Fasting blood sugar: how to read the result of the blood test?

• Definition: what is blood sugar?
• Blood sugar: what is the normal level?
• Why measure your blood sugar level?
• How is blood sugar measured?
• Fasting blood sugar: how to analyze the results?
• What are the causes and symptoms of high blood sugar?
• What are the causes and symptoms of low blood sugar?
• How to lower your blood sugar level?

The blood sees everything, knows everything (or almost). Analyzing it can detect a host of more or less serious problems, such as diabetes. The analysis of fasting blood sugar is therefore an examination to be carried out regularly, even if you feel in good shape. Even more so if you are at risk (family history, overweight, etc.) or if you have symptoms (excessive thirst, frequent urination, heavy fatigue, etc.). Because diabetes can go unnoticed until it’s too late.

Definition: what is blood sugar?

There blood sugar is the evaluation of the blood glucose concentration – or blood glucose level. “Glucose is our body’s main source of energy,” explains Dr. Chloé Amouyal, endocrinologist-diabetologist. It is a sugar that our body needs to function. Blood sugar levels fluctuate throughout the day depending on our diet, physical activity and general health.

Blood sugar regulation is a complex process that involves several hormones, including insulin, produced by the pancreas. When we eat carbohydrate-rich foods, our body produces insulin to help move glucose into our cells, where it is stored or used as fuel.

Too high blood sugar, called hyperglycemia, can be a sign of diabetes or other health problems. Conversely, too low blood sugar, called hypoglycemia, can cause symptoms such as tremors, confusion and weakness. Maintaining a healthy blood sugar balance is important to keep our bodies functioning properly. This can be accomplished by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and monitoring blood sugar levels if necessary.

Blood sugar: what is the normal level?

Normal blood sugar levels vary depending on various factors, such as age, general health, gender and time of day. In general, the blood glucose level must be kept within a narrow range to keep the body functioning properly.

In non-diabetic adults, the fasting blood sugar leveli.e. after at least eight hours of fasting, should be understood between 0.70 1.10 g per liter of blood.

In people with diabetes, target blood sugar levels vary with age, duration of the disease, and the presence of other health conditions. In general, the goal is to maintain a blood sugar level between 0.8 g/L and 1.5 g/L before meals and below 2 g/L after meals.

Why measure your blood sugar level?

Measuring blood glucose levels helps to diagnose possible diabetes, but also to monitor the evolution of this disease and prevent the complications associated with it. Blood glucose measurement can also help identify people who are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes, allowing for early management and interventions to prevent or delay the onset of the disease.

As with many things, with glucose it’s all about moderation. “Glucose is absolutely essential. Without it, our body would lose its fuel. But when there is too much in the blood, in the long term, it can damage the vessels of the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and even ‘to the arteries of the legs”, specifies Dr. Chloé Amouyal.

How is blood sugar measured?

Blood glucose can be measured by blood test, carried out in the laboratory. This is a blood sample taken from a vein in the arm, which is then analyzed to measure the level of blood glucose. Most often, this examination is carried out with an empty stomach (after 12 hours without eating or drinking anything except water). It is also necessary to avoid smoking and to do an intense sports session just before the blood test, so as not to distort the results. Results which will then be sent to the prescribing doctor, who can explain them to you, over the phone or during a consultation. And, if necessary, initiate treatment.

In diabetic patients, the measurement of blood glucose must be more frequent and can therefore be carried out at home by the patients themselves, using a blood glucose meter. The blood glucose meter is a small, portable device that uses a small drop of blood taken from the fingertip using a lancet. The drop of blood is placed on a test strip inserted into the blood glucose meter. The meter then measures the blood glucose level and displays the results on the screen. These devices are generally easy to use and minimally invasive, and they can be used at home or on the go. Test strips can be purchased at pharmacies.

Fasting blood sugar: how to analyze the results?

Analyzing the results of a fasting blood sugar blood test can help identify health problems such as diabetes or prediabetes. Here is some key information to better understand them:

• Normal fasting blood glucose : between 0.7 g/l and 1.1 g/l.
• Too low fasting blood sugar : below 0.7 g/l, we speak of hypoglycaemia.
• Fasting blood sugar too high : between 1.1 g/l and 1.26 g/l, we speak of moderate fasting hyperglycemia or prediabetes.
• Diabetes : A fasting blood sugar level above 1.26 g/L is generally considered a sign of diabetes.

When the fasting blood sugar level is between 1.10 g/L and 1.26 g/L, it may indicate an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes or a state of prediabetes. In this case, the doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of developing a chronic disease, such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight. “When the fasting blood sugar result is greater than 1.26 g/l, and this finding is made twice, the diagnosis of diabetes is made,” explains the diabetologist.

What are the causes and symptoms of high blood sugar?

High blood sugar, also called hyperglycemia, can be caused by several factors. Here are some of the most common causes:

• A diet that is too high in carbohydrates.
• Taking medications such as corticosteroids or HIV treatment.
• Type 1 diabetes: This form of diabetes is caused by a breakdown of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, which leads to high blood sugar.
• Type 2 diabetes: This form of diabetes is caused by insulin resistance, which prevents glucose from entering cells to be used as an energy source. The pancreas then produces more and more insulin to compensate.
• Hyperthyroidism: This condition occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, which can raise blood glucose levels.

THE symptoms high blood sugar can vary from person to person, the most common being:

• excessive thirst;
• a frequent need to urinate;
• extreme tiredness;
• a feeling of weakness or even dizziness;
• blurred vision;
• dry mouth;
• bad breath;
• great hunger;
• dry and itchy skin;
• increasing irritability;
• frequent infections;
• transit disorders.

What are the causes and symptoms of low blood sugar?

Low blood sugar, also called hypoglycemia, can be caused by several factors. Here are some of the most common causes:

• Food: a prolonged period of fasting (for example, skipping a meal), or insufficient intake of carbohydrates at meals.
• Physical activity: practicing intense exercises, or playing sports without eating enough (or without adjusting your insulin dose, in the case of diabetes).
• The pregnancy.
• The stress.
• Type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes.
• Medication: certain treatments for pain, heart rhythm disorders or hypertension can affect blood sugar levels. Excess insulin or oral antidiabetics can also cause hypoglycemia.
• Alcohol can also cause hypoglycemia – up to 24 hours after ingestion.

THE symptoms Characteristics of hypoglycemia are:

• weakness and fatigue;
• tremors or chills;
• cold sweat ;
• dizziness and dizziness;
• intense hunger;
• confusion or trouble concentrating;
• irritability or unusual behavior;
• headache.

In the most severe cases, low blood sugar can lead to loss of consciousness or seizures. If you have these symptoms, it is important to quickly consume foods high in glucose, such as fruit juices, honey or candies, and to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment.

How to lower your blood sugar level?

To lower blood sugar levels, the first step is to adopt a healthy lifestyle. In other words, follow a varied and balanced diet and exercise regularly. Eating fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (whole grains), can help slow the absorption of glucose into the blood. Conversely, avoiding foods high in sugar and simple carbohydrates, such as sugary drinks, cookies, pastries and candies, can also help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. We also avoid industrial prepared meals, which we replace with homemade recipes, based on fresh and seasonal foods. In parallel, physical activity may help improve insulin sensitivity, which helps lower blood sugar. And, we often forget, we also have to think about hydrate sufficiently and regularly, by drinking water.

If you have diabetes, your doctor may prescribe medications to help regulate your blood sugar level, in addition to the lifestyle and dietary measures mentioned above. Monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly can also help you spot changes early and take action to correct them. Finally, if you are overweight or obese, losing weight may help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar.