Keeping monitoring of your blood sugar levels is more important as we age. Recognising the signs of elevated blood sugar is critical for keeping healthy health. High blood sugar levels can be dangerous if not treated. While symptoms can vary, we will focus on the most prevalent indicators that you should be aware of.
Hyperglycemia happens when the body does not create enough insulin or is unable to use it correctly. Insulin is a hormone that allows glucose from food to enter our body’s cells and provide energy. If you have an insulin shortage, glucose cannot be taken into your system, resulting in elevated blood sugar levels. Prolonged high blood sugar levels can cause lasting damage to important organs such as the kidneys, blood vessels, nerves, and eyes.
Causes of Higher Blood Sugar Levels
Several causes contribute to higher blood sugar levels. This includes:
- Physical inactivity
- Fatigue
- The common cold
- Dehydration
- Excessive eating
- Excessive use of steroids
It’s crucial to realise that high blood sugar levels don’t always imply diabetes. However, they may be a symptom of the condition. People with diabetes may not exhibit many symptoms, however the following signs suggest elevated blood sugar:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Increased thirst
- Impotence
- Difficulty focusing
- Slow healing of cuts and wounds
- Recurring infections
- Digestive problems
- Increased appetite
- Nerve problems
- Dry and itchy skin
- Excess belly fat and weight gain
Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels
To effectively control blood sugar levels, it is critical to know which foods are safe to eat. Foods with high glycaemic indexes should be avoided. The glycaemic index is a scale that counts the number of carbs in foods that can boost blood sugar levels. The higher the number, the greater the likelihood of high blood sugar. Foods with a glycaemic index of 0 to 54 are considered low glycaemic and safer to consume.
List of Low Glycemic Index Foods
- 1 egg: 6
- A cup of broccoli: 10
- A cup of hummus: 6
- A cup of nuts: 15
- A cup of cashew nuts: 22
- A cup of cherries: 22
- A cup of yogurt: 23
- Medium-sized onion: 10
- Medium-sized apple: 38
- 1 Turkey sausage: 28
- A cup of spaghetti: 42
- A cup of green grapes: 46
- A cup of peas: 54
- 220 gr. of tomato juice: 38
- 220 gr. of pineapple juice: 46
- 1 carrot: 47
- 1 orange: 48
- 1 grapefruit: 50
- 1 banana: 52
Foods with a Glycemic Index Between 55-69
- A cup of brown rice: 55
- 1 serving of mac’n’cheese: 64
- A tablespoon of honey: 55
- A cup of oatmeal: 55
- A cup of white rice: 64
Foods with a High Glycemic Index to Avoid
- 2 cups of popcorn: 70
- Rice cake: 76
- A slice of white bread: 70
- 1 doughnut: 76
- Medium-sized baked potato: 85
- 1 portion of corn flakes: 92
- 50 gr. of glucose: 100
Remember, your diet plays a significant role in your overall health. If you experience symptoms of high blood sugar, it’s crucial to make dietary changes before more serious complications arise.
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