High Blood Sugar – Symptoms and Foods to Avoid

High Blood Sugar – Symptoms and Foods to Avoid

Managing high blood sugar is essential to avoid serious health issues like diabetes or heart disease. However, you must first learn what high blood sugar (or hyperglycemia) is. Recognizing the signs of high blood sugar and the foods that can cause a spike helps prevent CKD type 2 diabetes. This article will discuss what constitutes high blood sugar levels and which foods to avoid to keep your numbers in check.

What is high blood sugar?
High blood sugar (or hyperglycemia) occurs when the blood has too much sugar (glucose). Glucose is the body’s primary energy source, but too much of it in the bloodstream can cause damage to the body’s organs and tissues.
Usually, the hormone insulin helps to regulate the amount of glucose in the blood by allowing it to enter cells and be used for energy. However, when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or doesn’t use it properly, glucose can build up in the blood, resulting in high blood sugar.
If left untreated, high blood sugar can cause serious health problems, including nerve damage, kidney damage, and even blindness. Thus, it’s essential to monitor blood sugar levels and consult a healthcare professional if you experience symptoms of high blood sugar.

Symptoms of high blood sugar

Frequent urination
When there is too much sugar in the body, the kidneys may be unable to filter it out, resulting in frequent urination. Consequently, you may frequently feel thirsty.

Fatigue
High blood sugar can cause fatigue and weakness, as the body’s cells may not be getting enough glucose for energy.

Blurred vision
One of the side effects of hyperglycemia is blurred vision because the excess sugar causes fluid to be pulled from the lenses in your eyes, making them unable to focus correctly.

Headaches
High blood sugar can cause headaches resulting from dehydration or changes in blood flow to the brain.

Dry mouth and skin
High blood sugar can cause dry mouth and skin, resulting from frequent thirst, urination, and dehydration.

Increased hunger
When the body cannot use glucose effectively, it can lead to increased hunger.

If you experience these symptoms of hyperglycemia, you might be on the lookout for preparing a healthy meal plan to control your blood sugar. The following list of unhealthy (disguised as healthy) foods and beverages may help you decide wisely. Read ahead to take control of high blood sugar and prevent CKD type 2 diabetes.

5 foods that surprisingly increase blood sugar

Fruit juice
Fruit juice can be a tasty and healthy addition to a person’s meal, but it is essential to consider how it affects blood sugar levels. For example, drinking excessive fruit juice can raise blood sugar as the natural fruit sugars break down during digestion. Even if the label claims it’s all-natural, you should be cautious of added sugars or sweeteners often present in store-bought varieties.
To prevent CKD type 2 diabetes, try making fresh juices at home with fewer sweeteners or diluting them with water. Better yet, consume whole fruits to take advantage of the fruit’s fibers that get discarded in juices.

Cereal bars
Consuming cereal bars can be an easy, convenient way to boost energy. However, it is important to note the nutritional content, as some cereal bars can significantly increase blood sugar levels. It is because most cereal bars are full of sugar, refined grains, and carbohydrates, which your body quickly converts into glucose.
Unless the cereal bar has a low glycemic index and is relatively low in sugar and carbs, eating them may cause fluctuations in your blood sugar levels throughout the day. It is always best to choose healthier cereal bar options containing whole grains, fiber, and healthy fats.

Sports drinks
Sports drinks are a popular way to rehydrate and refuel. They often contain carbohydrates and electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These compounds help replace the body’s salt and fluids lost through sweat during exercise.
However, many of these drinks contain dextrose, a simple form of sugar that can increase your blood glucose level quickly. When absorbed into the bloodstream, it provides a direct energy source of glucose, which aids in performance during rigorous exercise or activities. As a result, consuming a sports drink can quickly raise blood sugar levels when depleted so athletes can perform at their best!

