Have high blood sugar? How to get it under control

HIGH blood sugar, or hyperglycaemia as it is medically termed, is a condition offset by the body’s inability to maintain a normal blood glucose level. This is usually the result of one of two things — the pancreas not producing insulin or a build-up of glucose in the bloodstream caused by the body cells’ resistance to the insulin. Dr Samantha Nicholson, internist at Imani Medical Centre, Papine Plaza, says the condition causes much discomfort and remains one of the leading causes of several health complications such as heart attacks, stroke and even blindness. However, she advised that control of the condition can be achieved with lifestyle modification and medication.“Diabetes is a multifactorial disease, and accordingly requires a dynamic and multidimensional approach. In my experience, actively involving patients and equipping them with the tools and knowledge to do so will produce more success than the traditional one-sided authoritarian approach,” Dr Nicholson said.She noted that proper care and management includes a mixture of exercise, diet and medicine.“In the case of type 1 diabetic patients, insulin is required or else they will die, so no amount of dietary modification will make a tangible difference. So for them, control boils down to taking medication, eating right, and taking regular exercise,” she pointed out.On the other hand, Dr Nicholson said that a vast majority of diabetics are of the type 2 variety, and they respond to varying degrees of lifestyle modification.“Assessing weight is important to obese diabetic patients. Small changes in weight, even 10 per cent, can make a dramatic difference for the severely overweight patients. Dramatic weight loss can make it easier to stabilise blood sugar levels, sometimes even producing a cure. This is seen frequently when such persons undergo bariatric surgery,” Dr Nicholson explained.In terms of eating habits that could result in weight reduction and general health, Dr Nicholson said this should include more complex carbohydrates such as yam instead of bread, sweet potato instead of rice, more protein, vegetables and low-fat dairy. Also, avoid simple sugars or high glycaemic index foods like biscuits, Irish potato, doughnuts, cookies, and crackers. Fruits should be eaten in moderation as these contain sugar, but it is better to eat fruits rather than drink fruit juices.“Another important aspect of lifestyle changes that diabetic patients should aim for is regular exercise — ideally aerobics — enough to get the heart rate in the zone,” Dr Nicholson advised.Other recommendations for control include:•Patients on insulin-based regimens, with regular home checks, are able to self-adjust doses. For example, if they know they’ll be eating more than usual (for instance at a party), then they can top up their insulin dose to prevent surges in sugar readings, or they can lower their dose based on need as they exercise and modify doses.• In partnership with your doctor, check your sugar readings to facilitate streamlined personalised care.