How To Monitor Blood Glucose Using A Glucose Meter In English [b7e35f]

2025-09-13

What is Considered a High Fasting Blood Sugar Level?

Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is blood sugar level test crucial for overall well-being. When it comes to fasting blood sugar, also known as morning or overnight glucose, high levels can indicate various health issues. The American Diabetes Association defines the following ranges:

  • Normal: 70-99 mg/dL
  • Prediabetes: 100-125 mg/dL
  • Diabetes: 126 mg/dL and above

However, not all blood sugar readings that fall within these ranges are created equal. A high fasting glucose reading can be caused by several factors, including stress, sleep deprivation, or dietary choices.

Causes of High Fasting Blood Sugar

Stress is a significant contributor to elevated morning blood sugar levels. When the body perceives danger through various stimuli such as emotional triggers or physical exertion, it releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones instruct the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream, which can cause fasting blood sugar levels to spike.

Sleep deprivation also plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. Poor sleep quality leads to elevated cortisol levels, causing insulin resistance – making it more difficult for cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream.

Dietary Choices normal blood sugar levels throughout the day and Blood Sugar Regulation

A diet rich in processed foods, added sugars, and refined carbohydrates can significantly impact fasting blood sugar readings. Consuming high glycemic index foods before bedtime or during meals leads to an initial surge of insulin release followed by a crash, resulting in morning elevations.

High-fat diets have also been linked to higher fasting glucose levels due to impaired insulin sensitivity.

Monitoring Your Blood Sugar Range Effectively

To maintain optimal health, it is essential to monitor your blood sugar range regularly. Using a glucometer or continuous glucose symptoms of a high blood sugar monitoring (CGM) system allows individuals with diabetes or prediabetes to track their progress and adjust dietary choices accordingly.

Achieving and Sustaining Healthy Fasting Blood Sugar Levels

Fortunately, high fasting blood sugar levels can be lowered through lifestyle adjustments such as exercise, stress management techniques like yoga or meditation, improving sleep quality by establishing a regular bedtime routine and getting 7-8 hours of restful sleep each night.

The HEAL-Rx project, led by students from the UCSF School of Pharmacy, aims to enhance patient care in diverse populations by making health information easy to understand and implement. As part of this project, this video has been created in English and provides step-by-step instructions on how to use the glucose meter effectively, including inserting a test strip, obtaining a blood sample, and interpreting the results. This information has been clinically reviewed in 2022 by a registered pharmacist for accuracy.
How to monitor blood glucose using a glucose meter in English