Blood Sugar Management Info
Blood sugar is a term used to refer to the level of glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood. In a normally functioning body, blood sugar levels are regulated naturally. The body produces and secretes the hormone insulin to help the cells use the glucose and keep blood sugar levels fairly steady. Too much glucose in the body can cause a host of serious health issues. Those with diabetes have too much glucose in their blood and need to keep on top of their blood sugar levels and overall well-being in order to stay healthy.
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Unfortunately, diabetes is quite a concern in modern society. According to the American Diabetes Association, in 2012 9.3 percent (or 29.1 million) of the American population had diabetes. That statistic is a considerable jump from just two years before when the percentage was 8.3. Due to this alarming progression of the disease, it is important to become aware about diabetes and the symptoms involved with having high and low blood sugar so that people can better recognize them in themselves and in loved ones should issues arise.
Common & Overlooked Symptoms Of Diabetes
Diabetics can experience blood sugar levels that are either too high or too low and each comes with its own set of symptoms. We all experience a bit of a rise on blood sugar after eating, but in a normally functioning body insulin is produced to deal with the extra glucose. After a diabetic person eats, he/she can suffer symptoms of high blood sugar due to the body not producing the insulin it needs to carry away the unnecessary glucose. Some common but also the most overlooked symptoms of high blood sugar are: nausea, drowsiness, extreme thirst and/or hunger, frequent urination and blurred vision.
There are a number of reasons a person with diabetes may experience low blood sugar levels. The diabetic person may have waited too long between meals, he may have eaten too little, exercised too vigorously, or may have too much insulin in his body. When low blood sugar occurs the symptoms can include: sweating, dizziness, irritability, shaking, racing heartbeat, weakness, anxiety, and extreme hunger.
Lesser Known Causes Of Blood Sugar Spikes
Knowing the main symptoms of high and of low blood sugar levels and the key reasons behind the spikes and lows can go a long way to maintaining healthy levels. Unfortunately, there are lesser known causes of blood sugar swings and being in the dark about them can cause unexpected trouble. Those with diabetes typically come to realize that some ups and downs in blood sugar are to be expected. Common day-to-day occurrences such as stress, colds, lack of sleep and other ups and downs of everyday life can cause blood sugar to swing one way or the other. This is why it is important for people with diabetes to maintain a consistent, healthy lifestyle as much as possible.
However, the lesser known causes of blood sugar swings can throw a well-intentioned person's health into a tailspin. Diabetics must be ever vigilant about anything that could alter their blood sugar levels. For instance, many diabetics try to maintain blood sugar levels while still satisfying their sweet tooth by using artificial sweeteners. Unfortunately, new research is suggesting that these kinds of sweeteners may actually cause insulin levels to go up.
Dehydration is another offender of high blood sugar, as it makes glucose levels in the blood more concentrated. Diabetics must also become aware about the effects of any medications they might be taking on blood sugar levels. Some drugs can raise blood glucose, others will lower it and still others may make it harder to recognize the signs of these blood sugar swings. Talking to a doctor or pharmacist about potential blood sugar altering issues before starting a new medication, whether prescription or non, is imperative to avoid complications.
Hormones are another unexpected cause of blood sugar fluctuations. Some women with diabetes may experience higher than usual blood glucose levels during the week before their periods. Also, some diabetics have higher blood sugar in the mornings due to the release of hormones in the early morning meant to wake the body up. It is important to note that not all diabetics are affected by these hormone changes, but it is another blood sugar issue to take into account.
Diabetics who enjoy their daily cups of coffee need to be aware that caffeine can also raise blood sugar levels. Of course, it is not just coffee that contains caffeine. Colas, teas, chocolate, and energy drinks, as well as various other products can pack a caffeine punch that throws off blood sugar. Diabetics need to keep closer tabs on how much caffeine they are taking in each day to avoid possible problems with spiking their blood sugar.
Neutralizing Blood Sugar Levels & Steps Towards Managing Blood Sugar
Fortunately, there are ways to neutralize blood sugar levels. Here are some key tactics/tricks we have found towards managing your blood sugar. First is know how to, plan diabetes meals, monitor your blood sugar closely, fid, buy and store diabetes supplies. If you take insulin you should also know how to give yourself insulin shots and how to adjust your insulin doses and the foods you eat to manage you blood sugar during exercise and on sick days. You should also live a healthy lifestyle by exercising at least 30 minutes a d ay, 5 days a week. Know what to do if you blood sugar is high or low. High blood sugar can harm you. If you blood sugar is high, you need to know how to bring it down. Eating right can definitely help manage your blood sugar. These 6 foods can help control blood sugar: oatmeal, broccoli/spinach/green beans, strawberries, salmon and lean meats, sparkling water, and cinnamon. Some high tech management tools to help you in your tracking of blood sugar levels are things you probably things you use everyday. Smartphone, tablet, or computer apps where you can log your blood sugar or foods you eat. Some devices can test your blood sugar every few minutes and text, call or email you results/reminders. Also, a doctor might give you a CGM, continuous glucose monitor, to test your blood sugar every 5 minutes all day. It tests through tiny fibers on a patch stuck on your skin. The Results are sent wirelessly to a small monitor that you can hold or clip on your belt. These along with several other options can really help you monitor, control, and help you reduce your blood sugar spikes.
Risks Of Diabetes
There are two types of diabetes, known as type 1 and type 2, and each has its own set of risk factors. In type 1 diabetes (the less common form) sufferers' bodies do not produce enough insulin or none at all. This kind of diabetes requires the use of insulin injections and is commonly discovered in childhood. 90 to 95 percent of the people with diabetes have the type 2 form. In this form, sufferers' bodies do not properly use the insulin in the body or the body does not produce a sufficient amount of insulin. A family history of type 1 diabetes is the most common risk factor for that form. While the cause is yet unknown, there is some speculation that environmental factors and vitamin D levels play a role in the development of type 1 diabetes.
Being overweight and/or having an insufficient amount of physical activity in day-to-day routines are the common risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Having high blood pressure, high triglycerides, eating a high fat diet, eating a lot of carbohydrates, having had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, and drinking a lot of alcohol can also contribute to type 2 diabetes. The risk of developing type 2 diabetes also increases with age. In addition, people of certain ethnicity are at higher risk of developing the disease.
In order to stay healthy, everyone should be aware of diabetes risk factors and prevention methods. For those with a family history of diabetes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is especially important. Getting regular exercise is especially important, as is eating a healthy diet that is high in fiber and whole grains. Adopting these healthy practices will reduce many of the risk factors for diabetes. Obviously, nothing can be done to change hereditary risk factors, but getting healthy and keeping that way can help prevent the disease and will help keep blood sugar steadier should the disease develop anyways.
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