Blood sugar level

Blood Sugar Level: An Overview

Blood glucose monitor Blood sugar level, also known as blood sugar concentration or blood glucose level, refers to the quantity of glucose in the blood of humans and other animals. Simple sugar glucose is the body's primary source of energy. Approximately 4 grams of glucose are always present in the blood of a 70 kg (154 lb) human. As part of metabolic homeostasis, the body strictly regulates blood glucose levels to maintain a constant energy supply.

The fluctuation of blood sugar

Storage and Regulation of Glucose

The structure of glycogen

Both skeletal muscle cells and liver cells store glucose in the form of glycogen. Blood glucose levels are maintained at a constant level in fasting individuals at the expense of glycogen stores in the liver and skeletal muscle. After a meal, when blood glucose levels rise, the pancreas secretes insulin, a hormone that instructs cells to assimilate glucose from the bloodstream. This process aids in lowering blood glucose and replenishing glycogen stores in the liver and muscles.

When blood glucose levels are low, such as during fasting or protracted physical activity, the pancreas secretes glucagon, a hormone that signals the liver to convert glycogen into glucose and release it into the bloodstream. This process aids in maintaining stable blood glucose levels and sustaining the body's energy supply.

Monitoring Blood Glucose

Blood glucose testing

Patients with diabetes, a metabolic disorder typified by elevated blood sugar levels, must monitor their blood glucose levels on a regular basis. Monitoring enables individuals with diabetes to effectively manage their blood sugar levels and avoid complications resulting from high or low blood sugar. A blood glucose meter, a compact device that measures glucose concentrations in a small sample of blood, typically obtained from a finger prick, can be used to test blood glucose levels.

Normal Blood Glucose Levels

Glucose levels can fluctuate throughout the day based on age, level of physical activity, and general health. However, normal blood sugar ranges for individuals without diabetes are typically as follows:

• 70-100 mg/dL (3.9-5.6 mmol/L) (measured after 8 hours of fasting): fasting blood glucose
• Less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) two hours after a meal (postprandial blood glucose).

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends the following blood sugar targets for diabetics:

• Fasting blood glucose: 80-130 mg/dL (4.4-7.2 mmol/L)
• Less than 180 mg/dL (10.0 mmol/L) in the postprandial state.
• Consultation with a healthcare professional is required to ascertain the appropriate blood sugar targets based on individual health factors.

Summary

The blood sugar level, blood sugar concentration, or blood glucose level is the measure of concentration of glucose present in the blood of humans or other animals. Approximately 4 grams of glucose, a simple sugar, is present in the blood of a 70 kg (154 lb) human at all times. The body tightly regulates blood glucose levels as a part of metabolic homeostasis. Glucose is stored in skeletal muscle and liver cells in the form of glycogen; in fasting individuals, blood glucose is maintained at a constant level at the expense of glycogen stores in the liver and skeletal muscle.

Blood sugar level Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.

Translate to: East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski