One of the most important parts of living with diabetes is learning how to successfully control your blood sugar, and that means recognizing when your glucose levels are outside the normal range.

When you can recognize normal and abnormal blood sugar readings, as well as physical signs that something may be wrong, you'll be able to react faster and more efficiently. That means your blood sugar will have less of an opportunity to reach dangerous levels, minimizing the chance of complications.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, a normal blood sugar reading for diabetics should be between, "70 to 140 milligrams per deciliter or mg/dL, with the higher reading mainly after meals." By keeping your blood glucose within this range, you reduce your chance of experiencing everything from heart disease to kidney problems. That's why it's so important to perform blood glucose testing throughout the day, and to take appropriate action whenever you have a blood sugar reading that isn't normal.

What Is a Low Blood Sugar Reading?

The goal of people with diabetes isn't to eliminate blood sugar entirely; you actually need a certain amount of glucose in your blood. If your blood sugar is lower than 70 mg/dL, that means you no longer have a normal blood sugar reading and need to take action quickly. Failure to do so can result in can result in extreme disorientation, fainting, seizing, and even going into a coma or dying.

Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can be caused by several different factors. You may accidentally take too much insulin, exercise more than usual, or forget to eat. Drinking alcoholic beverages can also lower your blood sugar.

You can avoid having a low blood sugar reading by testing your glucose frequently, especially if you know your activity levels or diet are going to be different than usual. It's also important to watch for physical signs of low blood sugar. These can include, but are not limited to, the following: Sleepiness, sweating, shaking, a nervous or confused feeling, blurry vision, headache, tingling or numbness, a pounding heart beat, and difficulty sleeping.

When you have a lower than normal blood sugar reading, correcting it before your glucose can drop further is vital. You can raise your blood sugar quickly by eating or drinking foods that will quickly raise your blood sugar, like orange juice. You can also eat glucose tablets or drink liquid glucose, both of which are available at most pharmacies. Taking glucogan, a prescription medicine to raise blood sugar, is another good option. You should also continue to check your blood sugar throughout this process in case your blood sugar fails too rise, or rises too much and requires insulin. If at any point you feel like you are becoming faint or can no longer care for yourself, it's both important to contact emergency services.

What Is a High Blood Sugar Reading?

A higher than normal blood sugar reading is anything over 140 mg/dL, with the only exception being if you've just eaten a heavy meal and your body has not yet had time to adjust to. A high blood glucose level is just as dangerous as a low one, and should be corrected immediately. According to the Mayo Clinic, high blood sugar can cause diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar syndrome, and diabetic coma. It can also lead to a number of dangerous long-term complications, including heart, kidney, and nerve damage.

High blood sugar can be caused by not taking enough insulin, overeating, and being less active. If you're stressed out or sick, you may also get a high blood sugar reading. Signs of high blood sugar include dry mouth, thirst, blurry vision, tiredness, and frequent urination. You may also feel stomach pain, nausea, or experience vomiting. Those are signs of extremely high blood sugar, and mean you should go to the hospital as soon as possible.

To immedietly correct high blood sugar, take an appropriate dose of your insulin. In the long term, you can often avoid a higher than normal blood sugar reading by getting more exercise, eating small meals throughout the day, losing weight, and testing your glucose levels regularly.

Staying Healthy With a Normal Blood Sugar

When you work to avoid high and low blood sugars and stay within the normal range, you do your health a world of good. Not only do you avoid the immediate dangers of abnormal blood sugar, you also maximize your chances of staying healthy throughout life.

If you have more questions about what a normal blood sugar reading is and how to achieve it, contact your physician or a medical professional to discuss your diabetes.