U-M Type 1 Diabetes 101 | Module 3 | Checking Blood Glucose [0b1b88]
Post Time: 2025-07-29
Maintaining a healthy blood sugar range is crucial for our overall well-being. However, many of us are unaware of what constitutes an ideal blood sugar level and how it can impact our health if not managed properly. The American Diabetes Association recommends the following normal ranges for fasting glucose levels in adults:
- 70-99 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) as a target range
- Less than 140 mg/dL two hours after eating
Understanding these numbers is essential to take control of our blood sugar and live a healthy life. By knowing the ideal blood sugar ranges, we can work towards achieving them through diet, exercise, and other lifestyle modifications.
The Impact of Diet on Blood Sugar Levels
Diet plays a significant role in managing blood sugar levels. Consuming foods that are high in fiber helps slow down digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, which in turn stabilizes blood glucose levels. Examples of such foods include non-starchy vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and leafy greens; whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats; lean proteins including poultry, fish, and legumes.
In contrast, sugary drinks and refined carbohydrates can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. When choosing snacks or meals, it's essential to prioritize nutrient-dense options that provide sustained energy without causing fluctuations in glucose levels. A well-planned diet combined with regular physical activity is the most effective way to maintain normal blood sugar ranges.
Exercise: The Key to Regulating Blood Sugar
Regular exercise not only helps manage weight but also improves insulin sensitivity, enabling our bodies to more efficiently use insulin and regulate blood glucose levels. Physical activities that work multiple muscle groups simultaneously are particularly beneficial for improving insulin function, such as running, cycling, swimming, or brisk walking.
Furthermore, incorporating strength training into your routine can significantly enhance the body's ability to regulate blood sugar spikes after meals. A combination of diet and exercise is crucial in achieving healthy blood sugar ranges. For instance, a 2018 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that combining regular physical activity with dietary changes resulted in greater improvements in glucose metabolism than either intervention alone.
Managing Stress for Better Blood Sugar Control
Stress can have a significant impact on our bodies and indirectly affect blood sugar regulation. When we're stressed, our body releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline into the bloodstream, which can increase insulin resistance, making it harder to manage blood glucose levels. This phenomenon is often observed in individuals who experience stress during meals or immediately after waking up.
To mitigate this effect, practicing relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress levels throughout the day. Aiming for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night also plays a critical role as adequate rest ensures better insulin sensitivity and glucose regulation.
The Role of Sleep in Blood Sugar Regulation
Sleep deprivation has become increasingly common due to hectic lifestyles and screen time before bed. However, lack of sufficient sleep can have severe implications on blood sugar control. During deep sleep stages, the body undergoes repair processes that improve its ability to regulate glucose levels more effectively.
Research suggests that poor sleep quality is associated with insulin resistance and reduced secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone involved in regulating appetite and lowering glucose production by liver cells. Aiming for 7-9 hours of undisturbed sleep each night can significantly improve overall blood sugar control, leading to healthier weight management.
The Connection Between Blood Sugar Levels and Mental Health
Chronic fluctuations in blood glucose levels have been linked to various mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder. The exact mechanism is not fully understood but it's believed that sustained elevations or drops in blood sugar can impact neurotransmitter functions involved in mood regulation.
Therefore, achieving stable normal blood sugar ranges should be a priority for maintaining good mental health. A well-planned diet with regular exercise sessions and adequate sleep quality combined with stress-reducing activities like meditation are key strategies to support overall well-being and better manage glucose levels.
In this video, you'll learn why checking blood glucose is vitally important for managing diabetes and when it is appropriate to check blood glucose. The advice what's good for high blood sugar in this video is not intended to replace the instructions from your diabetes 7.9 blood sugar level team. Please talk to your team 24 blood sugar level about how to tailor this information to meet your needs. This video is part of a wider series about managing diabetes. You can find the full playlist here: ------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to Michigan Medicine’s YouTube channel for upcoming videos and future live streams featuring our experts answering your questions. ------------------------------------------------------- Follow Michigan Medicine on Social: Twitter: Instagram: Facebook: #MichiganMedicine #Diabetes #T1D #Type1 #DiabetesMellitus