What is Fasting Blood Sugar?

By definition, fasting blood sugar refers to the glucose level measured in the blood in the morning after fasting for at least 8 hours from the night.
All measurements are made with a blood test, and according to the values ​​obtained, information is obtained about the functioning of organs such as the pancreas and kidneys and the insulin level. Generally, fasting and postprandial blood sugar measurements are performed on the same day to obtain clear results. The patient has a blood test after a long period of fasting and then eats his first meal. After two hours, postprandial blood sugar measurement is performed in the same way. The values ​​taken are compared with each other to check whether there is diabetes.

What is High Fasting Blood Sugar?

If blood sugar rises uncontrollably and rapidly, it can cause immediate, life-threatening health problems. In diabetes, blood sugar is high and there is a deficiency of the insulin hormone. In this case, the rise continues uncontrollably because the mechanisms for lowering blood sugar do not work. In addition, since the use of glucose for energy by tissues and cells depends on the insulin hormone, even though the amount of glucose in the blood is high, the tissues cannot benefit from it. As a result, the density and physiological properties of the blood deteriorate, the energy use of the tissues is damaged, a fluid deficit occurs due to high blood sugar, the body begins to obtain problematic energy other than glucose, and problematic pathways come into play. Life-threatening emergencies and complications called ketoacidosis may occur.
Uncontrolled high blood sugar also accelerates the development of other health problems in the long term. With high blood sugar, the vascular structure deteriorates, its flexibility decreases and arteriosclerosis occurs. Atherosclerosis progresses with blockages in many vessels at an early age and causes the development of diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, heart attacks, cerebrovascular diseases, and stroke. It also causes deterioration in body cholesterol-fat levels and blood pressure. It may cause disruptions in the functions of the immune system, leading to delayed wound healing and increased susceptibility to infectious diseases. In addition, long-term complications of diabetes, such as affecting the structure of small vessels, kidney disorders and eye problems, are associated with high blood sugar.

What Does High Fasting Blood Sugar Mean?

Thanks to the insulin hormone in the body, sugar taken from food passes into the blood and cells. If the insulin level in the body is insufficient, the substances that must be taken from food are not taken and the sugar level in the blood rises. The glucose level measured at various times will be sufficient to diagnose elevation. If the patient is diagnosed with diabetes as a result of the measurements, procedures such as lifestyle changes, exercise and nutrition plan, and constant monitoring and follow-up of the sugar level will be made. All of these are important in controlling blood sugar. The process progresses under the guidance of the physician, and the environment is prepared for the physician to apply the correct treatment program with continuous blood sugar measurement.

What is Low Fasting Blood Sugar?

A drop in blood sugar below normal for certain reasons can also be seriously life-threatening. In diabetes, blood sugar should not fall below 70 mg. Since some vital tissues and organs, especially brain tissue, need sufficient amounts of glucose to survive, these tissues lose their functions if the blood sugar level drops too much. With the decrease in blood sugar, complaints may initially begin with hunger, palpitations, sweating, and shaking in the hands. As the decrease in blood sugar deepens, brain-nervous system problems such as speech disorder, coordination disorder, loss of consciousness and coma may occur. Shock and circulatory disorders may also occur due to deterioration of heart functions. can come out.