Do you know your blood glucose level and what happens if it becomes too high or too low? Stable blood glucose is key to good health and more important than many people realize. Blood glucose that repeatedly rises and falls places increased strain on the body. Over time, large fluctuations can increase the risk of eye damage, kidney failure and cardiovascular disease.

Blood glucose balance - how does it affect us?

Blood sugar Blood glucose is the body's source of energy and is present in the blood. Our cells need insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, in order to use glucose. When we eat, blood glucose rises and then falls again as insulin regulates it. When blood glucose begins to become too low, the pancreas activates another hormone, glucagon, which releases glucose from stores so that blood sugar remains at a suitable level to supply the body's tissues. Everyone experiences higher and lower blood glucose during the day. When the process works as it should, there is a balance between what we eat and how the body uses the energy.

How to keep track of your blood glucose

Our bodies are remarkable machines. Our hormones form a complex orchestra of triggers, signals and messages designed to work in harmony. But when one hormone is out of balance, it can also disrupt others, meaning organs, processes and body systems do not function as they should. A balanced fasting blood glucose is generally around 4.0-6.0 mmol/L, and up to approximately 8.7 mmol/L after a meal. You can monitor your blood glucose with a blood glucose meter.

Why is a normal blood glucose level important?

The simple answer is that a normal blood glucose level that is neither too high nor too low can help you feel better, have more energy, manage your weight and reduce the risk of health problems later in life.

High blood glucose

High blood glucose, also called hyperglycemia, means that the glucose level in the blood is above the normal range. When blood glucose is too high, the body is placed under stress. You may feel hyperactive or energetic, but in reality the body is using energy inefficiently. There are many reasons why blood glucose can become too high, including insufficient diabetes treatment with insulin, excessive intake of carbohydrate-rich food and drink, physical inactivity, acute illness and stress.

Common symptoms of high blood glucose may include:

• increased thirst
• increased urination
• fatigue
• headache
• blurred vision

It is very important to address a marked rise in blood glucose in time. Persistently high blood glucose can increase the risk of developing diabetes and lead to complications if not managed. Elevated blood glucose or diabetes can gradually damage blood vessels and over time contribute to cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, dementia and other serious conditions.

If you suspect that you have high blood glucose, contact your primary care center for assessment.

Low blood glucose

Low blood glucose, also called hypoglycemia, means that the body's organs do not have enough fuel. It refers to a state where blood glucose is lower than approximately 2-3.5 mmol/L. When blood glucose becomes too low, the body triggers a counter-reaction in an attempt to restore the value to normal. Several glands are activated and produce hormones such as adrenaline and glucagon (stress hormones), and cortisol are released. Symptoms of low blood glucose are often called a hypo or hypoglycemic episode. The symptoms and the blood glucose level at which they appear vary from person to person.

Common symptoms of low blood glucose may include:

• Fatigue and nausea
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Irritability or confusion
• Anxiety
• Hunger
• Heart palpitations

There are many reasons blood glucose can become too low, including insufficient food intake, strenuous physical activity, high alcohol intake (especially on an empty stomach), stress and insulin use. Temporary low blood glucose is not necessarily dangerous, but severe or prolonged hypoglycemia can lead to loss of consciousness and potentially cause lasting brain injury.