Rising Rates Prompt Scrutiny of Diabetes Diagnosis & Normal Blood Sugar Values
Berlin – As new data from the German Health Report 2024 reveals a continued rise in diabetes diagnoses across Germany, medical experts are emphasizing the importance of understanding normal blood sugar values and recognizing when elevated levels warrant further examination. While clear symptoms combined with increased blood sugar often indicate diabetes,factors like stress,an overactive thyroid,and certain medications can also disrupt sugar metabolism,leading to inaccurate self-diagnosis or delayed treatment.
millions are affected by pre-diabetes and undiagnosed diabetes, conditions that can silently contribute to cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, and kidney failure. The German Diabetes Association’s updated guidelines (NVL Type 2-diabetes, version 3, 2023) and practical recommendations highlight the need for accurate diagnosis and lifestyle interventions, including increased physical activity and a low-sugar, fiber-rich diet, for those at risk. Understanding what constitutes a normal range is the first step toward proactive health management.
According to the German Diabetes Association’s 2024 recommendations,normal blood sugar levels typically fall within these ranges: a fasting blood sugar level of less than 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L), a blood sugar level two hours after eating less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L), and an HbA1c level below 5.7%. However, these values can be influenced by various factors.
Elevated blood sugar levels, even without classic diabetes symptoms, should prompt medical evaluation. Stress, for example, can temporarily raise blood sugar, as can medications like antidepressants and cholesterol drugs. A definitive diagnosis requires a thorough assessment by a healthcare professional, utilizing tests like fasting plasma glucose, oral glucose tolerance tests, and HbA1c measurements.
If diabetes is diagnosed, lifestyle changes are strongly advised. The German Diabetes Association recommends prioritizing regular physical activity and adopting a diet rich in fiber and low in sugar. These measures, alongside potential medical interventions, are crucial for managing the condition and preventing long-term complications.
sources:
German Health Report Diabetes 2024: Versorgungs-Leitlinie/nvl-001folS3Typ-2-Diabetes2023-05.pdf?utmsource=chatgpt.com”>https://register.awmf.org/assets/guidelines/NationaleVersorgungs-Leitlinie/nvl-001folS3Typ-2-Diabetes2023-05.pdf?utmsource=chatgpt.com
Practical recommendations of German diabetes society: definition, classification, diagnostics and differential diagnosis of diabetes mellitus, update 2024.
Practical recommendations of German Diabetes Society: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), diagnostics, therapy and aftercare, short version of the S3 guideline, updated version 2024.
* Practical recommendations of German Diabetes Society: Therapy of Type 2 diabetes, updated version 2024.
