Keeping track of your blood sugar levels is extremely important, especially as you get older. It’s crucial to recognize the symptoms of high blood sugar levels so that you can take action right away. If left untreated, high blood sugar levels can seriously harm your health. Today, we’re going to share with you the most common symptoms to watch out for.
Signs of High Blood Sugar Levels
Hyperglycemia occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it properly. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose from food enter your cells, where it’s used as energy. Without enough insulin, glucose cannot be absorbed into the bloodstream. Prolonged high blood sugar levels can lead to permanent damage in various parts of your body, such as the kidneys, blood vessels, nerves, and eyes.
Here are the main causes of increased blood sugar levels:
- Physical inactivity
- Fatigue
- Common cold
- Dehydration
- Excessive eating
- Excessive use of steroids
Keep in mind that increased blood sugar levels do not automatically mean you have diabetes. However, they can be a symptom of the disease. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s important to get your blood sugar levels checked:
- 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
Managing Blood Sugar Levels
To effectively control your blood sugar levels, it’s essential to understand which foods you can safely consume. Foods with a high glycemic index should be avoided as they can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. The glycemic index is a scale that measures the number of carbs in foods and their potential impact on blood sugar levels. Lower glycemic index foods are generally better for you, while higher glycemic index foods should be consumed in moderation.
Here’s a list of low glycemic index foods that you can enjoy:
- 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
Here are some 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
And finally, here are some high glycemic index foods that you should 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 crucial role in your overall health. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of high blood sugar levels, it’s essential to make changes to your lifestyle before more serious problems occur.
