Discover what normal blood glucose levels are and how to maintain them using a blood glucose monitor. Learn about the latest evidence-based research to help you live a healthier life.

Key takeaways

• In Australia, normal blood glucose levels range between 4-7.8 mmol/L for adults.
• Continuous glucose monitoring can provide valuable insights to help manage glucose levels effectively.
• Maintaining healthy blood glucose levels is crucial to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other health issues.
• Consult your healthcare provider to determine the best CGM system for your needs.

Understanding and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is essential for people with diabetes, but also for those without. Managing your blood glucose can help to prevent the onset of pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes, promote weight management, and enhance overall metabolic health.

Additionally, well-regulated glucose levels contribute to improved energy levels, mood stability, and cognitive function. Monitoring blood glucose levels can help individuals without diabetes make informed choices about their diet and lifestyle, ultimately leading to a better quality of life.

What influences blood glucose levels?

There are many factors that influence your glucose levels, and this varies between people. Common factors include:

• Diet: the type and amount of food you consume have a direct impact on your blood sugar levels.
• Exercise: physical activity can help regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity and encouraging glucose uptake by muscles.
• Stress: high stress levels can cause blood sugar levels to rise due to the release of stress hormones.
• Illness: infections and other illnesses can affect blood sugar levels as the body's demand for energy increases.
• Medications: certain medications such as corticosteroids, can raise blood sugar levels.

The normal range for blood glucose levels

There are several common blood sugar testing methods. Each test serves a different purpose in assessing and managing your levels of blood glucose. It's important to note that these tests are often used in combination with other factors to provide a diagnosis. Always consult your doctor to help you interpret your data.

The normal ranges for these tests in Australia are as follows:

• Fasting plasma glucose test: measures your blood sugar levels after fasting for at least eight hours. A normal reading is less than 5.5 mmol/L. A reading between 5.5 and 6.9 mmol/L may indicate pre-diabetes, while a reading of 7.0 mmol/L or higher may indicate diabetes.
• Oral glucose tolerance test: measures your body's response to glucose. After fasting overnight, you'll have a blood sample taken, then consume a glucose-rich drink. Your sugar levels will be tested again after two hours. A normal 2-hour reading should be less than 7.8 mmol/L. A reading between 7.8 and 11.0 mmol/L may indicate pre-diabetes, while a reading of 11.1 mmol/L or higher may indicate diabetes.
• Random blood glucose test: measures your blood sugar levels at any given time. A reading of 11.1 mmol/L or higher, in conjunction with symptoms of diabetes, may indicate diabetes. Further testing may be required for a definitive diagnosis.
• HbA1c: provides an average of your blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. In Australia, a normal HbA1c reading is less than 5.7%. A reading between 5.7% and 6.4% may indicate pre-diabetes, while a reading of 6.5% or higher may indicate diabetes.

It is important to note that these normal ranges may vary depending on the laboratory conducting the tests or the guidelines followed by healthcare professionals. Always consult your healthcare provider for accurate interpretation of your test results and personalised advice on blood sugar management.

The benefits of maintaining healthy blood sugar levels

Ensuring that your blood sugar levels remain within the normal range is essential for preventing serious health conditions. This includes reducing your risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Some key benefits of maintaining healthy blood sugar levels include:

• Reduced risk of diabetes complications: by keeping your blood glucose levels in check, you can lower your risk of developing complications such as kidney damage, eye damage, and nerve damage.
• Improved energy levels: blood sugar levels that remain stable can help prevent energy crashes and promote consistent energy throughout the day.
• Enhanced cognitive function: optimal blood sugar levels support healthy brain function, improving memory and concentration.
• Weight management: maintaining healthy blood sugar levels can help regulate appetite and assist with weight loss if that's your goal.

Monitoring your blood sugar with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)

Blood sugar monitors like CGMs allows you to track your glucose levels over a 24-hour period or longer. This can provide you with insights into deeper health trends such as glycaemic variability. This can help you maintain normal blood sugar levels and avoid potential health issues.

Some benefits of using a CGM system include:

• Real-time monitoring: CGM devices allow you to see your blood sugar levels in real-time, helping you make informed decisions about your diet and lifestyle.
• Trend analysis: by tracking your blood sugar levels over time, you can identify patterns and trends that may be affecting your glucose control.
• Customised alerts: many CGM systems can be set to alert you when your blood sugar levels are too high or too low, helping you take action to maintain normal levels.
• Motivation: CGM devices can help you to stay motivated to live a healthy lifestyle, as they show you the impact of your lifestyle instantly.

CGM data can provide more detail and opportunities for healthcare modification than a single glucose level obtained from a blood glucose meter. CGMs can help you improve your diet and lifestyle to live a long, healthy life.

Vively's continuous glucose monitoring system offers a comprehensive solution for tracking and managing your blood sugar levels. By using Vively's CGM program, you can check your blood sugar levels regularly and gain valuable insights into how your diet and lifestyle choices affect your glucose. This information can help you make informed decisions to improve your overall health and well being.