Regular Blood Sugar Checks Help Prevent Diabetes

Invisible doesn’t mean it isn’t there. These are the right words to describe diabetes. You can have diabetes without any symptoms until the situation becomes severe. Therefore, preventive measures are needed, one of which is by checking blood sugar regularly.

The Importance of Checking Blood Sugar As Early As Possible

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin or the body cannot use insulin effectively. As a result, glucose accumulates in the blood.

Glucose is a sugar that is obtained from food and drink. Glucose plays a role in providing energy for cells. However, when blood sugar levels tend to be high for a long time, this condition will cause damage to blood vessels and other problems in the body.

High glucose means you may have type 1 diabetes mellitus, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or prediabetes.

In some people, high blood sugar conditions may not show any symptoms. Therefore you need to check blood sugar levels regularly.

Prediabetes is a condition in which the body has slightly high blood sugar, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. This condition can only be known when you check your blood sugar.

When you have prediabetes but don’t make changes to your diet, lifestyle, and don’t lose weight, your risk of diabetes will also increase.

In healthy people, it is recommended that you check your blood sugar every three years. However, in people with prediabetes, it is recommended that you check your blood sugar more often, at least once a year.

In addition, those of you who have a high risk of developing diabetes due to family history or other factors are also advised to check their blood sugar regularly.

In the end, routinely checking blood sugar levels means increase awareness of body condition This step can help prevent diabetes and improve overall health.

Also Read: 10 Benefits of Kale Leaves, Increase Immunity to Prevent Diabetes

Check Blood Sugar Needed to Prevent Diabetes

There are several types of tests that need to be done to determine blood sugar levels, including:

1. Current Blood Sugar Test (GDS)

This examination is useful for knowing the amount of sugar in a person’s blood. This blood sugar measurement can be done anytime and anywhere.

In a healthy person, the body will maintain glucose levels in the blood at an optimum amount. The hormone insulin in the body will help glucose be delivered to cells to be converted into energy.

However, when insulin doesn’t work properly, glucose stays in the blood for a long time. This amount of glucose will be known through a blood sugar test when.

When the number is above normal, the doctor will ask you to take another blood sugar measurement.

The following is the meaning of blood sugar results when:

• Normal: less than 200 mg/dL.
• Diabetes: more than 200 mg/dL.

It should be noted, the blood sugar test results when influenced by various factors, such as food consumed, physical activity, and drugs consumed.

2. Fasting Blood Sugar (GDP) Test

A fasting blood sugar test measures blood sugar levels after an overnight fast. When you fast, your body will produce glucose to keep your body energized. If a person does not have diabetes, insulin will work to balance this increase in glucose.

However, in diabetics insulin cannot work properly. As a result, blood sugar will be higher when compared to people without diabetes.

The following are reference values ​​from the results of your fasting blood sugar test:

• Normal: 99 mg/dL or below.
• Prediabetes: 100-125 mg/dL.
• Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or above.

Before undergoing a fasting blood sugar test, it is recommended that you fast for about 8 to 10 hours before the examination is carried out.

Also Read: 7 Types of Exercise that Can Prevent Diabetes

3. Blood Sugar Test 2 Hours After Eating (Prandial post)

Blood sugar test prandial post (GD2PP) This test is done to determine blood sugar levels 2 hours after eating. When you eat, the body will digest food and cause blood sugar levels to rise sharply.

In a healthy person, the pancreas should release the insulin hormone to help glucose move from the blood to the cells in the body.

Within 2 hours of eating, your insulin and blood sugar should be back to normal levels. If blood sugar remains high, this could be an indication of diabetes.

The following is the meaning of the results of checking sugar 2 hours after eating:

• Normal: Less than 140 mg/dL.
• Prediabetes: 140-199 mg/dL.
• Diabetes: 200 mg/dL or more.

In the end, routinely measuring blood sugar can help you be aware of your body’s condition and help you live a healthier lifestyle to avoid diabetes.

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