Introduction
High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, is a serious health concern that can lead to a variety of health complications. It is important to be aware of the warning signs of dangerously high blood sugar so that you can take steps to manage it. Eating the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones can help keep your blood sugar levels in check. In this article, we will discuss the warning signs of dangerously high blood sugar and provide tips on what to eat and what to avoid to help keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range.
Warning Signs Your Blood Sugar is “Dangerously High” — Eat This Not That
High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, is a serious health condition that can lead to a number of serious health complications. It is important to be aware of the warning signs of dangerously high blood sugar so that you can take steps to lower it and avoid potential health risks.
Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Sugar
The most common signs and symptoms of high blood sugar include:
- Frequent urination
- Excessive thirst
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- Slow healing of cuts and bruises
What to Eat to Lower Blood Sugar
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important to take steps to lower your blood sugar. Eating a healthy diet is one of the best ways to do this. Foods that are high in fiber, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, can help to slow the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream. Additionally, foods that are low in sugar and high in protein, such as lean meats, fish, and eggs, can help to keep your blood sugar levels stable.
What Not to Eat to Lower Blood Sugar
In addition to eating the right foods, it is important to avoid foods that can cause your blood sugar to spike. Foods that are high in sugar, such as candy, cakes, and cookies, should be avoided. Additionally, foods that are high in refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pasta, can cause your blood sugar to rise quickly. Finally, it is important to limit your intake of sugary drinks, such as soda and juice.
Conclusion
High blood sugar can be a serious health condition, so it is important to be aware of the warning signs and take steps to lower it. Eating a healthy diet that is low in sugar and high in fiber and protein can help to keep your blood sugar levels stable. Additionally, avoiding foods that are high in sugar and refined carbohydrates can help to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
Blood sugar is a vital part of our overall well-being and when there’s an imbalance your health is at risk for serious complications like heart disease, kidney disease and stroke. “Simply put, it’s your body’s main source of energy. You can’t survive without it,” Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, Urgent Care Medical Director and Physician, Carbon Health and Saint Mary’s Hospital tells us. The symptoms of high blood sugar can range from subtle to signs you can’t ignore and Dr. Curry-Winchell explains what to look out for and why. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, “Hyperglycemia, or high blood glucose, occurs when there is too much sugar in the blood. This happens when your body has too little insulin (the hormone that transports glucose into the blood), or if your body can’t use insulin properly. The condition is most often linked with diabetes.”
Dr. Curry-Winchell explains, “A blood sugar level (glucose) greater than 180, one to two hours after eating is considered too high. A number from 100 to 125 is considered too high if you haven’t eaten for at least 8 hours.”
According to Dr. Curry-Winchell, “Too much sugar in the bloodstream for an extended amount of time will damage your blood vessels responsible for delivering blood to organs such as your heart and kidney.”
Dr. Curry-Winchell tells us, “Not everyone will notice signs of high blood sugar. Some of the symptoms can be subtle such as fatigue or an increase in thirst can develop slowly.”
“Extra sugar (glucose) does not mean more energy,” Dr. Curry-Winchell emphasizes. “The body is not able to use the excess sugar to fuel what your body needs for extra activity.”
“The kidneys are unable to filter excess sugar in your blood and respond by attempting to remove it — which increases the amount of time/frequency you urinate and puts you at risk for dehydration,” says Dr. Curry-Winchell.
Dr. Curry-Winchell explains, “If you are losing weight (involuntarily), although your appetite has increased or stayed the same. This happens because there isn’t enough insulin to respond to excess glucose in the body. To supply your body with energy, the body uses stored fat and muscle.”
Dr. Curry-Winchell tells us, “Elevated glucose levels can increase the amount of blood vessels that form behind the eye (retina). The extra vessels are harmful and can lead to a risk of becoming blind.”
“Nerve damage also referred to as neuropathy can occur which can signal numbness or tingling in your fingers, toes, hands, and feet,” Dr. Curry-Winchell says.
Heather Newgen