For diabetics, keeping blood sugar levels under control is a matter of life or death. If blood sugar drops too low, it can lead to fainting or even death. But should diabetics be the only group of people who worry about their blood sugar? Does blood sugar matter if you aren’t diabetic? I get asked this question all the time, and the answer is “Yes!”
Managing blood sugar is something everyone should be interested in doing, even if they aren’t diabetic. Here’s why.
What Is Blood Sugar?
Blood sugar refers to the volume of sugar moving through your bloodstream. Glucose is the main type of sugar in your blood and it’s a primary source of energy for your body and its cells. If you don’t have a continuous supply of glucose, your body won’t be able to perform its most basic functions.
The problem with blood sugar occurs when the volume of glucose in your blood gets too high or too low at any given time. Both high blood sugar and low blood sugar can cause problems with everything from your mood to your energy levels.
What Are Normal Blood Sugar Levels?
Normal blood sugar levels may vary slightly from person to person. However, the typical targets are:
80 to 130 mg/dL before eating
Less than 180 mg/dL two hours after eating
If your blood sugar goes above or below these targets, you’re probably dealing with a blood sugar issue. You may feel dizzy, shaky, sweaty or very tired if your blood sugar is out of balance.
What Are the Health Risks of Blood Sugar Imbalances?
If your blood sugar is too high or too low, it can increase your likelihood of developing a variety of unwanted health conditions, such as:
Kidney disease
Heart disease
Diabetes
Vision loss
You can work to keep your blood sugar levels healthy by eating a healthy diet, minimizing processed foods and sugary drinks, exercising regularly and checking your blood sugar regularly.
What Are the Benefits of Keeping Blood Sugar Levels Steady?
When you keep your blood sugar levels as steady as possible, you can reap the following benefits:
More consistent energy levels
Better sleep
Fewer cravings for unhealthy foods
Lower risk of diabetes and other health conditions
Improved athletic performance
These are just a few of the reasons you should care about your blood sugar levels even if you aren’t diabetic. To maintain optimal physical and mental health, try to limit blood sugar spikes and crashes by living a healthy lifestyle.
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