Monitor Blood Sugar Levels – Here’s Why It’s Important!

Glucose is in your bloodstream. The insulin will let the glucose into your cells to be stored for energy. Even though the body needs glucose for energy, too much of it can also be detrimental to your health. It can damage the organs over time. People who do not have enough insulin or have a resistance to it will have high sugar levels. But having low blood sugar levels can be dangerous too. That is why regular blood glucose monitoroing is crucial.

High Blood Sugar Levels

If the person does not get enough insulin to meet the demands of the body, it can lead to high blood sugar levels. This is called hyperglycemia. Symptoms may include headache, blurry vision, extreme thirst and hunger, feeling tired all the time, and the need to urinate often. There are plenty of causes of hyperglycemia – excess weight, genetics, being less active, not getting enough medication, eating too many carbohydrates, and untreated diabetes.

Low Blood Sugar Levels

High blood sugar levels are not only the main concern. If the body produces too much insulin it can cause low blood sugar levels or hypoglycemia. A person who has Level 1 hypoglycemia has blood sugar levels between 54 to 69 mg/dL. The most common symptoms include anxiety, dizziness, irritability, irregular heartbeat, shakiness, and sweating. Just remember that the lower the sugar levels are, the worst your symptoms become.

Dangers of Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia

If you fail to monitor your blood sugar and it reaches extreme levels, it can cause severe health problems. This includes nerve damage that leads to pain, numbness, and tingling of the extremities. It can also cause eye damage that may lead to vision loss. Patients who do not regularly monitor their glucose levels and are not aware of the severity of their condition may also be at risk of kidney damage, erectile dysfunction, and not having the ability to heal wounds quickly, especially after a surgery.

 How to Monitor Blood Sugar Levels

People who are living with diabetes need to regularly monitor their blood sugar levels. And there are plenty of methods to do that these days. But the most preferred by many is when they are able to get real-time information through a Continuous Glucose Monitor or CGM. The device will let you immediately see how the food you ate affects your blood sugar levels. No more finger pricking because the CGM lets you effectively control both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia.

CGM – Is it Worth Trying?

Most insurance companies these days recommend the use of CGM and even consider it a medical necessity especially for patients with type 1 diabetes. This is also highly recommended for those with difficulty managing their chronic illness or who will need insulin injections regularly. The CGM is most recommended for young children and older patients living with Type 1 Diabetes.

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