
• Stroke

This list of problems may appear daunting. However, the bottom line is that the risk of these complications can be minimized or even eliminated through reasonable blood glucose level control. 

Minor improvements can make a big difference if you stay dedicated and maintain those improvements over most days.