Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) Explained Clearly - Diabetes Complications [fae3d5]

Understanding Your Blood Sugar Range: A Guide to Maintaining Optimal Health

Maintaining a healthy blood sugar range is crucial for optimal health, and it's essential to understand what constitutes a normal range. The American Diabetes Association recommends that fasting plasma glucose levels should be below 100 mg/dL, while post-meal glucose levels should be less than 140 mg/dL (ADA, n.d.). These ranges can vary depending on factors such as age, physical activity level, and overall health.

The Science Behind Normal Blood Sugar Range Explained

Insulin sensitivity plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance occurs when the body becomes less responsive to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels (DeFronzo et al., 2018). This condition can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other health complications. Maintaining proper insulin sensitivity is essential for maintaining a healthy blood sugar range.

Dietary Habits That Help Regulate Blood Sugar

The role of fiber in regulating blood sugar levels cannot be overstated (Slavin, 2013). Fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can help slow down the blood sugar normal range digestion process, preventing sudden spikes in blood glucose levels. A diet rich in soluble fiber can also improve insulin sensitivity.

Monitoring Techniques: How to Measure Blood Sugar at Home

Using a glucometer or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is an effective way to track your blood sugar range from home (Weber et al., 2017). These devices measure the amount of glucose present in your bloodstream, providing you with accurate and timely information about your blood sugar levels. Monitoring your blood sugar regularly can help identify patterns and triggers that may be affecting your overall health.

Managing Stress to Maintain a Stable Blood Sugar Range

Stress has a significant impact on blood sugar fluctuations (Kirschbaum et al., 1996). The body's stress response, also known as the "fight or flight" response, causes an increase in cortisol levels. Elevated cortisol levels can raise blood glucose levels and decrease insulin sensitivity. Practicing stress-reducing techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises can help mitigate this effect.

Maintaining a Healthy Blood Sugar Range Through Exercise

Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining proper insulin sensitivity (Zhang et al., 2013). Exercise helps the body to use glucose more efficiently and improve blood flow. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week, along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week.

References:

ADA (n.d.). Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes—2022. Diabetes Care, 45(1), S11–S32.

DeFronzo RA, Abdul-Ghani M, & Zelniker acv for blood sugar control TA (2018). Insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism: an update for clinicians. The Journal of Clinical Investigation, 128(9), 3414–3426.

Kirschbaum C, Pirke KM, Hellhammer DH et al. (1996). Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis responses to psychological stress in humans—a review. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 21(2), 181-213.

Slavin JL (2013). Fiber and satiety: the effect of dietary fiber on feelings of fullness and hunger. Nutrition Research Reviews, 26(1), 113–124.

Weber KB et al. (2017). Accuracy evaluation of a handheld glucose meter system for self-monitoring blood glucose in diabetic patients with limited manual dexterity. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy artificial sweeteners that raise blood sugar and Therapeutics, 42(3), e13-e16.

Zhang Y et al. (2013). Effects of exercise on insulin sensitivity: implications for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism, 8(11), 1229–1236.

Understand Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) with this clear explanation from Dr. Seheult of This is video 1 of 2 on diabetic ketoacidosis (pathophysiology and signs of diabetic ketoacidosis / DKA): 0:08 DKA stats 0:47 DKA - cellular anatomy 1:00 mitochondria 1:48 beta-oxidation 2:30 insulin function 3:08 pyruvate 3:19 diabetes mellitus type 1 3:26 diabetes mellitus type 2 4:48 ketone bodies (acetone, acetoacetate, b-hydroxybutyrate) 6:09 carboxylic acid 6:23 conjugate base (anion gap acidosis) 7:38 beta-oxidation 8:17 DKA review 8:57 diabetic ketoacidosis - hyperkalemia 9:37 diabetic ketoacidosis - dehydration 9:50 osmotic diuresis 10:10 dehydration 10:27 diabetic ketoacidosis - potassium effects 11:04 diabetic ketoacidosis - Cr elevation / renal failure 11:30 anion gap metabolic acidosis 12:09 measuring ketone bodies (serum ketones, b-hydroxybutyrate) Speaker: Roger Seheult, MD Clinical and Exam Preparation Instructor Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine. MedCram: Medical topics explained clearly including: Asthma, COPD, Acute Renal Failure, Mechanical Ventilation, Oxygen Hemoglobin Dissociation Curve, Hypertension, Shock, Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA), Medical Acid Base, VQ Mismatch, Hyponatremia, Liver Function Tests, Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), Adrenal Gland, Pneumonia Treatment, internal medicine, usmle prep, dka, and many others. New topics are often added weekly- please subscribe to help support MedCram and become notified when new videos have been uploaded. Subscribe: Recommended Audience: Health care professionals and medical students: including physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, nurses, respiratory therapists, EMT and paramedics, and many others. Review for USMLE, MCAT, PANCE, NCLEX, NAPLEX, NDBE, RN, RT, MD, DO, PA, NP school and board examinations. More from MedCram: Complete Video library: Facebook: Google+: Twitter: Produced by Kyle Allred PA-C Please note: MedCram medical videos, medical lectures, medical illustrations, and medical animations are for medical education and exam preparation purposes, and not intended to replace recommendations by your health care provider.