Post Time: 2025-09-01
Understanding Your Blood Sugar Range: A Guide to Healthy Living
Maintaining a healthy blood sugar range is crucial for individuals living with diabetes, and even those without it can benefit from knowing their ideal numbers. The American Diabetes Association recommends the following ranges:
- Fasting plasma glucose (FPG): Less than 100 mg/dL
- Postprandial glucose: Less than 140 mg/dL
These values are essential in preventing complications associated with high blood sugar, such as nerve damage and vision problems.
The Science Behind Blood Sugar Fluctuations
Blood sugar levels can fluctuate due to various factors. For example, exercise has a profound impact on blood sugar regulation. Physical activity helps your body use insulin more efficiently, which means it can manage glucose better. In fact, research suggests that even moderate-intensity exercise can lower fasting glucose by up to 20% in people with type 2 diabetes.
Diet and Blood Sugar: What You Eat Matters
The food you consume plays a significant role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Focus on incorporating fiber-rich foods into your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods help slow down glucose absorption by the body, reducing its impact on insulin sensitivity.
Maintaining a Healthy Blood Sugar Range: It's Not Just About Diet
While eating habits are essential in regulating blood sugar levels, they're not the only factor to consider. Stress is another major player that can significantly affect your numbers. Chronic stress raises cortisol levels in the body, which causes an increase in glucose production and insulin resistance.
The Link Between Blood Sugar Levels and Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for managing blood sugar levels effectively. Research has consistently shown that carrying excess weight around your midsection increases your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by up to five times compared to someone who maintains a normal BMI.
Blood Sugar Monitoring: Why It Matters
Regularly tracking your blood glucose levels helps you identify patterns and make informed decisions about lifestyle changes. For instance, if you notice that your numbers spike after meals, it may be time to reassess the types of food you're consuming or explore ways to adjust portion sizes.
By incorporating these healthy habits into daily life and staying on top of monitoring techniques, individuals can improve their overall well-being while working towards a stable blood sugar range. Regular check-ins with healthcare professionals also provide guidance in adjusting treatment plans as needed.
*Please note we had a few technical difficulties with this episode! Tino had a power cut at the time of recording, so he dehydration and high blood sugar was using his phone signal to record and as you will hear, it’s a little patchy at points. But do stick with it because this is a really powerful conversation.* ‘I want to be the bridge between the knowledge and my community.’ How do you strike a balance between pushing for change and ensuring the healthcare system is equipped to handle the progress? This is the question preoccupying today’s guest Tino Dzikiti. He is working to bring the latest diabetes research, knowledge and tools to his community in Zimbabwe. ‘There is resilience in the system, but there are huge gaps in the system,’ he told me. ‘We’re trying to make progress with the basics. It’s slow, but there is hope.’ After training in finance, Tino shifted his life’s work to become a Diabetes Advocate, Educator, Podcast Host and Consultant. Aged just 26, he's using his platform and blog to break down complex diabetes topics and the latest findings in a way that the whole community can benefit from. While sharing knowledge, raising awareness and reducing stigma, Tino is also pushing for more affordable access to diabetes medication. We chatted about the more challenging aspects of making your voice heard, the cost of diabetes care in Zimbabwe, and how becoming an advocate for people with diabetes has helped Tino to rewrite blood sugar control solution his own story, after he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age will truvia raise blood sugar of 11. Say hi to Tino on Instagram: The Global Diabetes Insights podcast: Tino's blog, The Diabetic Mogul: We’ve got an Instagram account! Join the Type 1 on 1 community: My instagram: SPONSOR MESSAGE: Thanks to my episode sponsors Dexcom. Pioneer and leader in Real-Time continuous glucose monitors, Dexcom's goal is to simplify and improve diabetes management for every possible person with diabetes. They have a choice of systems, so you can find the right one for your lifestyle at