High Blood Sugar Terminology
Hyperglycemia is the technical term for high blood sugar. According to WebMD, hyperglycemia primarily occurs in two forms:
– Postprandial hyperglycemia: This is when blood sugar levels become elevated above normal approximately two hours after a meal.
– Fasting hyperglycemia: This condition is characterized by blood sugar levels that are higher than normal after fasting for at least eight hours.
The Risks
Chronic hyperglycemia can lead to damage in blood vessels, nerves, and internal organs. Additionally, high blood sugar levels can lead to various other health issues.
Regular consumption of foods high in sugar can increase the risk of obesity, which in turn can trigger a host of health problems. These include high cholesterol, coronary artery disease, stroke, asthma, and metabolic syndrome, which is a cluster of conditions that includes high blood pressure and diabetes.
However, these risks can be reduced, or even reversed, by choosing the right foods to eat. We will suggest numerous options for such foods later on!
The Signs
Doctors assess a person's risk level for hyperglycemia based on their blood sugar test results.
The five indicators of high blood sugar can vary slightly depending on the severity of the condition.
Mild High Blood Sugar
Individuals with mild hyperglycemia typically have blood sugar levels that are consistently above normal. Non-diabetic individuals who are mildly hyperglycemic may experience increased urination, especially when consuming fluids.
Diabetics might not experience any symptoms when their blood sugar levels are in this range.
THE FIVE PRIMARY INDICATORS OF MILD HIGH BLOOD SUGAR INCLUDE:
- Fatigue
- Heightened appetite
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Weight loss
Mild high blood sugar in adults is defined as blood glucose levels between 200 mg/dl and 350 mg/dl, and in children, it's between 200 mg/dl and 240 mg/dl.
High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, commonly occurs in individuals with poorly managed diabetes. The severity of symptoms can range from mild to severe, according to WebMD.
For moderate to severe hyperglycemia, adults exhibit levels above 350 mg/dl and children above 240 mg/dl. The symptoms differ significantly from mild hyperglycemia and include:
- Blurred vision
- Drowsiness, restlessness, or difficulty waking up
- Intense thirst
- Flushed, dry, hot skin
- Lightheadedness
Additionally, if the body is not producing enough insulin, other symptoms may appear, such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite
- Rapid heartbeat
- Strong breath odor
- Vomiting
Proper nutrition is essential in managing these conditions.
Evidence-based guidelines for diabetes management and prevention from leading global diabetes organizations in the UK, US, and Canada recommend that individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes incorporate the Glycemic Index (GI) into the nutritional management of their condition.
The University of Sydney's GI group describes the glycemic index as "a relative ranking of carbohydrates in foods according to how they affect blood glucose levels post-consumption."
High-GI foods, with values ranging from 70 to over 100, are quickly digested, absorbed, and metabolized, causing significant increases in blood sugar levels.
Here is a brief list of high-GI foods for reference:
- Fruit Roll-Up: 99
- White Rice: 85
- Rice Cakes: 84
- Pretzels: 83
- Donuts: 76
- Watermelon: 72
- White Bread (slice): 70
Conversely, low-GI foods (0-55) cause minimal fluctuations in blood glucose and insulin levels, contributing to long-term health, weight maintenance, and reduced risks of diabetes and heart disease. Most fruits and vegetables fall into this category.
- Oatmeal: 55
- Wheat Pasta: 54
- Corn on the Cob: 64
- Banana: 52
- Brown Rice: 50
- Green Peas: 48
- Sweet Potatoes: 48
- Carrots: 47
- Chocolate Milk: 40
- Sweetened Yogurt: 33
- Whole Milk: 31
– Fruits with a glycemic index (GI) of 40 or less: blueberries (40), strawberries (40), apples (38), pears (38), raspberries (30).
– Vegetables with a GI of 20 or less: tomatoes (15), cauliflower (12), cabbage (10), broccoli (10), spinach (6), Brussels sprouts (6), kale (5).
Final thoughts:
High blood sugar is a condition that can be managed and monitored.
Diet plays a key role in controlling and regulating hyperglycemia, but other factors, such as health status, should also be considered.
Individuals with a family history of diabetes should seek medical advice before starting any management plan for their condition.
High blood sugar is a potentially serious condition because it can lead to other complications and exacerbate existing health problems.
No matter your position on the blood sugar spectrum, incorporating a variety of low-GI foods into your diet is advisable.
A diet rich in low glycemic foods may not only help prevent hyperglycemia but can also support healthy cholesterol levels and body weight.
Source: www.powerofpositivity.com
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