Blood Glucose (BG) 101: A Simple Guide for the Newly Diagnosed

30 Aug 2025

Blood Glucose (BG) 101: A Simple Guide for the Newly Diagnosed Being newly diagnosed with diabetes can feel overwhelming. Suddenly, you're immersed in...

Blood Glucose (BG) 101: A Simple Guide for the Newly Diagnosed

Being newly diagnosed with diabetes can feel overwhelming. Suddenly, you're immersed in a world of blood glucose levels, monitoring devices, and dietary changes. This guide aims to demystify the basics of blood glucose (BG), providing a foundation for understanding and managing your condition. We'll break down what BG is, why it's important, what the numbers mean, and how to start managing it effectively. Think of this as your introductory course to living well with diabetes.

Why is Understanding Blood Glucose Important?

Understanding blood glucose is crucial for several reasons:

  • Related reading: How To Lower Your A1C Blood Sugar A 3 Month Action Plan

    Preventing Complications: Maintaining healthy blood glucose levels reduces the risk of long-term complications such as heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage (neuropathy), and vision loss.

  • Improving Overall Well-being: When your blood glucose is well-managed, you'll likely experience improved energy levels, better sleep, and a more stable mood.

  • Empowering Self-Management: Knowledge is power. The more you understand how food, activity, medication, and stress affect your blood glucose, the better equipped you are to make informed decisions about your health.

Key Concepts to Grasp Immediately:

  • Hyperglycemia: This refers to high blood glucose. It can happen when you eat too many carbohydrates, don't take enough insulin or diabetes medication, or are under stress. Symptoms may include increased thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, and fatigue.

  • Hypoglycemia: This means low blood glucose. It can be caused by taking too much insulin or diabetes medication, skipping meals, or engaging in intense exercise without adequate carbohydrate intake. Symptoms include shakiness, sweating, dizziness, confusion, and rapid heartbeat.

  • Target Range: Your healthcare provider will establish a personalized blood glucose target range for you. Generally, this range is between 70-130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL two hours after starting a meal. Individual targets can vary based on age, overall health, and the type of diabetes medication being used.

Understanding Blood Glucose Numbers: What They Mean

Decoding blood glucose readings is essential for effective diabetes management. These numbers provide a snapshot of your blood glucose level at a specific point in time. Knowing what's considered a normal range versus a high or low reading helps you take appropriate action to stay within your target range. Let's break down the typical readings and what they indicate.

Normal Blood Glucose Ranges (Generally Accepted)

Keep in mind that these are general guidelines, and your personal target range may differ based on your individual health profile.

| Category | Fasting (mg/dL) | 2 Hours After Meal (mg/dL) | A1C (%) | | -------------------- | --------------- | -------------------------- | ------- | | Normal | Less than 100 | Less than 140 | Below 5.7 | | Prediabetes | 100 to 125 | 140 to 199 | 5.7 to 6.4 | | Diabetes | 126 or higher | 200 or higher | 6.5 or higher |

  • Fasting Blood Glucose: This is your blood glucose level after not eating or drinking anything (except water) for at least eight hours, usually measured in the morning before breakfast. It provides a baseline measurement of how well your body regulates blood glucose overnight.

  • 2-Hour Postprandial Blood Glucose: This is your blood glucose level two hours after the start of a meal. It shows how your body responds to the carbohydrates you've eaten.

  • A1C (Glycated Hemoglobin): This test provides an average of your blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. It's a crucial tool for assessing long-term blood glucose control and treatment effectiveness. Unlike a daily blood glucose reading, the A1C gives a broader picture of glycemic control.

What To Do With High or Low Readings:

  • Related reading: How To Lower Your A1C Blood Sugar Level Before Your Next Test

    High Blood Glucose (Hyperglycemia):

    • Identify the Cause: Review what you've eaten, your activity level, and whether you've taken your medication correctly. Stress or illness can also cause high blood glucose.
    • Take Action: Depending on your doctor's instructions, this might involve drinking water, engaging in light exercise, or taking a correction dose of insulin.
    • Monitor: Check your blood glucose again in an hour to see if it's trending down.
    • Consult Your Doctor: If your blood glucose remains high or you experience symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, seek medical attention immediately.

  • Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia):

    • Recognize the Symptoms: Be aware of the signs of hypoglycemia, such as shakiness, sweating, dizziness, confusion, and rapid heartbeat.
    • Treat Immediately: Follow the "15-15 rule": consume 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates (e.g., glucose tablets, juice, regular soda) and check your blood glucose after 15 minutes.
    • Repeat if Necessary: If your blood glucose is still low after 15 minutes, repeat the process.
    • Follow Up: Once your blood glucose is back within the target range, eat a snack containing both carbohydrates and protein to prevent another dip.
    • Consult Your Doctor: Talk to your doctor about adjusting your medication or meal plan to prevent future episodes of hypoglycemia.

