The American Diabetes Association publishes guidelines for normal and abnormal blood sugar ranges. Blood sugar refers to how much glucose is in the blood, and it needs to be within a certain narrow range to be considered normal. Abnormally high blood sugar is called hyperglycemia; abnormally low blood sugar is called hypoglycemia.
Significance
Abnormal blood sugar ranges can indicate disease or illness. Diabetes is the most common disease process associated with abnormal blood sugar ranges.
Types
Blood sugar lower than 70 is considered hypoglycemic. Blood sugar higher than 200 is considered hyperglycemic and may be a sign of diabetes. Normal fasting blood sugar range is 70 to 90 mg/dL. Impaired fasting blood sugar range is 100 to 125 mg/dL. Diabetic fasting level blood sugar range is 126 mg/dL or higher.
Identification
Blood sugar level can be measured by self-monitoring with a personal glucose monitor or urine strips. It can also be evaluated in a laboratory using fasting levels, after-meal levels, urine tests, glucose tolerance tests and glucose challenges.
Effects
Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms of weakness, trembling, hunger, sweating, nervousness, palpitations, and difficulty with speech. Hyperglycemia can present symptoms of frequent urination, excessive thirst, headaches, blurry vision, difficulty thinking, fatigue and weight loss.
Fun Facts
Before modern day testing methods, there were some interesting ways to test for abnormal blood sugar levels. One method was to pour urine on the ground and see if it attracted ants. Another method was to taste the urine for sweetness.
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