Understanding Blood Sugar: What It Is and Why It Matters

You’ve probably heard people talk about blood sugar — especially in conversations about diabetes or healthy eating. But here’s the truth: understanding blood sugar isn’t just for those with a diagnosis. It matters to everyone, everywhere.

Whether you live in Lagos, London, or Kuala Lumpur, your body depends on a delicate balance of glucose to stay energised and healthy. From mood swings to long-term complications, learning how blood sugar works — and how to manage it — is one of the smartest health choices you can make.

🔬 What Is Blood Sugar, Anyway?

Simply put, blood sugar (or blood glucose) is the amount of sugar circulating in your bloodstream. This glucose mainly comes from the carbohydrates you eat — such as bread, rice, fruit, and sugary snacks.

Here’s how the process works step-by-step:

You eat a meal.
Your body breaks carbohydrates down into glucose.
Glucose enters your bloodstream.
Insulin, a hormone from your pancreas, helps move that glucose into your cells.
Your cells use glucose for energy — powering your brain, muscles, and organs.

However, if insulin isn’t working properly (as in insulin resistance) or if not enough is produced, glucose builds up in your blood. Over time, this can damage blood vessels, nerves, and vital organs.

❤️ Why Does Blood Sugar Matter?

Keeping your blood sugar in a healthy range protects nearly every part of your body. In fact, understanding blood sugar is key to preventing multiple health complications:

Energy levels: Stable glucose prevents fatigue and energy crashes.
Brain function: Both high and low glucose can affect concentration and mood.
Heart health: Excess glucose damages arteries and raises inflammation.
Vision: Prolonged imbalance increases the risk of diabetic retinopathy.
Nervous system: Consistent control lowers your risk of neuropathy and stroke.
Hormonal balance: Healthy glucose helps regulate appetite and metabolism.

Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports that diabetes caused 1.5 million deaths in 2019, with millions more affected indirectly through heart and kidney disease.

👉 You can explore how diet supports healthy circulation and blood sugar in our related post: Which Foods Naturally Protect Your Heart and Improve Circulation.

📊 What’s a Healthy Blood Sugar Range?

Blood Sugar Level (Fasting)	Meaning
Below 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L)	Low (Hypoglycaemia)
70–99 mg/dL (3.9–5.5 mmol/L)	Normal
100–125 mg/dL (5.6–6.9 mmol/L)	Prediabetes
126 mg/dL + (7.0 mmol/L +)	Diabetes (diagnosed)

📌 After meals, healthy blood sugar is usually below 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) after 2 hours.

🧪 How to Check Your Blood Sugar

Monitoring helps you catch changes early — long before symptoms appear.

🧰 1. Using a Glucometer (Finger-Prick Test)

1️⃣ Wash your hands.
2️⃣ Insert a test strip.
3️⃣ Prick your fingertip with a lancet.
4️⃣ Apply a drop of blood.
5️⃣ Wait a few seconds for your reading.

➡️ Ideal for people with diabetes or prediabetes to monitor daily trends.

📱 2. Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)

A tiny sensor placed on your arm or abdomen measures glucose in real time and syncs to your phone — no repeated finger-pricking required.

➡️ Common for insulin-treated diabetes, especially Type 1.

⏰ When to Check

First thing in the morning — baseline fasting level.
Before meals — helps guide food choices.
Two hours after meals — shows how food affects glucose.
Before and after exercise — especially if using insulin.
Before bed — ensures stability overnight.

If unsure how often to test, consult your GP, pharmacist, or diabetes nurse.

⚡ What Affects Blood Sugar?

Your glucose levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day, but several factors can tip the balance:

Diet: Sugary snacks, refined carbs, and large meals spike glucose.
Exercise: Regular movement helps your body use glucose efficiently.
Stress: Cortisol increases blood sugar levels during pressure.
Sleep: Too little sleep makes the body more insulin-resistant.
Medications: Some drugs, like steroids or beta-blockers, can raise levels.
Illness: Infections often cause temporary spikes.

🚨 Spotting the Signs of Imbalance

Too high (hyperglycaemia) or too low (hypoglycaemia) blood sugar can cause:

Shakiness or sweating
Brain fog or confusion
Irritability or mood swings
Excess hunger or thirst
Frequent urination
Fatigue or blurred vision
Dizziness or fainting

If these symptoms occur often, seek medical advice and test your glucose levels promptly.

⏳ The Long-Term Risks of Poor Blood Sugar Control

Over time, uncontrolled blood sugar can silently harm key organs:

Heart: Higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
Brain: Greater risk of vascular dementia.
Eyes: Diabetic retinopathy remains a leading cause of blindness.
Nerves: Causes pain, tingling, or loss of sensation (neuropathy).
Feet: Poor healing increases infection and amputation risk.
Kidneys: A major cause of chronic kidney disease.

🛡️ What You Can Do Today

You don’t need a diagnosis to start protecting your blood sugar — prevention starts with everyday habits:

Choose complex carbohydrates (whole grains, beans, vegetables).
Walk for 10–15 minutes after meals to help stabilise glucose.
Prioritise 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night.
Eat smaller, balanced meals regularly.
Practise stress-management — breathing, yoga, or nature time.
Schedule regular health check-ups, especially with a family history.

These small actions, done consistently, protect your energy, mood, and long-term wellbeing.

🌍 The Bottom Line

Understanding blood sugar goes far beyond diabetes — it’s about maintaining energy, protecting your heart, and reducing chronic-disease risk.

When you know how your body responds to food, stress, and sleep, you can make smarter choices that protect your health for life.
✨ Follow @TheHealthizans for more science-backed tips on nutrition, movement, and prevention.