What is Blood Glucose?

When you eat, the stomach works to change certain foods like carbohydrates into sugar (glucose). The sugar then passes to the bloodstream where it travels to the cells to be used as energy. The cells get help from a hormone called insulin. Insulin comes from the pancreas and helps move the sugar from the bloodstream into the cells. The insulin works to open the cell doors, which allows the sugar to enter the cell where it can be used as energy. Insulin lowers blood sugar by moving the sugar from the bloodstream to the cells. Diabetes occurs when the sugar cannot get into the cells and builds up in the bloodstream.

How can high blood sugar affect me?

Too much sugar in the blood for a long time can damage many parts of the body, such as the heart, blood vessels, nerves and kidneys. Uncontrolled high blood sugar, known as diabetes, can cause very serious complications including heart disease and stroke; eye disease and blindness; amputations; kidney disease and nerve damage.

Normal Glucose Levels

• If you have not had anything to eat or drink (other than water) at least 8-12 hours before the test:
• 70-100 mg/dL
• If you have had food or drink within two hours prior to the test:
• 140 mg/dL or lower