DIABETES (part IV)

Normal blood sugars range from 70mg/dl -100mg/dl before eating and no higher
than 140mg/dl after eating.
 
When a person has untreated diabetes, the blood sugar level can get much higher
and does not come down after eating a meal.
 
People with diabetes use a glucometer to test their blood sugar. This is a
machine that uses a small drop of blood to determine blood sugar levels. A lot
of machines use a drop of blood obtained from the fingertip, but other machines
will vary. This helps to determine if blood sugar is under control and if the
diet/meds are working correctly.
 
The Doctor can also perform a test called a Hemoglobin A1C test. This test can
tell what the ‘average’ blood sugar has been over the past 2 or 3 months. Sugar
attaches to red blood cells. So, when the blood sugar is high, more sugar
attaches to the red blood cells. When blood sugar is low, less sugar attaches to
the red blood cells. The life of a red blood cell is about 2 to 3 months. So,
this test checks the amount of sugar within the red blood cells. Because the red
blood cells live for 2-3 months , this test – A1C can determine the blood sugar
levels during the life of the red blood cells.
 
Continue to monitor our blog for more information related to Diabetes Type I and
II.