With the rise of type 2 diabetes in American society, blood sugar levels are more of a concern than ever.
In many countries throughout the world, low glycemic eating has been consistently used with diabetics to help naturally regulate blood sugar; however, new studies are showing that low glycemic eating can also be used as a preventative measure even before diabetes develops. Because blood sugar levels can cause serious health risks if left out of control, it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms of problems that can arise.
Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar)
Although people can react differently to the onset of hyperglycemia, there are several symptoms you can still look for in order to prevent a dangerous situation from arising:
- Increase or decrease in appetite
- increase in thirst
- fatigue
- labored breathing
- increase in urination
In addition, other symptoms such as a headache, stomach ache, or overall behavioral changes can also reflect high blood sugar levels. Hyperglycemia can occur in people who have not been diagnosed with diabetes, both chronically and acutely.
For those who are susceptible to hyperglycemia, either because of diabetes or a history of non-diabetic hyperglycemia, it is important to discuss your symptoms with your doctor before trying to treat yourself at home.
Some things your doctor might suggest for at-home treatment would be:
- limiting physical activity to avoid becoming overheated
- drink plenty of water or other fluids that do not contain sugar
- avoid eating carbohydrates and fat until your blood sugar is back into a safe range
Your doctor may suggest eating a small amount of protein, since high blood sugar often makes you feel hungry. If you are ever unsure about your blood sugar levels or treatment, the best course of action is always to contact your doctor.
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
Low blood sugar levels can be just as bad for your body as high blood sugar levels. While hypoglycemic symptoms can be experienced by anyone, diabetics are the most susceptible.
Your brain completely depends on sugars to function, and is not able to make these sugars on its own; therefore, when the body has a deficit of sugars, the situation can become dangerous for brain function. Because of the seriousness of low blood sugar levels, your body works very hard to alert you to its needs.
Common symptoms of low blood sugar include:
- increased nervousness
- sweating
- extreme hunger
- body tremors
- listlessness
- heart palpitations
- slurred or nonsensical speech
In the event that these symptoms become apparent, the person in question should immediately consume a regular soft drink, fruit juice, table sugar, hard candy, or another similar sugar that is easily absorbed to help raise blood sugar levels. Cookies, cakes, and other combined sugars are not considered beneficial because the additions of fat and protein cause them to take a longer period of time to absorb in the body.
Upon treatment of the symptoms, and once improvement can be clearly seen, it is a good idea to eat a more complex, lasting carbohydrate such as a sandwich or pasta in order to maintain desirable blood sugar levels. If treatment of the symptoms does not work after three sugar doses spaced about 10 minutes apart, an ambulance should be called immediately.
Neither high nor low blood sugar levels are desirable occurrences for any person to experience. It is for this reason that it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for keeping glucose levels under control, as well as eating more meals with a low glycemic index to help naturally regulate blood sugar levels.
If you believe you may be at risk for unhealthy blood sugar levels, it is wise to speak with your doctor about your concerns. If you are at risk for high or low blood sugar, your doctor can recommend the best courses of action and steps to prevention for your specific medical needs.
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