Diabetes

• In diabetes, blood sugar levels are above normal. According to the American Diabetes Association, 15.7 million Americans have diabetes. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
  
  

Hypoglycemia

• In hypoglycemic women, blood sugar levels are below normal, causing hunger, dizziness, sweating, confusion, palpitations and tingling of the lips.
  
  

Blood Sugar Levels

• Blood sugar level is measured in milligrams of glucose per one-tenth liter of blood. In women, normal blood sugar levels are 110 mg/dl and under. Borderline blood sugar levels, considered impaired glucose intolerance, are between 110 and 126 mg/dl. In women with diabetes, blood sugar levels remain higher than 126 mg/dl for two to three days.
  
  

Measuring Blood Sugar

• Women can test blood sugar levels at home using glucose testing strips. Electronic testing devices are also available.
  
  

Solutions

• A low-fat, high-fiber diet and regular physical exercise may help promote normal blood sugar levels in women. Drug or insulin therapies are also available.