Do you feel like your sugar levels are out of control? Are you struggling to maintain a healthy weight, or feeling tired and run down all the time? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of people are dealing with the same issue. But there is hope! In this blog post, we will discuss how to control sugar levels and improve your overall health. By following these simple tips, you can start feeling better.
How do I know if I have diabetes?
There are a few different ways to test for diabetes. A fasting blood sugar test is when you fast for at least eight hours and then have your blood sugar levels checked. A random blood sugar test is when your blood sugar levels are checked without fasting first. A glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) test is when your doctor checks how were your average blood sugar levels over the past three months. If any of these tests show that you have high blood sugar levels, it’s important to talk to your doctor. They can help you make lifestyle changes or prescribe medication if necessary. By keeping your sugar levels under control, you can improve your overall health and avoid serious complications down the road.
What are the Symptoms?
Before we get into how to control sugar levels, let’s first discuss the symptoms. This will help you know if you are dealing with high sugar levels. Some common symptoms include:
- Feeling tired all the time
- Feeling thirstier than usual
- Having to pee more often
- Numb or tingling feet
- Cravings for sugary or starchy foods
- Feeling irritable or moody
- Experiencing headaches or dizziness
- Having blurry vision
- Getting infections on skin that take a long time to heal
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor. They can run some tests to check your sugar levels and confirm if they are too high. Once you have a diagnosis, you can start working on finding a solution. But don’t worry, there are plenty of options available! Let’s take a look at some of the best ways to control sugar levels.
How can I check my blood sugar?
There are a few ways to check your blood sugar levels. You can use a glucometer, which is a small device that pricks your finger and measures the amount of sugar in your blood. Another option is to have a fasting blood sugar test, which is done by taking a sample of your blood after you have not eaten for at least eight hours. This test will give you a better idea of your overall blood sugar levels.
What causes blood sugar to be high?
There are a few different things that can cause your blood sugar to be high. It can affect people with type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, as well as pregnant women can get gestational diabetes.
A variety of reasons can trigger blood sugar these are:
- stress
- any other illness such as cold
- eating too much, such as snacking between meals
- a lack of exercise
- dehydration
- missing a dose of your sugar medication, or taking an incorrect dose
- over-treating hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
- taking certain medicines, such as steroid medication
High blood sugar can also occur in children and young adults during growth spurts.
What are the complications of high blood sugar?
If your blood sugar is too high for a long time, it can cause serious health problems. If left untreated, high blood sugar can lead to serious complications like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and nerve damage. Make sure to consult your doctor if you have the following serious complications
- Trouble breathing
- Vomiting
- Extreme thirst or a very dry mouth
- Having to pee too often
- Dry skin
- Weakness on one side of body
- Breath that smells like fruit
- Confusion
- Headache
- Rapid heartbeat
- Difficulty staying awake
How to control high blood sugar
There are simple measures you can do to reduce your risk of prolonged high sugar:
Make Changes to Your Diet
One of the most important things you can do to control sugar levels is to make changes to your diet. This means eating fewer sugary and starchy foods, and more fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. It is also important to eat meals on a regular schedule and limit snacking. by doing this, you will stabilize your blood sugar levels and avoid spikes.
Avoid sugary foods and drinks: This one is pretty obvious, but it’s still worth mentioning. If you want to control your sugar levels, you need to avoid sugary foods and drinks. These items will spike your blood sugar and make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight.
Exercise More
Exercise is another great way to control sugar levels. When you exercise, your body uses sugar for energy. This helps to lower your blood sugar levels. Exercise also helps you lose weight, which can further help to control sugar levels. If you are not used to exercising, start with some simple activities like walking or light biking. As you get stronger, you can add in more strenuous activities.
Get enough sleep: Sleep is essential for good health. When you’re tired, your body doesn’t function as well and your sugar levels can increase. Make sure to get at least eight hours of sleep each night.
Take supplements: Several supplements can help control sugar levels. These include chromium, GLA, ALA, and omega-three fatty acids. Talk to a doctor before taking any supplements, as some can interact with medications.
Taking Medication
If diet and exercise changes are not enough to control your sugar levels, medication may be necessary. There are a variety of options available, so work with your doctor to find the best one for you. If you have type 1 diabetes, you will need to take insulin. If you have type II diabetes, you may be able to control your sugar levels with oral medication. Insulin (an injectable medicine) can be used to control sugar levels. Remember to take your insulin or other medications as recommended by your doctor.
Monitor your blood sugar
You need to monitor your sugar level more closely or test your blood or urine for substances called ketones (associated with diabetic ketoacidosis). Your doctor may suggest using a device to check your sugar level at home, so you can spot a high level early and take important measures to stop it.
You can avoid many problems by keeping your blood sugar under control. Follow your doctor’s advice about diet and exercise, take your medicine, keep up with your doctor visits, and check your sugar levels often.
