Blood Sugar

Mainly coming from the foods we consume, blood sugar (glucose) is the main source of energy for our body. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps blood sugar to get into our cells to be broken down for energy. It’s important to maintain a healthy blood sugar level to maintain energy and mood and to prevent serious health problems such as heart disease, vision loss, and kidney disease. A blood sugar level before a meal (fasting) is 70 to 99 mg/dL. The hemoglobin A1C test is a simple blood test that determines what one’s average blood sugar level has been over the past 2 to 3 months. Blood sugar below 70 mg/dL is considered low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Skipping meals, taking too much insulin, exercising more than normal, drinking alcohol and many other things can cause low blood sugar. Taking glucose tablets, drinking sugary liquid or eating hard candies can alleviate low blood sugar symptoms. High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can be caused by sickness, stress, overeating, and lack of insulin. High blood sugar can lead to long-term, serious health problems such as diabetes.