Learn about fasting blood sugar and normal blood sugar range. Keep your blood sugar levels in check with expert tips and guidance. | Meri Sehat

Checking Sugar While Fasting!

Fasting can cause your blood sugar levels to fluctuate, triggering complications such as hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia.

Introduction

You know what they say &ndash; breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But what about when you&#39;re fasting? Well, in that case, your regular breakfast time is your cue to check your blood sugar level! 
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This is especially important if you&rsquo;re a <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/diabetes-type-1-and-2">diabetic</a>. Fasting can cause your blood sugar levels to fluctuate, triggering complications such as hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. Hence, monitoring&nbsp; blood sugar levels while fasting can help your doctor to adjust your treatment plans as needed. 
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So, go get your glucometer ready and let&#39;s dive into the world of checking sugar while fasting! 
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According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), an estimated 537 million people worldwide were living with diabetes in 2021<a href="#accordion">[10]</a>.

Also, diabetes was the ninth leading cause of death globally in 2019 and accounted for approximately 6.7 million deaths worldwide in 2021<a href="#accordion">[10][11]</a>.The IDF projects that the number of people living with diabetes will increase to 643 million by 2030 and 783 million by 2045<a href="#accordion">[10]</a>.

In Pakistan, diabetes affects approximately 26% of the population<a href="#accordion">[12]</a>.&nbsp;It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Pakistan, with a high prevalence of complications such as diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy<a href="#accordion">[12]</a>.

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<h5>What Is Blood Sugar Level?</h5>

The term &quot;blood sugar level&quot; describes the amount of glucose in the blood. Glucose is a form of sugar that is the main fuel for the body&#39;s cells. When glucose levels spiral out of control, it can result in two major health issues &ndash; diabetes and metabolic syndrome. 
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<h5>What Is Fasting Blood Sugar Level?</h5>

The quantity of glucose in the blood after a period of fasting is known as the fasting blood sugar level. The test can help you get a timely intervention, especially if you&rsquo;re prediabetic as you&rsquo;ll be able to make lifestyle adjustments to delay the onset of diabetes. 
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<h5>Is It Really Important?</h5>

There are various reasons why it&#39;s crucial for you to check your fasting blood sugar levels: 
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<ul>
	<li>It determines whether your diabetic medication is effective or not. If your fasting blood sugar levels are regularly high, your doctor will adjust your prescription.</li>
	<li>Monitoring your blood sugar levels before a fast helps spot patterns. For instance, if the recorded fasting blood sugar levels are regularly high post-Iftar, it&rsquo;s an indication that you need to change those meals.</li>
	<li>Your doctor can assess the risk of developing diabetic problems, like consistently high fasting blood sugar levels present with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, neurological damage, and renal disease.</li>
</ul>

This is why your blood sugar levels need to be just right. 
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Normal Blood Sugar Range

According to the American Diabetes Association:

<ul>
	<li>Fasting blood glucose range: 70-99 mg/dL</li>
	<li>2 hours after a meal: less than 180 mg/dL</li>
	<li>A1C level: less than 5.7% 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

However, these blood sugar levels are affected by various factors, including age, weight, and general health. 
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A fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or greater is considered a cutoff point to identify diabetes. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms such as frequent urination or excessive thirst, and you have a fasting blood sugar of 126 mg/dL at least.

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NOTE: Remember diabetes is not always indicated by a single high fasting blood sugar level. A second blood sugar test, such as an oral glucose tolerance test or a hemoglobin A1C test, is typically ordered by doctors to confirm the diagnosis. 
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Checking your blood sugar is an easy procedure that can be carried out either at home or at a doctor&#39;s office: 
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1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wash your hands properly with soap.

2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Place the blood sugar test strips into the glucometer.

3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Use a lancet to prick your finger.

4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Place the blood drop against the test strip in the glucometer.

5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The glucose meter will show your blood sugar level within seconds.