Granola
Granola, often touted as a healthy breakfast, can increase blood sugar levels in several ways. First, the carbohydrates found in most granola mixes are sources of simple sugars such as fructose and sucrose, which can spike blood sugar quickly. Additionally, any added sweeteners used in the processing by the producer can further raise your glucose level.
Finally, granola often has mixed healthy vegetable oils (such as canola) broken down into fatty acids. These fatty acids can also impact blood sugar levels if they remain in the gut too long. Knowing this information is valuable to prevent CKD type 2 diabetes.

Iced tea
Iced tea may be a delicious drink on a hot day. However, it can pose health risks. If made with sugar or sweetener, your blood sugar levels are broken down and released into the bloodstream as glucose. So, if you’re health-conscious and watching your sugar intake, opt for unsweetened teas and coffees that still provide health benefits without the potential risks of high blood sugar levels.

Conclusion
Knowing the signs and symptoms of high blood sugar is important for managing it properly. Furthermore, since food can be a significant component of controlling blood sugar levels, knowing which food items should be avoided at all costs is essential. Simple lifestyle changes such as avoiding sugary foods and regular exercising are the most effective ways to treat high blood sugar.
Remember, with consistent monitoring and management, you can easily keep your blood sugar levels in the healthy range. Lastly, if you experience any changes in how your body behaves or feel any symptoms of high blood sugar, it is best to consult a physician immediately.

Recommended

Tips to Manage Age-related Macular Degeneration

Tips to Manage Age-related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition threatening one’s eyesight and general health. In AMD, the macula, the part of the eye that helps produce the most detailed and sharpest vision, starts to break down and thin, resulting in vision loss. It is one of the most prevalent causes of blindness in people aged 60 or older. Though there is no definite cure for AMD, some things can postpone its onset or lower its severity. Being aware of family history Family history and genetics are one of the leading causes of AMD. So, if you have a first-degree relative with AMD, your chances of developing it are also higher. Hence, you must be vigilant and educate yourself on the potential AMD signs, such as the inability to adapt to low light conditions, difficulty identifying faces, and straight lines looking wavy. Knowledge of these symptoms can help you reach out to an ophthalmologist and get timely treatment while AMD is still in an early stage. Getting routine comprehensive medical checkups In the early stages of AMD, you might not experience any symptoms. Hence, routine comprehensive eye exams with an ophthalmologist can help with timely diagnosis and treatment. It holds even for adults 40 or older with no risk factors or signs because this is when you may develop early AMD symptoms or experience changes in vision.
Foods to Eat and Avoid After Dental Implants

Foods to Eat and Avoid After Dental Implants

Dental implants are a major surgical procedure. Hence, you must take the necessary post-operative measures to ensure a speedy recovery. One of the first things you will feel after the surgery is hunger, as dental implants demand abstaining from food for six hours since the procedure temporarily impacts your chewing ability. So, you must adhere to selective foods and avoid some, especially for two weeks. Therefore, here’s a list of foods to eat and avoid: Foods to eat Smoothies In the initial days post-surgery, you may be unable to chew your favorite food. So, the next best thing is drinking it as a smoothie. Smoothies are wholesome and tasty meals. You can make them with whatever vegetable or fruits you like, ensuring they have a high nutritional value and are rich in vitamins. Muffins You might be unable to eat the muffins on the first or the second-day post-surgery, but after the initial few days, you can easily enjoy a good muffin. They are easy to chew and are very delicious. Hence, they can be an incredible snack or breakfast option following dental implant surgery. Potatoes They are versatile and soft. You can prepare them in different ways. So, even if you eat the same ingredient, you will not get bored.
Atrial Fibrillation – Causes, Signs, and Remedies

