Blood sugar refers to the natural concentration of glucose in the blood, which is the main source of energy for the body to function. It is mainly obtained from daily foods and beverages. The body maintains a controlled blood sugar level for all organs to function at optimal capacity. However, any increase or decrease in the levels can trigger complications and increase the risk of health disorders. Here is how you can manage blood sugar:
Causes and symptoms
Primarily, people with diabetes are at an inherent risk of blood sugar spikes. But lack of rest, improper nutrition, consumption of substances that trigger glycemic imbalances, and unhealthy lifestyle habits are also known causes and triggers of blood glucose problems. It can result in hyperglycemia/hypoglycemia that leads to the following symptoms:
- Increased fatigue
- Increase thirst
- Frequent headaches
- A constant urge to urinate
- Blurry vision
- Constantly feeling parched
Best foods to have for high blood sugar treatments
Simple additions and exclusions from daily nutrition can easily help manage day-to-day blood sugar levels.
- Nuts
Nutritionists recommend including more assorted nuts like almonds, pistachios, and walnuts. These are great sources of carbohydrates and mono and polyunsaturated fats. Plus, they supplement essential omega-3 fatty requirements for boosting overall health.
- Green veggies
Cruciferous vegetables are rich sources of natural fibers, magnesium, vitamin C, and essential plant compounds that can help regulate blood sugar levels. Vegetables like broccoli, kale, and spinach are also low in calories and high in antioxidants to promote better metabolic responses and stabilize blood sugar levels.
- Berries
Berries are rich in antioxidants like anthocyanins. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, cherries, and even cranberries promote several benefits to lowering the risk of hypertension, cardiovascular issues, or cholesterol that can spike blood sugar levels.
The American Diabetes Association also recommended including other healthy foods like probiotics, oatmeal, peanut butter, chickpeas, beans, legumes, and chia seeds. In addition, doctors recommend avoiding foods and beverages that contain processed sugars in any form as they can immediately trigger an insulin spike. This is an exhaustive list covering commonly consumed packaged foods one would find at the local supermarket.
Natural remedies for blood sugar treatments
Simple changes in daily lifestyle and habits can promote better blood sugar levels.
- Doctors suggest daily exercise to help lower stress, boost mood, improve immunity, and increase insulin sensitivity to bring down blood sugar levels.
- Monitoring carbohydrates and calorie intake allow the body to absorb nutrition and prevent any unwanted insulin spikes.
- Adding more fiber to daily foods slows down digestion and prevents blood sugar from spiking.
- Staying hydrated is also equally important, as fluids can help flush out the excess sugar with urine.
- Also, consider alternative therapies to manage and lower stress levels and prevent the body from secreting cortisol that triggers an increase in insulin levels.
- Portioning meals and exercising control can also help prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar levels.
Blood sugar treatments
Doctors primarily recommend prescriptions to bring blood sugar levels under control. The combination will also depend on whether a person has type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, or is prediabetic. In most cases, oral prescriptions like alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, biguanides, dopamine-2 agonists, and other forms of inhibitors help manage type 2 diabetes.
For severe cases of type 1 and 2, insulin may also be suggested for regular use. Only in exceedingly rare cases a pancreatic transplant might be suggested when the existing organ might be failing to provide the required amount of insulin.
