Excessive blood glucose might be brought on by many issues. Figuring out the commonest causes may also help you handle your blood glucose and keep away from issues.
Consuming meals excessive in carbohydrates, particularly refined sugars and easy carbohydrates (referred to as processed, excessive GI meals), can result in speedy spikes in your blood glucose ranges. Meals reminiscent of sugary snacks, sweetened drinks, white bread, jasmine rice, and pastries are widespread culprits.
fact-sheet-carbohydrate-counting.pdf (ndss.com.au)
The glycemic index truth sheet (ndss.com.au)
When you’ve got diabetes, your physique is both producing much less insulin and/or your physique is proof against insulin (sort 2 diabetes), or your physique produces no insulin in any respect (sort 1 diabetes). An absence of insulin can cease glucose from coming into physique cells correctly and in time, so the glucose stays in your blood stream, and your blood glucose ranges rise.
Lack of exercise can scale back your physique’s potential to make use of glucose successfully. This could result in greater blood glucose ranges. While you transfer extra your insulin works higher.
Stress triggers the discharge of hormones reminiscent of cortisol and adrenaline (stress hormones), which might trigger blood glucose ranges to rise. Persistent stress can contribute to long-term blood glucose imbalances.
Sure medicines, reminiscent of corticosteroids, some antidepressants, and sure bronchial asthma medicines, can elevate blood glucose ranges as a aspect impact.
Throughout sickness or an infection, your physique releases stress hormones to battle the sickness. This could elevate blood glucose ranges.
Excessive blood glucose may cause signs reminiscent of elevated thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred imaginative and prescient, and complications. If very excessive, it could possibly result in electrolyte imbalance, inflicting dehydration and/or Hyper Osmolar Hyperglycemic State (HSS) in individuals with sort 2 diabetes and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a life-threatening situation, in individuals with sort 1 diabetes.
Over time, excessive blood glucose can harm blood vessels. This could trigger coronary heart illness, nerve harm, kidney issues, eye harm, and extra infections.
Examine your blood glucose recurrently if suggested by your physician or diabetes educator.
Eat complete grains, legumes, fruits, and greens, much less processed meals and low GI carbohydrates. Embrace lean proteins and wholesome fat. Ask your physician to refer you to a dietitian.
Eat smaller, extra frequent meals to keep away from massive spikes.
Meals and Vitamin Assets | NDSS
Sitting much less and constructing muscle are essential. Actions like strolling, biking, or swimming may also help you to maintain you blood glucose in your goal vary. In case you are unsure about your goal vary, communicate along with your diabetes educator.
Bodily Exercise | NDSS
Observe your physician’s recommendation for any medicines you want, together with insulin.
Follow deep respiration, meditation, or hobbies to cut back stress.
Emotional and Psychological Well being | NDSS
Drink loads of water to stop dehydration. Consuming water gained’t decrease your blood glucose ranges, however it could possibly assist you handle your glucose ranges. Consuming sufficient water is wholesome, with analysis linking it to a lowered danger of excessive blood glucose and efficient for flushing waste out your kidneys.
Go to your physician recurrently to observe your well being and alter your remedy as wanted. Figuring out in case you are outdoors your goal blood glucose vary might assist you to make modifications. See your physician for normal checks.
Annual cycle of care (ndss.com.au)
By understanding the causes of excessive blood glucose ranges and methods to handle them, you could possibly enhance your diabetes self-care and keep away from problems.
For extra assist, comply with the hyperlinks within the article or name the NDSS helpline at 1800 637 700 and ask to talk with a Credentialled Diabetes Educator (CDE), Accredited Practising Dietitian or Accredited Train Physiologist.
By Vania Khoury, Credentialled Diabetes Educator and Registered Nurse
