When people hear about blood sugar, diabetes is often the first thing that comes to mind. But your blood sugar affects your body every day, whether or not you have diabetes. Understanding your blood sugar levels can give you useful information about how your body is handling the food and energy you give it.

What Does Blood Sugar Do?

Blood sugar is the amount of glucose in your blood. Glucose is an important source of energy for your body, especially your brain and muscles.

After you eat, your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose. Your pancreas then releases insulin, which helps move glucose from your blood into your cells so it can be used for energy.

When this process is not working properly, glucose can remain in the bloodstream for too long.

High or Low Blood Sugar Can Affect How You Feel

Changes in blood sugar levels can sometimes affect how you feel during the day. Very high blood sugar may be linked with increased thirst, frequent urination, tiredness, or blurred vision.

Low blood sugar can cause shakiness, sweating, hunger, weakness, or confusion.

These symptoms can have many possible causes, so experiencing one of them does not automatically mean you have a blood sugar problem. Testing is the best way to know what is happening.

Blood Sugar and Your Everyday Health

You do not have to have diabetes for your blood sugar to deserve attention. Eating patterns, physical activity, stress, sleep, and certain medicines can all influence how your body manages glucose.

Over time, consistently high blood sugar levels can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other health problems. This is one reason routine health checks can be useful, particularly if you have risk factors such as a family history of diabetes, excess weight, or high blood pressure.

When Should You Check?

If you have symptoms that concern you, have risk factors for diabetes, or have been advised by a healthcare professional to monitor your glucose, a blood sugar test can provide useful information.

It is better to understand your numbers than to guess based on how you feel. Some people can have abnormal glucose levels without obvious symptoms.

Your blood sugar levels are one part of your overall health. Regular checkups can help identify changes early and give you an opportunity to discuss what they may mean with a healthcare professional.

If you have concerns about your blood sugar or your risk of diabetes, speak with a healthcare professional and ask whether testing is appropriate for you. To read our last blog post on what your body may be telling you through changes, click on this link: https://fdahospital.org/what-your-body-changes-might-mean/