Rising blood sugar levels have a negative impact on anyone’s health, especially when it comes to diabetics. Apart from the well-known “pests” – sweets, chocolate, cookies and candies – a whole range of factors can affect the rise in glucose and cause serious harm to the body.
What is blood glucose and how is it regulated by the body?
Sugar, or glucose, enters the bloodstream mainly from food, especially carbohydrates. After a meal, carbohydrates are broken down during digestion to glucose, which is absorbed into the bloodstream and provides energy to all cells in the body. However, blood glucose levels need to be carefully monitored to ensure that they remain normal.
The body uses a hormone such as insulin, produced in the pancreas, to regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin allows the body’s cells to use glucose as energy. When blood glucose levels rise after a meal, the pancreas secretes insulin, which helps glucose to be absorbed into cells and lower blood glucose levels.
How does glucose affect the human body?
Just to read these lines, your brain uses glucose, and the muscles that control the scrolling of your computer mouse need it too. Sugar consumption goes on 24/7. Even in sleep, it is needed to maintain the basic life functions of the body.
Not only is it a source of energy, but it also has additional effects on the body:
- maintains performance;
- maintains cognitive performance;
- helps to fight stress and reduce emotional distress;
- supports the cardiovascular system;
- participates in metabolic processes;
- helps with intoxication;
- is necessary for the synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids;
- maintains the constancy of the internal environment.
Of course, these positive aspects are possible with normal sugar levels.
Glucose deficiency
Long breaks between meals, starvation, mono-diets do not pass without a trace. The level of glucose in the blood falls below the values necessary for normal function, and the body gives SOS signals. They manifest themselves in different ways:
- dizziness;
- headache;
- abdominal cramps;
- pallor;
- cognitive slowing;
- decreased attention span.
Sometimes sugar deficiency provokes fainting or confusion. Such manifestations are especially typical for people with serious disorders of carbohydrate metabolism or with reduced insulin production. You can help yourself by eating any sweets, a bun, or a piece of white bread.
Blood sugar levels: when to be alarmed
Blood sugar levels usually range from 60 to 140 mg/dL. A glycated hemoglobin test shows the average sugar level over the last three months and should be below 5.7%. Hyperglycemia, or elevated sugar levels, is often a sign of diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body doesn’t produce insulin, and in type 2 diabetes, the body doesn’t use it properly, which can lead to a buildup of toxic blood sugar levels.
Hyperglycemia and skin
Skin problems can be the first signs of diabetes. A glucometer is used to measure glucose levels. If sugar levels are high and don’t come down for several hours, the body loses moisture, the skin becomes dry, cracked and itchy. This is just the beginning! The skin’s defenses are weakened, which increases the risk of fungal infections, especially in women. Rashes and spots, for example in the chest or groin area, require immediate medical attention.
Effects of high glucose on vision
Excess blood viscosity can damage the small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive part of the back of the eye. In the short term, fluctuations in sugar levels can cause blurred vision, but once sugar levels normalize, vision recovers. However, if sugar levels are not controlled, retinal blood vessels can be damaged, resulting in impaired central and peripheral vision.
How do you keep your blood sugar balanced?
- Conscious diet: eating foods containing slow carbohydrates such as whole grain products, legumes, vegetables and fruits. They help keep blood sugar levels stable.
- Constant dietary regimen: It is recommended that people with diabetes divide their daily meals into five or six meals. Five or six meals should be five or six meals a day. Too long intervals between meals can lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Eating regular meals helps keep blood sugar levels stable, reducing hunger and the risk of overeating.
- Exercise: physical activity helps muscles use glucose as an energy source, which helps maintain blood sugar balance.
- Healthy weight: being overweight increases your risk of developing diabetes. Weight loss can help improve insulin sensitivity.
- Avoid refined carbohydrates: Processed and refined carbohydrates such as sugar and white flour can cause blood sugar levels to spike.
- Fluid intake: Drink enough water to keep your body healthy and blood sugar levels in check.
- Stress reduction: prolonged stress can affect blood sugar levels.
- Sleep: getting enough sleep helps regulate blood sugar levels. Lack of sleep can affect the body’s sensitivity to insulin.
- Regular blood glucose monitoring: if you are at risk or have a hereditary predisposition to diabetes, check your blood glucose levels regularly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining balanced blood sugar levels is crucial for overall health. Elevated or fluctuating glucose levels can lead to a range of complications, including skin issues, vision problems, and long-term damage to various organs. By adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, stress management, and adequate sleep, individuals can effectively manage their blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Regular monitoring and timely intervention are key to preventing serious health issues related to blood sugar imbalance.
