Blood Glucose

Blood Glucose Facts and Info

Everything you ever needed to know about blood glucose

Some people call it blood sugar, but your doctor probably calls it by its more formal name, blood glucose. Glucose is a type of sugar found in carbohydrate foods (fruits, grains, vegetables) and it is the major source of energy for living cells. Glucose is carried to each cell through the bloodstream.

Blood glucose and diabetes

Your cells cannot use blood glucose without the help of insulin. Unfortunately, people with diabetes do not naturally produce enough insulin in their pancreas or do not use the insulin they produce effectively. This results in high blood glucose, which, over time, can result in serious health problems.

The good news is that diet and lifestyle changes coupled with medications (such as insulin or oral medications) can help keep blood glucose levels within the recommended range.

Hyperglycemia vs. Hypoglycemia

People with diabetes may experience several conditions related to blood glucose levels.

Hyperglycemia — Symptoms of a high blood glucose level can include:

• Frequent urination
• Excessive thirst
• Blurred vision
• Tiredness

Causes of high blood glucose levels can include:

• Stress
• Infections and illnesses
• Interactions with other medications
• Not taking enough diabetes medication

Hypoglycemia — Low blood glucose symptoms can include:

• Confusion
• Irritability
• Headache
• Sweating
• Trembling

Causes of low blood glucose can include:

• Missing a meal or not getting enough carbohydrates in the meal
• Too much insulin
• Drinking alcohol without food

Monitoring is the key
To keep tabs on your blood glucose levels, your physician may have you check your blood sugar throughout the day using test strips with a blood glucose monitor.

The good news is that if you are on Medicare and have diabetes, the cost of your diabetes testing supplies just might be covered, whether you use insulin or not. Liberty Medical Supply can help determine if you are eligible.

Diabetic Seniors

Related Articles

Causes of Diabetes - Adult onset, insulin dependent, juvenile diabetes, Type 1, Type 2?sounds confusing and rightly so. However, to help sort things out some simplification in terminology is in order. Type 1 Diabetics, once called juvenile diabetes, are insulin dependent. People with Type 2 diabetes, formerly known as adult onset diabetes, are insulin resistant. Each type of Diabetes is caused by an assortment of factors; but may share some commonalities. It is important to understand what are not causes of diabetes. These factors include exposure to a diabetic, getting diabetes from food, or stress. Sometimes, when one is under stress or has an illness, Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes may be discovered, but the illness was not cause of the diabetes?those situations merely brought the problem to the surface.

American Diabetics - There are 18.2 million people with diabetes in the United States. That means that 6.3 percent of all Americans are diabetic. Even more shocking is the fact some 5.2 million people (nearly one-third) are unaware that they have the disease.

Diabetes and Insulin - People with diabetes suffer from a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin, the hormone used to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy. People with diabetes do not naturally produce enough insulin in their pancreas. This results in high blood glucose, which, over time, can result in serious health problems.