Understanding Blood Sugar Levels - A Simple Guide for Ambala Residents
Blood sugar, also known as blood glucose, is the main sugar found in your blood. It comes from the food you eat and is your body's main source of energy. At Maitri Diagnostic Lab in Ambala, Haryana, we help thousands of patients understand and monitor their blood sugar levels through accurate -accredited testing.
Understanding your blood sugar levels is crucial for preventing and managing diabetes, which is increasingly common in Ambala and across Haryana. This simple guide will help you understand what's normal, what's not, and when to get tested.
What Are Normal Blood Sugar Levels?
Blood sugar levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) in India. Here's a simple breakdown of normal ranges that everyone in Ambala should know:
Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS)
What it is: Blood sugar level after 8-12 hours of not eating (usually tested in the morning before breakfast)
mg/dL - Your blood sugar is in healthy range
mg/dL - Warning sign! Take action now
mg/dL - Consult a doctor immediately
Post-Prandial Blood Sugar (PP or PPBS)
What it is: Blood sugar level tested 2 hours after eating a meal
mg/dL - Good post-meal sugar control
mg/dL - Your body struggles with sugar
mg/dL - Immediate medical attention needed
HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin)
What it is: Shows your average blood sugar over the past 2-3 months. This is the gold standard test for diabetes diagnosis.
No diabetes risk
High risk - lifestyle changes needed
Diabetes diagnosed - start treatment
Did You Know?
At Maitri Diagnostic Lab in Ambala, we use the latest automated analyzers to ensure your blood sugar test results are accurate within ±2 mg/dL. Our accreditation guarantees international quality standards for all diabetes testing in Haryana.
Types of Blood Sugar Tests Available in Ambala
At Maitri Diagnostic Lab, Baldev Nagar, Ambala, we offer comprehensive diabetes testing services:
| Test Name | Fasting Required | Report Time | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) | Yes (8-12 hours) | 4-6 hours | Screen for diabetes |
| Post-Prandial (PP) | No (eat normally) | 4-6 hours | Check post-meal sugar |
| Random Blood Sugar | No | 4-6 hours | Quick screening |
| HbA1c | No | 24 hours | 3-month average |
| Glucose Tolerance Test | Yes (8-12 hours) | Same day | Diagnose diabetes |
When Should You Get Your Blood Sugar Tested in Ambala?
Doctors at Maitri Diagnostic Lab recommend blood sugar testing if you experience any of these symptoms or risk factors common in Ambala residents:
Warning Symptoms
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Unexplained weight loss
- Constant fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds
- Frequent infections
High Risk Groups
- Age over 30 years
- Family history of diabetes
- Overweight or obese
- Sedentary lifestyle
- High blood pressure
- PCOS in women
- Previous gestational diabetes
Important for Ambala Residents
Studies show that diabetes prevalence in North India, including Haryana, is higher than the national average. If you're over 30 or have risk factors, getting your blood sugar tested annually at Maitri Diagnostic Lab in Ambala can help prevent serious complications.
What Causes High Blood Sugar?
Understanding the causes of high blood sugar helps in prevention. Common causes observed in Ambala patients include:
- Type 1 Diabetes: Pancreas doesn't produce insulin (autoimmune condition)
- Type 2 Diabetes: Body becomes resistant to insulin (most common type in Ambala)
- Poor Diet: High intake of sugary foods, refined carbs, and processed foods
- Lack of Exercise: Sedentary lifestyle common in urban Ambala
- Stress: Increases cortisol which raises blood sugar
- Medications: Steroids and certain other drugs
- Illness or Infection: Can temporarily raise blood sugar
- Family History: Genetic predisposition to diabetes
How to Maintain Normal Blood Sugar Levels
Based on recommendations from Dr. Akshay Bali and Dr. Maitree Roy at Maitri Diagnostic Lab, here are practical tips for Ambala residents:
Healthy Diet
Eat whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean protein. Limit sugar and refined carbs.
Regular Exercise
30 minutes of activity daily. Walk, jog, or exercise at home.
Maintain Weight
Even 5-7% weight loss can significantly improve blood sugar.
Quality Sleep
7-8 hours of sleep. Poor sleep affects blood sugar control.
Stress Management
Practice meditation, yoga, or relaxation techniques.
Regular Testing
Monitor blood sugar regularly at Maitri Diagnostic Lab, Ambala.
Related Health Services at Maitri Diagnostic Lab
Beyond blood sugar testing, we offer comprehensive diagnostic services in Ambala:
