HIGH BLOOD SUGAR: DANGERS AND CONTROL

Having a blood sugar level that's too high can make you feel lousy, and having it often can be unhealthy.


What Is High Blood Sugar?
The blood glucose level is the amount of glucose in the blood. Glucose is a sugar that comes from the foods we eat, and it's also formed and stored inside the body. It's the main source of energy for the cells of our body, and it's carried to each cell through the bloodstream.

Hyperglycemia (pronounced: hi-per-gly-SEE-me-uh) is the medical word for high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels happen when the body either can't make insulin (type 1 diabetes) or can't respond to insulin properly (type 2 diabetes). The body needs insulin so glucose in the blood can enter the cells of the body where it can be used for energy. In people who have developed diabetes, glucose builds up in the blood, resulting in hyperglycemia.

Having too much sugar in the blood for long periods of time can cause serious health problems if it's not treated. Hyperglycemia can damage the vessels that supply blood to vital organs, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, vision problems, and nerve problems in people with diabetes. These problems don't usually show up in kids or teens with diabetes who have had the disease for only a few years. However, these health problems can occur in adulthood in some people with diabetes, particularly if they haven't managed or controlled their diabetes properly.

Blood sugar levels are considered high when they're above your target range. Your diabetes health care team will let you know what your target blood sugar levels are.


At times, living with type 2 diabetes can seem like a challenge, but sticking to a routine and finding a proper diet are the basics of managing your diabetes. Carefully inspecting the sodium, sugar, and carbohydrate levels in packaged food is also important.

Your doctor, a nutritionist, and a dietitian are all vital members of your diabetes management team. It’s important to track your blood glucose levels in relation to what you eat and your insulin treatment regimen (if you have one). In time, you’ll get to know how your body responds to different foods at different times of the day.




It’s no secret that diet is essential to managing type 2 diabetes symptoms. While there is no cure-all diet that is perfect for everyone, dietary choices are important in keeping your blood sugar level in the safe range.

It is essential to  learn  how nuts, fruits, vegetables, carbohydrates, starches, proteins, sugars, fats, and other nutrients and foods can help or hurt high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).


The Basics of Blood Sugar Control

Type 2 diabetes is a condition in which the body doesn’t make enough insulin. This can cause high blood sugar and symptoms such as:

fatigue
blurred vision
increased appetite
excessive thirst
excessive urination
The normal blood sugar range for diabetics, as determined by the American Diabetes Association, is between 70 and 130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL a few hours after you began eating. You can use a blood sugar monitor to check your blood glucose levels and adjust your diet or medication accordingly.




Signs and Symptoms


The signs of high blood sugar levels include:

1. Peeing a lot:
The kidneys respond to high levels of glucose in the blood by flushing out the extra glucose in urine. People with high blood sugar need to urinate more often and in larger amounts.

2. Drinking a lot:
Someone losing so much fluid from peeing that often can get very thirsty.
Losing weight even though your appetite has stayed the same: If there isn't enough insulin to help the body use glucose, the body breaks down muscle and stored fat instead in an attempt to provide fuel to hungry cells.

3. Feeling tired:
Because the body can't use glucose for energy properly, a person may feel unusually tired

Other Symptoms include:-

- abdominal pain
- nausea and/or vomiting
- fruity breath odor
- rapid, deep breathing
- confusion
- unconsciousness ("diabetic coma")



More Diabetes Information

At times, living with type 2 diabetes can seem like a challenge, but sticking to a routine and finding a proper diet are the basics of managing your diabetes. Carefully inspecting the sodium, sugar, and carbohydrate levels in packaged food is also important.

Your doctor, a nutritionist, and a dietitian are all vital members of your diabetes management team. It’s important to track your blood glucose levels in relation to what you eat and your insulin treatment regimen (if you have one).

In time, you’ll get to know how your body responds to different foods at different times of the day.





