Managing your blood sugar levels is crucial, especially as you get older. Identifying the symptoms of high blood sugar and taking prompt action is essential for maintaining your health. These symptoms are easy to recognize and should not be ignored. In this article, we will discuss the most common signs of high blood sugar that you should pay attention to.
Hyperglycemia occurs when your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or cannot use it effectively. Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose from the food you eat enter your body’s cells, where it is used as energy. When there is an insulin deficiency, glucose cannot be absorbed into your bloodstream. If left untreated for a long time, this can lead to permanent damage to organs such as the kidneys, blood vessels, nerves, and eyes.
Main Causes of High Blood Sugar
Several factors can contribute to increased blood sugar levels. Some of the main causes include:
- Lack of physical activity
- Fatigue
- Common cold
- Dehydration
- Excessive eating
- Overuse of steroids
It’s important to note that elevated blood sugar levels do not necessarily mean you have diabetes. However, they may be a symptom of the disease. People with diabetes may not experience many symptoms, but the following signs indicate high blood sugar levels:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- 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 manage your blood sugar levels effectively, it’s crucial to be aware of the foods you eat. Avoiding high glycemic index foods is key. The glycemic index is a scale that indicates the impact of carbohydrates in foods on your blood sugar levels. The higher the number on the scale, the greater the risk of elevated blood sugar levels. Foods with a glycemic index between 0 and 54 are considered low glycemic foods and are safer options.
List of Low Glycemic Index Foods
Here are some examples of low glycemic index foods that you can consume in moderation:
- 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
These foods have a slightly higher glycemic index, but they can still be consumed in moderation:
- 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
These foods have a high glycemic index and should be avoided or consumed sparingly:
- 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 any symptoms of high blood sugar, it’s crucial to make changes to your habits before more severe complications arise.
