Monitoring your blood sugar is one of the most essential tools for managing diabetes. Whether you have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, regularly checking your blood glucose gives you a better understanding of how your body responds to treatment and helps you reduce the risk of complications. In this guide, we’ll explain the different methods for measuring blood sugar and offer valuable tips to improve your management
Why Blood Sugar Monitoring Is Important
Blood sugar levels aren’t just numbers—they are critical indicators of how your body is responding to insulin or other medications. If not controlled properly, both high and low blood sugar levels can lead to serious complications
The most important sugar analysis symbols and their meanings
HbA1c (glycosylated hemoglobin)
What does it mean?: Measures the average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months.
normal values
Less than 5.7% for healthy people
Between 5.7% and 6.4% in the pre-diabetic stage
6.5% or higher indicates diabetes.
Importance: This test helps evaluate long-term blood sugar control.
FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar)
What does it mean?: It measures blood sugar levels after fasting for 8-10 hours.
normal values
Less than 100 mg/dL for healthy people
Between 100-125 mg/dL indicates prediabetes.
126 mg/dL or higher means diabetes
Importance: It is used to diagnose diabetes and monitor its response to treatment.
RBS (Random Blood Sugar)
What does it mean?: It measures blood sugar levels at any time of the day without the need for fasting.
normal values
Less than 200 mg/dL for healthy people.
Higher than 200 mg/dL may indicate diabetes.
Importance: Provides an immediate picture of the blood sugar level.
OGTT (glucose tolerance test)
What does it mean?: Blood sugar is measured after drinking a sugar solution to test the body's ability to process sugar.
Normal values (after 2 hours)
Less than 140 mg/dL: For healthy people
Between 140-199 mg/dL: Prediabetes
200 mg/dL or higher: Indicates diabetes
Common use: To detect gestational diabetes and diagnose prediabetes
Illustrative table of normal values
|
The symbol |
Normal values for healthy people |
prediabetes |
Values that indicate diabetes |
|
HbA1c |
Less than 5.7% |
5.7% – 6.4% |
6.5% or higher |
|
FBS |
less than 100 mg/dL |
100-125 mg/dL |
126 mg/dL or more |
|
RBS |
less than 200 mg/dL |
— |
200 mg/dL or higher |
|
OGTT (after 2 hours) |
Less than 140 mg/dL |
140-199 mg/dL |
200 mg/dL or higher |
Factors affecting analysis results
Let's agree on one thing: not every reading indicates a health problem. Sometimes, certain factors influence the results. For example,
Diet: Eating a carbohydrate-rich meal before the test may cause a higher reading.
Physical activity: Intense exercise may affect blood sugar levels.
Stress: Stress can temporarily raise blood sugar.
Therefore, it is important to discuss the results with your doctor to interpret them based on your condition.
What should you do after reading the analysis?
Don't make hasty decisions: Reading the results does not constitute a diagnosis. A doctor is the person qualified to analyze them.
Follow up regularly: Regular checkups help monitor your health and prevent complications.
Pay attention to your lifestyle: A healthy diet and regular physical activity have a significant impact on blood sugar levels.
In conclusion: Your health begins with understanding you.
Reading blood sugar test codes isn't as complicated as it seems. Each code is a step toward better diabetes management. If you're looking for Specialized diabetes treatment center in RiyadhDiaCare Center is always ready to support you on your health journey. Start now and make sure you're on the right track.
no comment