Managing High Blood Sugar Levels

Managing diabetes is like a three-way balancing act because you have to watch:

- the medications you take (insulin or pills)
- the food that you eat
- the amount of exercise you get
All three need to be balanced. If any one of these is off, blood sugar levels can be, as well. In general, higher than normal blood glucose levels can be caused by:

- not taking your diabetes medicine when you're supposed to or not taking the right amounts
- not following the meal plan (like eating too much on a special occasion without adjusting your diabetes medicines)
-not getting enough exercise
- having an illness, like the flu, or stress
- taking other kinds of medicines that affect how your diabetes medicines work

A single high blood sugar reading usually isn't cause for alarm — it happens to everyone with diabetes from time to time. However, if you're having high blood sugar levels a lot, let your parents and your diabetes health care team know. Insulin or meal plans may need adjusting, or you may have an equipment issue, like an insulin pump that isn't working properly. Whatever the case, make sure you get help so you can get your blood sugar levels back under control.



Your Diet And High Blood Sugar

It’s no secret that diet is essential to managing type 2 diabetes symptoms. While there is no cure-all diet that is perfect for everyone, dietary choices are important in keeping your blood sugar level in the safe range


Low-Sugar Diet

When someone with diabetes has low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), a spoonful of sugar or honey can help raise glucose levels. However, sugar is often considered the nemesis of diabetes because of how quickly it can spike blood glucose levels.

If you have diabetes, you should closely monitor your sugar consumption — especially refined sugar and other forms of the simple carbohydrates. In addition to low-sugar foods, you should also eat low-fat foods and a well-balanced diet.


Low-Fat Diet

Foods that are high in sodium, saturated fats, cholesterol, and trans fat can elevate your risk for heart disease and stroke. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to avoid all fats. Foods rich in good fats—monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat — can help lower cholesterol levels, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.

Try replacing the meat on your plate with omega-3 fatty acid-rich cold-water fish such as salmon, mackerel, and herring. Olive oil, avocado, and nuts are also good sources of this nutrient.

Foods to Avoid:

red meat
bacon
processed foods
high-fat dairy products like cheese


Fruits and Vegetables

Balancing carbohydrates, fats, and sugars is integral to a diabetes-friendly diet. While processed and refined carbs are bad for you, whole grains and dietary fiber (good carbs) are beneficial in many ways. Whole grains are rich in fiber and beneficial vitamins and minerals. Dietary fiber helps with digestive health, and helps you feel more satisfied after eating.

Foods to Eat:

leafy green vegetables
nuts
whole grains
low-fat dairy products
beans and peas
 fresh low-sugar fruits (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, cranberries, pears, cantaloupes, grapefruit, and cherries)
Foods to Avoid: high-sugar fruits like watermelon, pineapple, raisins, apricots, grapes, and oranges


Starches

Starches are another type of food your body converts into blood glucose. They not only provide a source of energy but also vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Whole grain starches are the healthiest because they maximize nutrition and break down into the bloodstream slowly. The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse recommends at least one serving of starch at every meal.

Foods to Eat: whole grain versions of bread, pasta, cereal, rice, crackers, and tortillas

Foods to Avoid:

potato chips
packaged snacks
candy bars


When to Eat

If you have diabetes, you should eat smaller meals throughout the day to avoid unnecessary spikes in your blood glucose level. However, your body requires more sugars and carbohydrates during exercise, so eat before and after a workout.

Your age, weight, height, level of exercise, and other factors also affect your diet. Monitor and record your blood glucose level in response to food and create your own personal diabetes diet with the help of your doctor or dietitian.



Losing Weight

Losing a few extra pounds will not only help your self-esteem, but also lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels and improve blood pressure.

Regular exercise combined with a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products can help you lose. Talk to your doctor about an exercise plan that is safe for you and any other steps you can take to improve your health.




Treating High Blood Sugar Levels

Treating high blood sugar levels involves fixing what caused them in the first place. Your diabetes health care team will give you specific advice on how to keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range, but here are some ways to manage the common causes of high blood sugar levels:


1. Check your blood sugar levels frequently.
2. DisUse of other medications that can increase blood sugar
3. Contact your diabetes health care team if you start taking any other medication.
4. Insulin or pills may need to be taken under the supervision of a physician

Don't worry too much if you get a high blood sugar reading occasionally. However, if you have consistently high blood sugar levels, you should talk to your doctor about it


SHARE THIS ARTICLE:-

http://healthyandlively.blogspot.com/2014/10/high-blood-sugar-dangers-and-control.html