Glucose in its simplest form is sugar found in the blood and is a primary source of energy for our body. It is primarily derived from the foods that we eat and is carried through our bloodstream to our cells. As we use this as our main source of energy, understanding and managing glucose is an important component to feeling your best.
What happens when glucose fluctuates?
Sometimes also referred to as ‘blood sugar’, hormones such as insulin help to control the levels of glucose in the body.
“When we eat, carbohydrates break down into sugar molecules, including glucose. Glucose fuels our bodies, but it needs to get into the cells to do it. When insulin doesn’t work as it should, glucose will stay in the blood. This creates high blood sugar, known as hyperglycemia,” says Amy-Lee Bowler and Greg Cox from Nutrition and Dietetics at the University of the Sunshine Coast and Bond University respectively.
When you have high blood sugar, you may experience symptoms such as excess urination, feeling thirsty, or fatigue. If you have frequent hyperglycemia occurrences, there may be a chance that you have diabetes – most commonly Type 1, Type 2 or gestational diabetes. When your blood sugar dips you may feel anxious, shakiness, irritability and a racing heart.
However it’s important to note it’s completely normal for your glucose levels to shift up and down to some degree as you’re eating. Issues occur when it frequently comes too low or too high.
“It’s quite natural for your blood glucose to go up in response to eating carbohydrate-rich foods and fluids,” says Bowler and Cox.
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What is a good glucose reading?
According to Diabetes Australia, someone living without diabetes will have a blood glucose level that ranges between 4.0 and 7.8 millimoles of glucose per litre of blood. It’s a different story if you suffer from Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes.
While Diabetes Australia highlights that each person with diabetes will have a unique situation and it’s important to speak with your doctor about a glucose level range that works for you, there is a general target you can work towards. Those with Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes should aim between 4.0 and 7.0 millimoles before meals and 5.0 to 10.0mmol/L two hours after starting a meal.
What causes low blood glucose?
Low blood sugar, commonly known as hypoglycemia, can occur when you have not eaten in a long period or not eating enough carbohydrates. It can also occur as a side effect to those with diabetes who take too much or certain types of medication.
How do you lower blood glucose?
There are a number of things you can do to maintain a healthy range of blood glucose. While it will differ from person to person, things you can do include:
- Eating and following a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Avoiding weight gain
- Taking medication as prescribed by your health professional
- Appropriately managing stress levels
How to manage your glucose
But fear not – advancements in technology have meant it’s never been easier to manage and track your glucose levels.
“Many people living with diabetes use continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to track their blood sugar levels. These small devices, often attached to the back of your upper arm or abdomen, send data to an app on your phone.
“This allows you to see, in near real-time, how your blood sugar levels spike or drop depending on what you eat or how active you have been,” says Bowler and Cox.
Those with Type 1 diabetes require insulin injections while those with Type 2 diabetes can adjust their lifestyle with healthy eating, exercise and regular tests. Pregnant women who have gestational diabetes can keep track of their glucose levels with a good diet and physical activity.
This article provides general information only. For customised medical support, please seek the advice of your GP or healthcare professional.