Tools for Monitoring Blood Glucose:

  • Blood Glucose Meter: This is the most common tool for monitoring blood glucose. It involves pricking your finger with a lancet and placing a drop of blood on a test strip that is inserted into the meter. The meter displays your blood glucose reading.

  • Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM): A CGM is a small device that is inserted under the skin and continuously monitors your blood glucose levels throughout the day and night. It sends readings to a receiver or smartphone, allowing you to track trends and patterns in your blood glucose. Many CGMs also have alarms that alert you when your blood glucose is too high or too low.

    Related reading: A1C Test Vs Blood Sugar Test Which One Do You Need

Initial Steps for Managing Your Blood Glucose: A Practical Approach

Now that you have a basic understanding of blood glucose and what the numbers mean, let's outline some practical steps you can take to start managing your condition. Remember, these are just initial steps, and it's crucial to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a personalized management plan that suits your specific needs.

1. Connect with Your Healthcare Team

  • Endocrinologist: A doctor specializing in diabetes care.
  • Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE): A healthcare professional (nurse, dietitian, pharmacist, or other) with expertise in diabetes education.
  • Registered Dietitian (RD): Provides guidance on meal planning and nutrition.
  • Primary Care Physician (PCP): Your regular doctor who can coordinate your care.

2. Learn About Your Diabetes Medications

  • Types of Medications: Understand the different types of diabetes medications (e.g., insulin, metformin, sulfonylureas, SGLT2 inhibitors) and how they work to lower blood glucose.
  • Dosage and Timing: Know the correct dosage of each medication, when to take it, and any potential side effects.
  • Proper Storage: Store your medications properly to ensure their effectiveness. Insulin, for example, should be refrigerated.
  • Never Skip or Adjust Medications: Unless explicitly instructed by your healthcare provider.

3. Master Basic Blood Glucose Monitoring Techniques

  • Frequency: Your doctor will tell you how often you need to check your blood glucose. This may vary depending on your treatment plan.
  • Proper Technique: Use a clean lancet device, properly calibrate your blood glucose meter, and follow the instructions provided with your meter.
  • Record Keeping: Keep a log of your blood glucose readings, including the date, time, reading, and any relevant notes (e.g., what you ate, your activity level, or any symptoms you experienced). This information will help you and your healthcare team identify patterns and make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

4. Develop a Diabetes-Friendly Meal Plan

  • Focus on Whole Foods: Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.
  • Control Carbohydrate Intake: Work with a registered dietitian to determine the appropriate amount of carbohydrates for you at each meal. Learn to count carbohydrates and read food labels carefully.
  • Limit Sugary Drinks and Processed Foods: Avoid sugary drinks, such as soda, juice, and sweetened tea, as they can cause rapid spikes in blood glucose. Limit processed foods, which are often high in carbohydrates, unhealthy fats, and sodium.
  • Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overeating. Use smaller plates and measure your food to ensure accurate portion control.

5. Incorporate Regular Physical Activity

  • Benefits of Exercise: Physical activity helps lower blood glucose by increasing insulin sensitivity and promoting weight loss. It also improves cardiovascular health and reduces stress.
  • Types of Exercise: Aim for a combination of aerobic exercise (e.g., walking, jogging, swimming) and strength training exercises (e.g., lifting weights, using resistance bands).
  • Frequency and Duration: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, spread out over several days. Include strength training exercises at least twice per week.
  • Safety Precautions: Check your blood glucose before, during, and after exercise, especially if you take insulin. Carry a source of fast-acting carbohydrates with you in case your blood glucose drops too low. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

6. Manage Stress Levels

  • Stress Hormones: Stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, can raise blood glucose levels.
  • Stress-Reduction Techniques: Practice stress-reduction techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or spending time in nature.
  • Seek Support: Talk to a therapist or counselor if you're struggling to manage stress.

7. Join a Diabetes Support Group

  • Connect with Others: Connecting with other people who have diabetes can provide valuable support and encouragement.
  • Share Experiences: Share your experiences, ask questions, and learn from others who have successfully managed their condition.
  • Local or Online Groups: Look for local diabetes support groups in your community or online forums where you can connect with others. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) offer resources and support for people with diabetes.

Embracing Lifelong Learning:

Remember, managing diabetes is a lifelong journey. Stay informed, ask questions, and advocate for your health. By understanding your blood glucose and taking proactive steps to manage it, you can live a long and healthy life with diabetes. Regularly revisit this guide as you navigate your new normal, and always consult with your healthcare team for personalized advice and support.