Blood Sugar & Type 2 Diabetes for iMatter2 Participants
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This page summarizes general information and recommendations from reliable sources and provides useful links about blood sugar and Type 2 Diabetes.
Remember that not all the information below will apply to every person, these are general recommendations. Be sure to discuss your target levels and other recommendations with your healthcare provider.
Why Blood Sugar Is Important to Measure for People with Diabetes
Blood sugar, or blood glucose, is the amount of sugar found in the bloodstream.
- Glucose (a type of sugar) is a source of energy for the cells in our bodies, specifically the cells that make up muscles and other tissues.
- Glucose in the body comes mostly from the food you eat.
- Carbohydrates that you eat are digested and broken down into glucose, which enters the bloodstream and then enters cells with the help of insulin.
- The liver stores extra glucose not being used in the form of glycogen.
- When glucose levels are low, the liver breaks down the stored glycogen into glucose to be released back into the bloodstream and used in the body.
- This process keeps the body’s glucose (sugar) levels in a healthy range.
Insulin
Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas that manages how the body uses sugar.
- The pancreas releases insulin when there is sugar in the bloodstream.
- Insulin helps bring sugar into cells.
- When sugar enters the cells, the amount of sugar in the blood lowers and the pancreas releases less insulin.
The Problem Leading to Type 2 Diabetes
In type 2 diabetes, the normal processes with glucose and insulin don’t work well.
- Instead of moving into cells, sugar starts building up in the blood.
- As blood sugar levels rise, the pancreas releases more insulin.
- Over time, when the blood sugar levels are too high or are high for a long time, the cells in the pancreas that make insulin are damaged.
- Eventually, the pancreas can’t make enough insulin to manage blood sugar levels.
Because the body’s natural processes for managing blood sugar levels are damaged, people with type 2 diabetes need to use lifestyle changes and medications to manage their levels.
For more information, see type 2 diabetes symptoms and causes (Mayo Clinic).
What Affects Blood Sugar Levels?
Many things can affect your blood sugar levels, including diet, physical activity, hormones, and medications.
Blood sugar can increase when under the following circumstances:
- after eating too much food, such as a meal or snack high in carbohydrates
- eating more carbohydrates than usual
- not exercising enough
- not taking enough insulin
- as a side effect from medications such as steroids
Illness, stress or pain, menstrual periods, and dehydration can also cause increases in blood sugar as the body releases hormones to regulate in response to different conditions.
Blood sugar can decrease under these circumstances:
- not eating enough food, including eating a meal or snack with fewer carbohydrates than usual or missing a meal or snack
- drinking alcohol on an empty stomach, which can cause dangerously low blood sugar
- having too much insulin
- performing more physical activity than usual
- as a side effect from other medications
Managing Blood Sugar
Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight can help to keep blood sugar levels in range.
Here are some ways to keep your blood sugar in line:
- Check your sugar levels regularly and note what makes them go up or down.
- Don’t skip meals and eat at regular times.
- Choose foods lower in calories, sugar, salt, and saturated fats.
- Drink water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages like soda or juice.
- Control your food portions.
- Limit alcoholic beverages.
The Centers for Disease Control have more information on how to manage blood sugar.
Testing Blood Sugar
There are two ways to check your blood sugar levels:
- blood sugar meters or continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) measure blood sugar levels at that specific moment
- an A1c blood test measures average blood sugar levels for the last two or three months
Your provider will tell you how often to check your blood sugar levels.
There are several individual factors that can affect what blood sugar level targets are, including how long you have had diabetes, age, other medical conditions, individual patient concerns, and any complications from diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
Your provider will tell you what your specific targets for blood sugar and A1c are.
The American Diabetes Association suggests the following targets for most nonpregnant adults with diabetes:
- A1c: Less than 7
- blood sugar before a meal: 80 to 130
- blood sugar one to two hours after beginning a meal: less than 180
More Information
See these sites from NYC Health: