Managing High Blood Sugar: What You Need to Know
High blood sugar, often referred to as hyperglycemia, is commonly associated with diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance, which is considered the early stage of diabetes. It is crucial to manage and maintain stable blood sugar levels to prevent long-term complications. When blood glucose remains consistently elevated, it can lead to serious health issues. Therefore, individuals with high blood sugar should focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle to keep their glucose levels in check.
Key Steps to Control Blood Sugar
Diet management plays a vital role in controlling high blood sugar. Eating balanced meals that are low in refined sugars and rich in fiber can help regulate glucose levels. Incorporating whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables into your daily meals is highly recommended.
In addition to diet, regular physical activity is essential. Exercise helps the body use insulin more efficiently and lowers blood sugar naturally. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
Understanding the Risks of Chronic Hyperglycemia
If left unmanaged, long-term high blood sugar can result in a range of clinical complications. These include both macrovascular and microvascular damage.
Macrovascular complications
may involve conditions like heart attack and stroke, which are caused by reduced blood flow to vital organs.Microvascular complications
, on the other hand, affect smaller blood vessels and can lead to diabetic retinopathy, which impacts vision, diabetic neuropathy, which affects nerve function, and diabetic nephropathy, which damages the kidneys. These conditions can significantly affect a person's quality of life and may lead to severe disability if not addressed early.When Blood Sugar Levels Become Dangerous
When blood glucose levels rise above 13.9 mmol/L, there is an increased risk of developing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include excessive thirst, frequent urination, nausea, confusion, and even loss of consciousness. Monitoring your blood sugar regularly and seeking medical advice when levels are consistently high is crucial in preventing such emergencies.