Identification

• Doctors use the American Diabetes Association's guidelines when assessing blood sugar levels. According to the American Diabetes Association, a person with a fasting glucose above 126 has diabetes. A fasting glucose means the person has not eaten anything within twelve hours of the test.
  A person with a blood glucose reading between 100 and 126 is said to have pre-diabetes and should make certain changes to their diet to try and reduce the numbers.
  An Oral Glucose Tolerance Test is another way doctor's check for problems with blood sugar levels. Fasting levels are checked first, then a glucose drink is administered and another blood test is done two hours later. If the reading is above 200, a person has diabetes. A reading between 140 and 199 indicates pre-diabetes.
  
  

Warning

• Continually high blood sugar readings can lead to serious health problems. Individuals that don't get control of their blood sugar levels can suffer from blindness, neuropathy, and loss of limbs, kidney disease and heart attacks.
  
  

Considerations

• The goal is to keep blood sugar readings at a constant level. Fluctuating high and low blood sugar levels can cause problems.
  Symptoms of high blood sugar: feeling overheated, fatigue, frequent urination, thirst, yeast infections and weight loss.
  Symptoms of low blood sugar: blurry vision, sweating, chills and trembling, dizziness, hunger, anxiety and confusion, headaches and concentration problems.
  
  

Benefits

• It is possible to reduce or eliminate diabetic medications by keeping blood sugar levels in check. Every diabetic should check blood sugar readings at home. If they experience frequent low blood sugar readings or hypoglycemia, they should consult the doctor about lowing medication doses.
  Eliminating the symptoms associated with high and low blood sugar levels will lead to a more active and energized life because people will feel better.
  Maintaining proper blood sugar levels will also reduce a person's risk of premature death by heart attack, stroke and other diabetic related health conditions.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Keep regular checkups and follow the advice of doctors.
  Eat a healthy diet low in carbohydrates.
  Exercise at least five days a week.
  Take medications and prescribed.
  Practice stress reduction techniques.
  Check blood sugar readings regularly.