Diabetes is one of the most common diseases, with millions of people diagnosed worldwide. It is a long-lasting health condition that impacts our body’s ability to produce or use insulin. When there isn’t enough insulin in our body or when our blood cells stop responding to insulin, too much blood sugar circulates in our bloodstream.
Over time, this can cause several health problems, such as vision loss, heart disease, or kidney disease. Diabetes can be managed by regulating our blood sugar levels and being aware of what leads to spikes in our blood sugar. It is also vital to know about the normal and dangerous levels of blood sugar to prevent the onset of diabetes.
Normal Blood Sugar Levels
The expected fasting blood glucose concentration values are between 70 mg/dL (3.9 mmol/L) and 100 mg/dL (5.6 mmol/L).
High blood Sugar Levels
A fasting blood sugar level between 100 and 125 mg/dL (5.6 to 6.9 mmol/L) is considered prediabetes. If the blood sugar level is 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) or higher on two separate tests, you have diabetes.
Risk factors that may hike up blood sugar levels
-
An illness, such as a cold
-
Excessive stress
-
Dehydration
-
Eating too much, such as snacking between meals
-
Lack of physical activity
-
Overweight or obesity
-
Missing a dose of diabetes medication
Tips To Manage Diabetes Naturally
Healthy Foods: A diabetic diet focuses on eating healthful meals regularly. This helps the body use the insulin it produces or obtains from medication more effectively.
Avoid Sugary Drinks: Sugar-sweetened beverages are often heavy in calories and poor in nutrients. Such drinks cause blood sugar levels to rise rapidly. So, if one has diabetes, they should restrict consuming such beverages. However, having low blood sugar levels is an exception. Sugary beverages can be used to swiftly increase blood sugar levels.
Stay Physically Active: Go for a stroll or jog, select some simple workouts to incorporate into daily routines, and concentrate on your body’s requirements. Being physically active aids in weight management, blood pressure, and sugar regulation and improves our capacity to do daily tasks.
Manage Stress: Stress hormones can induce an increase in blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and the development of diabetes. As a result, stress management is critical for preventing diabetes.
Monitor Levels: If an individual has diabetes, he or she must monitor their blood sugar levels regularly. The optimum times to monitor blood sugar levels are before meals and sleep. You may simply monitor your blood sugar levels with a glucose meter, test strips, or a CGM system.
High blood sugar levels can complicate our health and impact our overall well-being. Maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle is advised to reduce the risk of diabetes. One must consult a diabetologist to manage blood sugar levels and control diabetes.
FAQ on High blood sugar levels
How do you stop high blood sugar?
-
Exercise regularly
-
Eat more fiber
-
Drink plenty of water
-
Eat moderate portions
-
Manage your stress
-
Get enough sleep
-
Foods rich in chromium and magnesium
What food reduces blood sugar?
Eating protein—such as meat and fish, tofu, nuts, eggs, and cheese—with carbohydrates can slow the flow of glucose and help stabilize blood sugar.
Is 200 blood sugar normal after eating?
After two hours of meal, less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L ) is considered healthy.
How do you permanently get rid of blood sugar?
There’s no cure for type 2 diabetes. However, some dietary changes and weight loss can help manage this condition.
What food reduces blood sugar?
Eating protein—such as meat, fish, tofu, nuts, eggs, cheese, and carbohydrates can slow the flow of glucose levels and help stabilize blood sugar.
