Synonyms: blood glucose level, blood sugar concentration
German: Blutzucker
The blood sugar level is the concentration of glucose in the blood. The blood sugar level can be specified in mg/dl or mmol/l.
The following parameters can be distinguished depending on the time of measurement relative to food intake:
Fasting blood sugar | Blood sample collection in the morning, before the first meal, after at least eight hours of fasting |
Preprandial blood sugar | Blood sample collection before a meal |
Postprandial blood sugar | Blood sample collection usually 2 hours after a meal (2-hour blood sugar) |
Alternatively, the HbA1c derived average glucose level can be used, especially when communicating with the patient.
Blood glucose concentration is mainly regulated by two antagonistic peptide hormones of the pancreas:
Beyond that, catecholamines (adrenaline) and hormones of the adrenal gland (cortisol) effect an increase of blood sugar concentration.
more information: blood sugar regulation
Blood sugar can be measured either in a laboratory or by the physician, a medical professional or the patient, using a portable blood glucose monitor. Most devices show the results in mg/dl as well as mmol/l. If that isn't the case, the vales can be converted (see below).
see also: blood sugar measurement
The reference range for fasting blood sugar is
Blood sugar levels below the reference range indicate hypoglycemia, blood sugar levels above it indicate hyperglycemia.
The following blood sugar values indicate impaired fasting glucose (IFG):
Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) corresponds to the following values:
The following values are a diagnostic criterion for manifest diabetes mellitus:
To convert mg/dl into mmol/l (and vice versa) enter the desired amount and click the red button.
Increased blood sugar levels are a symptom of:
Decreased blood sugar levels are a symptom of:
This page was last edited on 3 July 2017, at 08:49.
To comment on this article, please login..