The blood sugar level in the body indicates the amount of glucose in the blood, which is a type of sugar which is the main energy source for the body.
We consume glucose through food, and it is being distributed to all cells throughout the body.
High blood glucose(blood sugar), or technically, hyperglycemia, occurs when the body cannot use glucose properly( type2 diabetes), or it has insufficient amounts of it (type 1 diabetes).
If this condition lasts longer, for instance, for months and years, it will permanently damage certain body parts, including the kidneys, blood vessels, nerves, and eyes.
In diabetics, the blood sugar levels can be increased due to various different factors, including:
- over-treating an episode of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- missing a dose or taking a wrong dose of the diabetes medication
- a lack of exercise
- stress
- an illness, like a common cold
- dehydration
- overeating, such as snacking between meals
- certain medicines, like steroid medication
Additionally, children and young adults may also experience occasional episodes of hyperglycemia during growth spurts.
High blood sugar symptoms
Increased blood sugar levels do not necessarily mean that you have diabetes, as high blood sugar is a symptom od diabetes.
In some cases, people with hyperglycemia, do not experience any signs of the condition.
However, these are the most common symptoms of high blood sugar:
- Frequent urination and/or urination during the night
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dry mouth
- Impotence
- Recurrent infections
- Slow healing of cuts and wounds
- Stomach problems
- Constant fatigue or extreme tiredness
- Increased thirst
- Dry and itchy skin
- Constant hunger
- Excess abdominal fat/weight gain
- Nerve problems
Reduce Blood Sugar Levels with Glycemic Food
The Glycemic Index or simple GI indicates a number of carbs in foods which increase blood sugar levels, and it can vary from 0 to 100.
High-GI ingredients are processed much faster than low-GI foods, so the consumption of the latter will reduce insulin levels. Moreover, those foods are also beneficial for losing extra weight.
The following list includes foods together with their glycemic index:
Low GI foods
(Foods with a GI between 0 and 54 are low Gi foods. You should consume them on a daily basis. )
- One egg – 0
- One cup of hummus equals – 6
- One cup of broccoli – 10
- One mid-sized yellow onion – 10
- One cup of walnuts – 15
- One cup of cherries – 22
- One cup of cashew nuts – 22
- One cup of yogurt – 23
- One Turkey sausage – 28
- One cup of kidney beans – 31
- One cup of butter beans – 34
- 8 ounces of tomato juice – 38
- One mid-sized apple – 38
- One cup of spaghetti – 42
- One cup of green grapes – 46
- Eight ounces of pineapple juice – 46
- One large carrot – 47
- One medium orange – 48
- One large grapefruit – 50
- One large banana – 52
- One cup of peas – 54
Moderate GI foods
( foods with a Gi between 55 and 69 are considered to be moderate GI foods, so you should consume them in moderate amounts)
- One cup of brown rice – 55
- One tablespoon of raw honey – 55
- One cup of oatmeal – 58
- One cup of regular white rice – 64
- One serving of macaroni and cheese – 64
High GI foods
(High Gi foods are between 70 and 100 on the scale, and their regular consumption causes various severe health problems. It is highly recommended to avoid these foods)
- One slice of regular white bread – 70
- 2 cups of popcorn – 72
- One doughnut (glazed) – 76
- One rice cake – 78
- One mid-sized baked potato – 85
- One serving of corn flakes – 92
- 50 grams of glucose – 100
Our diet dramatically affects our general health, especially blood sugar levels. Therefore, if you experience these symptoms of hyperglycemia, you should make some dietary changes and try to naturally maintain a healthy balance, before it causes further complications.