Attn diabetics: Don’t fall for misinformation about blood sugar levels, it can prove fatal
Here's what you need to know.
By Sunanda Naik Published on 2 Oct 2023 6:28 AM GMT
An unscientific message about diabetes has been doing rounds on social media claiming that 250mg/dL Blood Sugar Level post meal is normal.
The sad reality is that diabetes cases are on the surge. According to the World Health Organisation, about 422 million people worldwide have diabetes. The majority of these people live in low and middle-income countries. Each year diabetes causes over 1.5 million deaths. Both the numbers and prevalence of diabetes have been only increasing over the past few decades.
In such a scenario, when the disease is so prevalent and relevant among people as they are suffering from it. This piece of misinformation regarding such a disease might double the death rates.
In this reel, Dr. Bishwaroop Roy Choudhary claims that a 250 mg/DL blood sugar level is normal and the doctors are trying to hide this fact to squeeze out money from diabetes patients. It is highly misleading.
Scroll down to get your facts straight.
Fact Check
NewsMeter found the claim to be a Hoax.
What is Diabetes?
World Health Organisation defines Diabetes as a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose. Hyperglycaemia, also called raised blood glucose or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body's systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels.
Glucose mainly comes from carbohydrates in the food and drinks that we consume. It's your body's main source of energy. Blood carries glucose to the entire body's cells to use for keeping you active throughout the day. If you don't have diabetes your body naturally keeps the blood glucose in a healthy range. Insulin which is the hormone your pancreas makes is the most significant contributor to maintaining healthy blood sugar. Your blood sugar might be high most often due to a lack of insulin or insulin resistance. Which is the leading cause of diabetes.
People who are diabetic must consult their doctors to have proper medication and insulin if needed. Most importantly lifestyle changes have to be made to keep the blood sugar level at limit.
A few early symptoms and signs of hyperglycemia or diabetes are increased thirst or hunger frequent urination headache and blurred vision.
Make an appointment with your doctor as soon as you find yourself struggling with any of the early symptoms.
What blood sugar level is considered to be normal?
According to the CDC, a blood sugar target is the range you try to reach as much as possible.
Before a meal: 80 to 130 mg/dL.
Two hours after the start of a meal: Less than 180 mg/dL.
Your blood sugar targets may be different depending on your age, any additional health problems you have, and other factors. Be sure to talk to your healthcare team about which targets are best for you.
Moreover, according to Healthline, ‘Your glucose levels should generally be 140 to 180 mg/dL after eating. But they can rise higher depending on many other factors, including your age and what food or drink you’ve consumed.’
How to check blood sugar?
Use a glucometer or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to check your blood sugar (If diagnosed as diabetic or Prediabetic). Keep an eye on the change in the blood sugar level.
It is important not to neglect or avoid seeking medical advice if your blood sugar level is over 250 mg/DL believing in such baseless health claims. It will only worsen your health and diabetes. Which will push you into many health ailments in the future.
