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Individuals and Families. Health and Wellness. Wellness Library. Symptoms of High Blood Sugar. Topic Overview High blood sugar hyperglycemia is most often seen in people who have diabetes that isn't well controlled. A doctor can make the best recommendations regarding blood sugar monitoring to a person with diabetes.
Researchers have carried out studies showing that eating a low-carbohydrate, high-protein diet reduces blood sugar levels. The body breaks down carbohydrates into sugar that the body uses as energy. Some carbs are necessary in the diet. However, for people with diabetes, eating too many carbohydrates can cause blood sugar to spike too high.
The two main kinds of carbohydrates — simple and complex — affect blood sugar levels differently. Simple carbohydrates are mainly made up of one kind of sugar. They are found in foods, such as white bread, pasta, and candy.
The body breaks these carbohydrates down into sugar very quickly, which causes blood sugar levels to rise rapidly. Complex carbohydrates are made up of three or more sugars that are linked together. Because the chemical makeup of these kinds of carbohydrates is complicated, it takes the body longer to break them down.
As a result, sugar is released into the body more gradually, meaning that blood sugar levels do not rapidly rise after eating them. Examples of complex carbohydrates include whole grain oats and sweet potatoes. The glycemic index measures and ranks various foods by how much they cause blood sugar levels to rise. Research shows that following a low glycemic index diet decreases fasting blood sugar levels. Low glycemic index foods are those that score below 55 on the glycemic index.
Examples of low glycemic foods include:. Fiber plays a significant role in blood sugar management by slowing down the rate that carbohydrates break down, and the rate that the body absorbs the resulting sugars.
The two types of fiber are soluble and insoluble fiber. Of the two types, soluble fiber is the most helpful in controlling blood sugar. Losing weight helps control blood sugar levels. Being overweight is linked to increased incidents of diabetes and greater occurrences of insulin resistance.
Studies show that reducing weight by even only 7 percent can reduce the chances of developing diabetes by 58 percent. It is important to note that a person does not need to achieve ideal body weight to benefit from losing 10—20 pounds and keeping it off. Eating a healthful diet full of fruits and vegetables and getting enough exercise can help a person lose weight or maintain their currently healthy weight.
At most meals, a person should follow portion guidelines provided by a doctor or nutritionist. Overeating at a sitting can cause a spike in blood sugar. Although simple carbohydrates are typically associated with elevated blood sugar levels, all food causes blood sugar levels to rise. Careful control of portions can keep blood sugar levels more controlled. Exercise has many benefits for people with diabetes, including weight loss and increased insulin sensitivity.
Insulin is a hormone that helps people break down sugar in the body. People with diabetes either do not make enough or any insulin in their body or are resistant to the insulin the body does produce. The percentage refers to the amount of hemoglobin that glucose has bound to in the blood. A doctor will work with a person to establish their suitable blood sugar levels and help them stay close to their target goals.
It can show if glucose management strategies are working over time. A doctor will need to carry out two tests to diagnose diabetes unless the person shows clear signs of the condition.
Ideal blood sugar levels vary at different ages. However, they do not differentiate by age. A doctor will advise on levels that are suitable to the individual.
Experts note that strict adherence to complex blood sugar targets is not always the best approach, especially for children. Parents may find that a doctor provides more straightforward guidelines for children than adults if the benefits outweigh the risks. The following are average guideline levels for teens, but people should ask a doctor for individual recommendations. Gestational diabetes can occur during pregnancy. Often, it is a temporary condition, but it can lead to pregnancy complications.
The American Diabetes Association ADA recommends that people with a diagnosis of gestational diabetes aim for blood sugar levels similar to those for people without diabetes, although individual targets may vary. A doctor will advise the individual on what to do if blood sugar levels are not within the target range. Target levels vary throughout the day. They tend to be lower before eating and after exercise and higher an hour or so after meals.
Blood sugar charts often show recommended levels as a range, allowing for differences between individuals. Why is diabetes more common in Black Americans? Find out here. A person with very low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia , may notice the following symptoms:.
If levels remain low, the person should seek medical advice. If the individual loses consciousness, someone should seek emergency medical help.
High blood sugar is called hyperglycemia and may lead to:. Exercising may help. If high levels persist, the person should speak to a doctor as they may need to adjust their treatment plan. A person should also contact a doctor if high or low blood sugar symptoms are severe, as they may need emergency medical attention. What is a diabetic emergency, and what action should a person take?
Monitoring blood sugar levels is an important part of diabetes management. A monitoring plan may include:. Typical times a person will check their levels include:.
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