Hyperglycemia is a condition that usually goes hand in hand with diabetes. It involves the inability of your body to produce enough insulin or use it properly, both of which result in high blood glucose levels. If your blood sugars remains high for an extended period of time, it can increase your risk for heart disease and stroke. It can also lead to other health problems, such as kidney failure and blindness.
Symptoms
If your blood sugar gets too high, you might experience some of these symptoms: fatigue, increased thirst, blurry vision, and frequent urination. However, you might also be asymptomatic; even if this is the case, your body will still suffer from the damage hyperglycemia causes. Therefore, if you are diabetic or have a history of high blood sugar, it is important to regularly check your blood sugar levels.
Lifestyle Tips
Here are some tips for keeping your blood sugar regulated on a normal basis:
- Invest in medical nutrition therapy.
A diabetes diet, or medical nutrition therapy, is a food plan you set up with a dietician to manage your hyperglycemic symptoms. These diets are usually high in nutrients and low in fat and calories, incorporating foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. - Work nuts into your diet.
Nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and pistachios contain a healthy fat that can help slow the body’s absorption of sugar. As long as you limit your portions, these can be a good way to help regulate your blood sugar. - Consume whole grains.
Fiber-rich foods that contain beta-glucan increase the amount of time it takes for your stomach to empty after eating and prevent spikes in blood sugar. These foods might include oat bran, barley, and rye. - Remember your vegetables.
Eat non-starchy vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, and broccoli. These foods are also high in fiber, so they provide essential nutrients while also preventing surges in blood sugar levels. - Eat regularly.
Don’t skip meals, and make sure that your food intake is spread out evenly between each meal. Eating three balanced, healthy meals a day with a few good snacks in between can stabilize blood sugar levels. - Plan a heart-healthy diet.
Since diabetes accelerates the development of clogged and hardened arteries, hyperglycemic patients will have a higher risk of heart disease and stroke. To slow this, avoid certain foods in your diet, such as saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium. - Engage in exercise.
Some studies show that physical activity can help naturally lower your blood glucose levels.
High blood sugar can be a dangerous and even fatal condition if you do not take care of yourself correctly. If you are dealing with hyperglycemia, being informed and knowledgeable about your condition and the way that your body responds to certain foods is critical. Everyone is different, so figuring out what works the best for you specifically is the key to living a happy and healthy life.