Atrial Fibrillation – Causes, Signs, and Remedies

Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, is characterized by an irregular heart rhythm or arrhythmia in the atria or the heart’s upper two chambers. It causes a disturbance in the typical cycle of the electrical impulses in the heart. The condition results in a rapid and chaotic heart rhythm and poor blood movement from the upper chambers to the ventricles or the lower chambers. Below, we address the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and management of AFib. Causes AFib, or a change in the electrical signals in the heart, can affect anyone, regardless of age. But it is more prevalent in older people. A few risk factors that amplify the condition’s susceptibility are: Heart diseases People with an underlying heart condition, like a heart attack, coronary artery disease, and heart failure, have a greater risk of AFib. Hypertension If left unchecked, high blood pressure can strain the heart and aggravate the risk of this disorder. Familial link People with a family history of AFib have a greater chance of suffering from the condition. Sleep apnea This sleep disorder can also increase a person’s susceptibility to AFib, especially if it is severe. Besides the above, other chronic conditions like diabetes, asthma, and thyroid also put a person at risk of this heart problem.
13 Tips to Make a Low-Vision Friendly Home

13 Tips to Make a Low-Vision Friendly Home

If you are one of the millions affected by macular degeneration, you must know that this degenerative eye disease can make everyday activities difficult. Even something as simple as reading a book or watching TV can be challenging. For example, you can do a few things to stay comfortably at home with low vision. In this article, we will share 13 tips on making a low-vision-friendly home to make everyday living easier. What is macular degeneration? It is a condition that impacts the macula, which is the central part of the retina, and occurs when the macula deteriorates or breaks down. Macular degeneration symptoms Symptoms of macular degeneration include blurred or distorted vision, difficulty reading or seeing fine details, and a change in color perception. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see an eye doctor for a comprehensive dilated eye exam. Why does a low-vision-friendly home play a crucial part in patients with macular degeneration? A low-vision-friendly home design helps people with macular degeneration live as independently as possible while still enjoying their surroundings. In addition, it can provide them with a safe and functional environment to improve their contrast and visibility. Helpful tips for a low-vision friendly home Use bright and contrasting colors Using bright colors can help make objects more visible and easier to see.
Macular Degeneration – Causes, Symptoms, and More

Macular Degeneration – Causes, Symptoms, and More

Macular degeneration is a progressive disease that destroys the macula, the part of the eye that allows you to see fine details. It can make activities like reading, writing, and driving difficult or impossible. The disease typically occurs in older adults and can lead to blindness. While macular degeneration can be managed in its early stages, it has no cure. This article discusses the causes, risk factors, symptoms, and treatments of macular degeneration. What is macular degeneration? Macular degeneration is a disease of the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye. There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet. The former develops when the macula dries out and loses its function. Wet macular degeneration is a result of new blood vessels under the retina leaking fluid or blood, causing vision loss. Symptoms of macular degeneration The symptoms of macular degeneration can develop differently in individuals, but here are the typical signs one must note. One of the main symptoms is a gradual loss of central vision, which can progress over time and may not be noticeable at first. Additional symptoms are difficulty reading small print or close-up objects, trouble seeing in dim light or when looking up from a low angle, problems with depth perception and peripheral vision, and poor night vision.
What is Eczema and How to Treat It

What is Eczema and How to Treat It

Eczema is a chronic skin disease characterized by dry, red, and itchy skin. It typically appears around the arms, elbows, and knees; however, it can show up anywhere. As the condition can flare up due to various triggers, it is vital to understand its nature and how to treat it. This article provides a guide to everything one needs to know about eczema, from its causes and symptoms to treatment options and helpful management tips. What is eczema? Eczema is a skin condition that can be both painful and itchy. It can also be embarrassing, as it often appears as a rash on the face, hands, or other visible areas of the body. Because eczema weakens your skin’s barrier, you’re also more susceptible to infection. Is eczema contagious? There is no scientific evidence to support the idea that eczema is contagious. There are some reports of people with eczema who have also had close family members with it, but these cases are rare and not always linked. Something in the person’s environment (such as dust mites or other allergens) may trigger the condition in someone who has never had it before. Symptoms of eczema Eczema is a skin condition that can be extremely frustrating for those who suffer from it.