The concentration of glucose (sugar) in the blood, a critical marker of metabolic health and energy regulation.
FULL EXPLANATION
Blood glucose is the primary source of energy for your body's cells and is tightly regulated by hormones, primarily insulin and glucagon. Maintaining stable blood glucose is essential for optimal physical and mental performance.
Blood glucose levels fluctuate throughout the day based on food intake, physical activity, stress, and other factors. Chronic elevated blood glucose damages blood vessels and organs, while very low blood glucose can cause immediate cognitive and physical impairment.
WHY IT MATTERS
Blood glucose regulation is fundamental to metabolic health. Dysregulated blood glucose is associated with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, and accelerated aging.
HOW TO IMPROVE
Maintain healthy blood glucose through balanced meals with protein and fiber, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, stress management, and limiting refined carbohydrates.
NORMAL RANGES
Fasting: 70-100 mg/dL (normal), 100-125 mg/dL (prediabetes), 126+ mg/dL (diabetes). Post-meal: under 140 mg/dL at 2 hours is normal.
RELATED TERMS
Insulin
A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar by promoting glucose uptake into cells.
HbA1c
A blood test measuring average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months by showing the percentage of hemoglobin bound to glucose.
Insulin Sensitivity
How effectively your cells respond to insulin to take up glucose from the bloodstream.
Glycemic Index
A scale that ranks carbohydrates based on how quickly they raise blood sugar levels compared to pure glucose.
More in Metabolic Health
View all →Metabolic Rate
Well-EstablishedThe rate at which your body burns calories at rest to maintain basic life functions.
HbA1c
Well-EstablishedA blood test measuring average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months by showing the percentage of hemoglobin bound to glucose.
Ketosis
Emerging ResearchA metabolic state where the body primarily burns fat for fuel, producing ketone bodies as an alternative energy source to glucose.