How does blood sugar work? How is sugar transferred into the blood? Sugar in the blood or also called glucose comes directly from what we eat. The digestive system breaks down that food into glucose and absorbs it into the blood. That's why eating foods high in carbohydrates provide most of the glucose in your diet. A simple first step towards controlling your blood pressure is analyzing the starches in your diet.  A new study from Kings College in London, UK indicated that coarser starches made up of larger pieces not only digest more slowly than fine starches, but may also result in fewer blood sugar spikes. What does this mean for you and me? It shows that the shape of a starch determines how it is processed in the body.

Research has been seeking a greater understanding of the structure of food and its effect on the body. This will allow better science around transforming types of food into what the body can break down faster. For example, we already know that wheat based products slower energy release and prolonged fullness. 

Once glucose enters the blood, cells throughout the body use it for energy. The pancreas produces insulin as soon as blood sugar levels begin to rise. Insulin is an important hormone that helps transport glucose into cells. If low levels of insulin exists or if cells become unresponsive to insulin, the blood glucose levels may remain abnormally high.

What tests measure blood sugar?

As we mentioned above, your doctor will monitor your blood sugar at regular appointments with a simple lab test. The test analyzes your blood sugar levels at a point in time but an individual can measure their own blood sugar with a device called a glucometer. Patients with diabetes are required to have a glucometer and understand how to use it correctly. They're available at your local pharmacy and don't require a prescription.

There's also a specific test that your physician can order called an A1C that measures your blood sugar control over a period of time. This test is best used to measure long-term blood sugar control. This reflects the average blood sugar levels over the last three months. 

The next question is what are the goal results of these tests. Diabetic patients generally want a target blood sugar levels of:

• 70 to 130 mg/dL before a meal

• Less than 180 mg/dL after a meal

It's important to remember the goals may vary slightly from patient-to-patient depending on their circumstances. It's crucial to consult with your physician on the best goals for you. 

When your doctor orders an A1C test, the goal is a result of less than 7. 

This study was published Sept. 2 in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.