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<h5>Significance Of Fasting Blood Sugar Levels</h5>

High levels of your fasting blood sugar indicate that the body is either not producing enough insulin or not utilizing it well. This may lead to diabetes and other health issues. On the other hand, low fasting blood sugar levels will cause confusion, vertigo, and weariness. 
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Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia

Fasting blood sugar levels must be measured to diagnose hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in diabetics. 
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High blood sugar levels in diabetics can result in a variety of symptoms, including increased thirst, frequent urination, impaired vision, lethargy, and sluggish wound healing. Long-term effects from hyperglycemia include nerve damage, renal disease, and cardiovascular disease. Consistently high fasting blood sugar readings may be a sign that you need to alter their diabetes medication or make dietary and lifestyle adjustments. 
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Low blood sugar levels in diabetics can result in symptoms including perspiration, shakiness, dizziness, disorientation, and irritability. Hypoglycemia can cause seizures, comas, and even death in extreme circumstances. You may need to adjust your diabetes medication, your food intake, or your level of physical activity if your fasting blood sugar levels are consistently low because it&rsquo;s a sign of not eating enough or exercising too much. 
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Tips for Mangament

A healthy blood sugar level is necessary for your overall well-being. 
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<ol>
	<li>Maintain a nutritious diet: A diet low in processed foods, sugar, and saturated fats, and high in complex carbs, fiber, and protein will help control blood sugar levels.</li>
	<li>Engage in regular exercise: Exercise helps enhance insulin sensitivity, which can help control blood sugar levels. Aim for 150 minutes or more per week of light-moderate intensity exercise.</li>
	<li>Test blood sugar levels often: Checking your blood sugar level regularly helps you keep a track of it and alter your diet and medication accordingly.</li>
	<li>Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity and being overweight are linked to an increased risk of diabetes and other illnesses. Diet and exercise-based weight management can help control blood sugar levels.</li>
	<li>Get adequate sleep: Sleep deprivation can throw off the body&rsquo;s hormonal balance, which can impair how well blood sugar is regulated. Don&rsquo;t be a night owl; sleep for 7-8 hours every night. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ol>

Conclusion

So, there you have it, folks &ndash; checking your blood sugar levels while fasting is no laughing matter. Remember to stick to a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get enough rest to keep your blood sugar levels in check. And when in doubt, don&#39;t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance. 
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Key Points

<ul>
	<li>Blood sugar levels are crucial for your general health and well-being.</li>
	<li>Fasting blood sugar tests, which can provide important details about how effectively your body is metabolizing glucose, is one way to monitor your blood sugar levels. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

[1] American Diabetes Association. (2021). Standards of medical care in diabetes - 2021. Diabetes Care, 44(Supplement 1), S1-S232. doi: 10.2337/dc21-S000.

[2] American Heart Association. (n.d.). Managing blood sugar with physical activity.

[3] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). National Diabetes Statistics Report, 2020.

[4] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Hypoglycemia.

[5] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Blood sugar testing: Why, when and how.

[6] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

[7] National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021).

[8] Powers, M. A., Bardsley, J. K., Cypress, M., Duker, P., Funnell, M. M., Fischl, A. H., . . . Vivian, E. M. (2017). Diabetes self-management education and support in type 2 diabetes: A joint position statement of the American Diabetes Association, the American Association of Diabetes Educators, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Diabetes Educator, 43(1), 40-53. doi: 10.1177/0145721716689694

[9] World Health Organization. (2021). Obesity and overweight.

[10] International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 10th edn. Brussels, Belgium: IDF, 2021.

[11] World Health Organization. The top 10 causes of death. Updated January 2021.

[12] Pakistan Diabetes Association. About diabetes.

[13] Sabir A, Ohri-Vachaspati P, Singh A, Kern DM, Zhao Y, Crespo NC, et al. Prevalence and correlates of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes mellitus and prediabetes in Pakistan: Results from a nationally representative survey. PLoS One. 2020;15(6):e0234451

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