Diabetic neuropathy can produce several symptoms, like tingling and numbness in the legs, hands, and the feet, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, urinary problems, constipation, and sexual dysfunction.

The nerves present in the extremities of the body, such as the nerves of the legs, hands, and the feet are more susceptible to this condition. This condition can affect all peripheral nerves, as well as the autonomic nervous system. Effects on the Skin, Bones, and Feet People having diabetes are more likely to suffer from skin conditions like fungal and bacterial infections, along with bone and joint problems like osteoporosis. As mentioned already, high blood sugar levels can damage the nerves and the blood vessels, especially those present in the extremities of the body. This can eventually cause several foot problems, and loss of sensation in the feet. Even minor injuries to the feet, like blisters, sores, and cuts can become serious infections, as the supply of oxygen and blood to the feet can get disrupted. A severe infection can sometimes necessitate foot or leg amputation. Apart from the aforementioned health problems, untreated or uncontrolled diabetes can cause diabetic acidosis. Diabetic acidosis is the condition where ketones accumulate in the body. When the body cells fail to absorb and utilize glucose, they turn to fats for deriving energy. The breakdown of fats generates ketones as byproducts. The accumulation of a large amount of ketones can increase the acidity of blood and the tissues. This can lead to serious complications, if not treated immediately. The treatment of diabetes includes both medications and lifestyle modifications. 

Effective management of diabetes is possible only when HL12 Diabetes medications are combined with a proper diet, weight management, and regular exercise or physical activity. Blood sugar shows considerable deviations throughout the day. Normally, blood sugar is tested on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning. The normal blood sugar level at this time should be somewhere between 70 to 100 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter). After meals, there is a gradual increase in the sugar level. Two hours after meal, normal range for blood sugar is about 120 to 140 mg/dl. The sugar level drops slightly during bedtime. Normal blood sugar level tested at this time should fall between 100 to 140 mg/dl. Any deviation from the normal range of blood sugar levels calls for medical intervention. If the blood sugar exceeds the upper limit of the normal range, it is an indication of diabetes. Repetitive blood glucose tests are necessary to affirm this possibility. Factors Affecting Blood Sugar Level Blood sugar can be defined as the amount of glucose present in the body at any given point of time. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder, resulting in abnormal production of sugar due to inability of the body to produce sufficient amount of insulin. The normal blood sugar levels may vary from person to person depending upon several factors such as: Age Sex Body composition Lifestyle If you are already a diabetic, you should refer to the blood sugar levels for diabetics, which are as follows. Type 1 Test Time Children Adults Before meals 4 to 8 mmol/l 4 to 7 mmol/l 2 hours after meals Under 10 mmols/l Under 9 mmols/l After fasting for 8 hours or overnight, a blood sample is collected. 

When a fasting blood sugar test is done, a sugar level less than 100 mg/dL -- 5.6 millimoles per liter -- is considered normal. When the sugar levels range between 100-125 mg/dL (5.6 to 7 millimoles per liter), it indicates prediabetes or impaired fasting glucose -- a precursor to diabetes. When the levels shoot up beyond 126 mg/dL (7 millimoles per liter), then it suggests type 2 diabetes. However, there are other conditions that influence the level of sugar in the blood. These include pregnancy, lactation, fasting, severe injuries, and indulging in binge eating. Other factors that contribute in temporary elevation of the blood sugar level are physical exertion and certain ongoing medical treatments. Undergoing more blood sugar tests is the only way to identify the cause of rise in the sugar level. If all the other conditions are eliminated, your physician may begin medical prognosis for diabetes. Controlling Blood Sugar Levels If you are diagnosed with diabetes, your physician will prescribe you an appropriate treatment for diabetes. Along with that, you will have to make some changes in your lifestyle to control the sugar level in your blood. Even if you are not diagnosed with it, it is always better to take efforts to control your sugar level so as to prevent diabetes. Following are the tips to control blood sugar level. Have an active and healthy lifestyle Avoid smoking or drinking Follow a nutritious and healthy diet only Do not skip meals In case you are already a diabetic patient, ensure that you take your medications properly and follow the treatment regularly. Getting tested for blood sugar levels always improves your chances of keeping diabetes at bay. 

The amount of sugar (glucose) present in blood can be measured with simple blood tests. The level of sugar in blood keeps on changing. Blood sugar is generally at its lowest level in the morning and its level drastically rises after each meal. Diet and physical exercise are the main factors that influence blood sugar levels. Abnormal fluctuations in blood glucose levels is one of the main symptoms of diabetes. A decrease in blood sugar levels is also known as hypoglycemia, and it may occur in people with or without diabetes. For the latter group, the cause may either be an underlying disease or medications, or they may be having postprandial hypoglycemia or reactive hypoglycemia, which occurs 4 hours after consuming meals. Types of Tests for Diagnosis Usually, there are four types of tests used. These are explained as under. Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG): This is done on an empty stomach. Meaning, a person must not consume food and liquid (excluding water) for at least 8 hours. Usually, this test is done in the morning. A1C Test: This test doesn't require any fasting and is used to detect the blood sugar levels for the past 2 or 3 months. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): This test takes 2 hours to determine the sugar levels before and after drinking a sweet drink. This helps the doctors know how the body handles the digestion of glucose. Random/Casual Plasma Glucose Test: This test is conducted when a person has severe symptoms of diabetes. It can be taken at any time without any preparation. Normal Blood Glucose Levels Chart The chart below explains the normal values of blood glucose in the body based on the type of test done for diagnosis. 

Type of Test Blood Sugar Level FPG 70 - 100 mg/dL A1C Less than 5.7% OGTT Less than 140 mg/dL Random Plasma Glucose Below 125 mg/dL High Blood Glucose Levels Chart Category Fasting Sugar Minimum Value Fasting Sugar Maximum Value Sugar Value Before and After 2 Hours of Consuming Glucose Normal 70 mg/dL 100 mg/dL Less than 140 mg/dL Prediabetes 101 mg/dL 125 mg/dL More than or equal to 140 mg/dL Established Diabetes More than 126 mg/dL - More than or equal to 200 mg/dL Low Blood Sugar Levels Chart Category Blood Sugar Level Normal 70 - 100 mg/dL Borderline Hypoglycemia 70 mg/dL Fasting Hypoglycemia Less than 50 mg/dL Please Note: The values mentioned above may vary from one laboratory to another. The ranges may also differ from one individual to another based on their overall health and other influencing factors. Kindly consult your physician for accurate interpretation of the results. What Causes Low Blood Sugar Levels The normal range of blood sugar is 70 to 100 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) in the morning (after fasting for at least 8 hours). Normally, if the level drops below 70 mg/dL, the person is said to suffer from hypoglycemia. The causes are mentioned as follows. Hormone Imbalance: Hormones such as insulin, glucagon, epinephrine (or adrenalin), cortisol, and growth hormone, help maintain blood glucose at normal level.

Dysfunction of glands such as adrenal glands, pituitary gland, pancreas, and liver can lead to serious fluctuations in glucose levels. Medications: High doses of medicines that are used to control high sugar levels and wrong use of medicines can cause hypoglycemia. Use of certain medications such as beta blockers, quinine (used to treat malaria), aspirin, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (a group of antidepressant drugs), can result in low blood sugar levels. Alcohol: Consumption of alcohol without consuming enough and proper food can affect the function of the liver, causing low sugar in blood. Starvation: Starvation, fasting, or missed meals can seriously affect the level of blood sugar in children as well as adults. Food is necessary for the formation of glucose and energy. Insulin: Hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia develops when insulin is produced by the body in an unnatural or excessive way.