Controlling high blood sugar
Dear Donovan,
I have high blood sugar. What is good for controlling high spikes in the blood?
Blood sugar spikes which are maintained over prolonged periods are usually caused by diabetes mellitus. Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases which affect how the body uses glucose. Glucose is very important as the primary source of energy to the cells and brain. However, people with diabetes usually have too much glucose in their blood. Diabetes mellitus is usually caused by the pancreas not producing enough insulin (type 1 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) or the body not responding effectively to the insulin that is produced (type 2 non-insulin dependent diabetes). In addition, there is also another form of diabetes that may present itself in some pregnant women — gestational diabetes.
The most common diabetes symptoms include frequent urination, intense thirst and hunger, weight gain or unexplained weight loss, fatigue, cuts and bruises which do not heal quickly, sexual dysfunction in men, and numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. For people with diabetes, it is very important to control the sugar levels.
It should be noted that diabetes can affect the entire body. People with diabetes may have eye complications, for example, glaucoma and cataracts. Skin complications are also seen in some diabetics. In addition, nerve complications, for example, neuropathy, is also sometimes seen in some diabetics. Also, the risk of cardiovascular diseases are much higher in diabetics.
It is therefore important that the blood pressure and cholesterol levels are checked regularly. In addition, people who are overweight and those who are obese have a much higher risk of developing diabetes.
If you are a type 1 diabetic, eating healthy, doing adequate exercise and taking insulin can help you live a normal life. People with type 2 diabetes who are eating healthily, are physically active and who test their blood glucose levels regularly may be able to control their blood sugar levels. Low blood glucose levels (hypoglycaemic) is just as bad as a high sugar level (hyperglycaemic). As much as possible, diabetics want to reduce spikes in their glucose levels.
Healthy eating is a very important to controlling this condition. It is also important to understand portion size and the glycaemic index of the foods we eat. It is also necessary to control the carbohydrate intake and therefore the amount of sugar released into the bloodstream. It is best to avoid sugar and sweetened beverages such as sodas. Consuming smaller meal portions more frequently may also help to reduce glucose spikes. If you are on medication it is very important to balance your medicine with your food.
Regular exercising can also help to keep the blood glucose levels under control. Also, keeping the body hydrated is helpful. Drinking plenty water while exercising is also important as dehydration can affect the sugar levels.
We will answer your weight-related questions
Are you struggling to lose weight or just need some advice on living a healthier life? Tell us about your health issues and we’ll have nutritionist and wellness coach Donovan Grant answer them for you. Grant has over 12 years’ experience in the fitness industry and is the owner of DG’s Nutrition and Wellness Centre, 39 Lady Musgrave Road, Kingston 5. Call him at 876-286-1363. E-mail questions to clarkep@jamaicaobserver.com.
