UNDERSTANDING DIABETES NUMBERS
Learning to live with diabetes is complicated enough but trying to decipher the many numbers associated with the disease can be mind boggling. Here we breakdown the mystery of those numbers and what they mean. Whether its Type 1, Type 2, gestational, or juvenile diabetes, numbers are universal and can be used to control and manage disease.
WHAT IS BLOOD GLUCOSE?
First up is blood glucose, also known as blood sugar, which is a prime number when it comes to understanding diabetes. It’s important to understand the role that blood glucose levels play in diabetes management.
Let’s start with a quick explanation of blood glucose. The body turns the food that we eat into glucose. A hormone called insulin helps to move that glucose into cells for energy and storage. “The body is designed to keep the level of glucose in blood constant.”1
In Type 1 diabetes, the body doesn’t produce insulin because the immune system attacks and destroys the cells of the pancreas which is where insulin is made.
In Type 2 diabetes, insulin production is compromised, and cells don’t respond to the insulin as they should.
Without enough insulin, glucose can’t move into cells. Too much glucose left in the bloodstream causes high blood sugar which can damage organs and cause other complications.
Understanding and monitoring blood glucose levels is the key to unlocking the mystery of diabetes numbers and can help patients learn to better control the disease.
BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS
Knowing the ranges and where blood glucose levels should be is half the battle. Here is a quick comparison of what is considered normal blood glucose levels for someone living with diabetes compared to someone living without diabetes.
The first level to look at and a good indicator of blood glucose is the fasting level which occurs when no food or water is consumed within an 8-hour period. The recommended range for someone without diabetes is between 70 and 99 mg/dl, also known as milligrams per deciliter. For someone living with diabetes, the recommended range is between 80 and 130 mg/dl.2
Next, it’s important to look at how a meal affects blood sugar levels. For a person living without diabetes, a normal blood sugar level one to two hours after eating a meal should be under 140 mg/dl. For someone with diabetes, the recommended number is less than 180 mg/dl.
These numbers can vary based on factors like age, weight, fitness level and other health complications present. It’s always important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine individual target ranges.
HEMOGLOBIN A1C NUMBERS
This is also referred to as HbA1c, A1C, or glycated hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that, like glucose, also travel through the bloodstream. The HbA1c number is generated from a simple blood test that measures average blood sugar levels over two to three months. This test identifies how much glucose is attached to the hemoglobin in the red blood cells. The higher the presence of glucose than the higher the HbA1c number will be. For someone living without diabetes a normal HbA1c number should fall under 5.7%, but for someone with diabetes the goal is for the number to be less than 7%. An A1C number that falls in between 5.7% and 6.4% could indicate that prediabetes is present. Similar to blood glucose levels certain factors could affect individual ranges so it’s best to work with a healthcare professional to identify targets.
GLYCEMIC INDEX AND GLYCEMIC LOAD
“The Glycemic Index (GI) measures how a food affects your blood sugar. Foods that are low on the scale raise it slowly. Those high on the scale raise it quickly. Eating mostly low-GI foods can help you keep control of your blood sugar.”4 It is also important to factor the Glycemic Load into the daily eating plan. The Glycemic Load (GL) is an equation that takes the planned portion size of a food as well as the Glycemic Index of that food into account. “The formula for Glycemic Load is GI/100 multiplied by the net grams of carbohydrate. For example, an orange has a GI of 52 but a Glycemic Load of 4.4, which is low. A candy bar
has a GI of 55 but has a GL of 22.1, which is high. A large serving of a low-GI food will usually raise your blood sugar as much as a small amount of a high-GI food”5 It’s important to understand the details, read food labels carefully and know how certain foods affect blood sugar levels.
CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITORS (CGMs)
This technological breakthrough has helped take complicated math calculations out of the diabetes equation. A Continuous Glucose Monitor takes glucose readings continuously with a small electrode placed under the skin that is held in place by an adhesive. A transmitter attached to the electrode sends data to a separate unit or smart device and allows a patient to record and access valuable information and trends on a continual 24/7 basis. Patients will always know where the numbers are headed. CGMs do not require fingersticks to measure glucose levels which makes monitoring easier and less painful.
UNDERSTANDING THE NUMBERS AND MORE
The numbers can seem complicated and overwhelming. A deeper understanding of the diabetes numbers helps to better manage levels, ease stress and allows patients to gain control of their diabetes. At Quest Health Solutions it is our mission to provide education to patients, healthcare providers, diabetes educators and anyone else hoping to learn more. We are one of the leading suppliers of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems, like the FreeStyle Libre, and also offer fulfillment services. Our goal is to be a one-stop solution for all CGMs needs. To learn more or to find out how a Continuous Glucose Monitor can be a part of the solution, contact us at 1-877-888-7050 Option 3, ext. 1011, email [email protected] or schedule an appointment today.
- (2020) WebMD. What is Glucose? Available at https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/glucose-diabetes accessed on 4 March 2021.
- (2020) American Diabetes Association. The Big Picture: Checking Your Blood Glucose. Available at https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/medication-treatments/blood-glucose-testing-and-control/checking-your-blood-glucose accessed on 4 March 2021.
- (2020) American Diabetes Association. A1C Does It All. Available at https://www.diabetes.org/a1c accessed on 5 March 2021.
- (2020) Mayo Clinic. Nutrition and Healthy Eating available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/Glycemic-Index-diet/art-20048478 accessed on 5 March 2021.
- (2020) WebMd. Diabetes and Fruit available at https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/fruit-diabetes accessed on 6 March 2021.