Blood sugar: Practical tips to check and control your levels

Blood sugar, or blood glucose, is the fuel your body runs on. Knowing your numbers helps you feel better day to day and prevents complications later. This page gives clear, useful steps you can use now—how to test, what numbers mean, simple diet moves, and when meds like metformin become part of the plan.

What normal looks like: for most adults without diabetes fasting blood sugar is about 70–99 mg/dL, and under 140 mg/dL two hours after eating. If fasting numbers stay at 100–125 mg/dL you may have prediabetes; 126 mg/dL or higher on multiple tests suggests diabetes. A1c shows average control over months: below 5.7% is normal, 5.7–6.4% is prediabetes, 6.5% or higher suggests diabetes.

How to check your blood sugar

Home meters are fast and cheap. Test fasting, before meals, or two hours after eating to understand trends. Carry test strips, spare batteries, and a small log—paper or an app. For long-term tracking, ask your doctor about A1c testing every 3–6 months. Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) give live trends if you need closer control.

Know the signs. High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can cause extra thirst, frequent urination, blurry vision, and tiredness. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) shows as shakiness, sweating, sudden hunger, confusion, or feeling faint. Treat lows fast: 15 grams of fast carbs (glucose tabs, juice, candy), wait 15 minutes, then recheck.

Simple habits that move the needle

Small, consistent changes beat dramatic diets. Cut refined carbs (white bread, sugary drinks) and add fiber-rich choices: vegetables, legumes, whole grains. Include protein or healthy fat with meals to slow glucose spikes—think eggs, Greek yogurt, nuts, or olive oil. Move daily: a 15–30 minute brisk walk after meals lowers post-meal glucose. Sleep matters—poor sleep worsens blood sugar control.

If weight loss helps, aim for steady loss: 5–10% of body weight often improves glucose numbers and insulin sensitivity. For people with PCOS or insulin resistance, metformin (Glucophage) is commonly used; it lowers liver glucose output and can help with weight and cycles. Don’t start or stop meds without your doctor.

Be careful with alcohol—drinking can cause delayed low blood sugar, especially if you skip food. Carry ID and a brief plan if you travel: extra meds, prescriptions, and how to reach your clinic. If you have sudden high readings with nausea, vomiting, or breathing changes, seek urgent care—these can be signs of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Want more specific guides? Check articles on metformin, testing devices, and travel tips for people with heart or blood sugar issues. If you’re unsure about your numbers, schedule a visit—early action makes a big difference.

Quick checklist: carry glucose tabs, log readings, set alarms, schedule A1c, bring a snack when traveling, tell friends about hypoglycemia signs, review meds annually, ask about CGM if you have frequent highs/lows. Small steps like packing a juice box, choosing whole-grain meals, and walking after dinner protect your numbers. Your doctor can tailor targets based on age and health and lifestyle changes.