Living With Diabetes | BLOOD SUGAR RISING [bd5f98]
Post Time: 2025-07-29
High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, occurs when there is too much glucose in the bloodstream. It can be a symptom of diabetes or prediabetes, but it can also occur in people who do not have these conditions.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Knowing how to recognize high blood sugar levels is essential for effective management. The following symptoms may indicate that your blood sugar level is too high:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Increased thirst and urination
- Blurred vision or dizziness
- Cuts or wounds that are slow to heal
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to take immediate action.
Maintaining a Healthy Blood Sugar Range
The American Diabetes Association recommends the following blood sugar levels for people with diabetes:
- Fasting glucose: Less than 130 mg/dL
- Post-meal glucose: Less than 180 mg/dL
To maintain healthy blood sugar levels, it's essential to monitor your diet and physical activity. Focus on whole, unprocessed foods like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains.
Exercise for Blood Sugar Control
Regular exercise can help lower blood sugar levels by improving insulin sensitivity. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic exercise per week.
- Choose activities that you enjoy to increase adherence
- Start slowly and gradually increase intensity and duration
- Incorporate strength training exercises two to three times a week
Stress Management
Chronic stress can raise blood sugar levels by releasing cortisol, a hormone that counteracts insulin. Engage in stress-reducing activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
- Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night
- Limit caffeine and nicotine intake
- Take regular breaks throughout the day
Monitoring Blood Sugar
To effectively manage blood sugar levels, it's essential to monitor them regularly. Use a glucometer or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to track your readings.
- Monitor before meals, after meals, and at bedtime
- Keep a log of your readings to identify patterns and trends
- Work with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized monitoring plan
Dietary Changes
Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels through diet requires focus on whole, unprocessed foods. Avoid or limit the following:
- Sugary drinks like soda, sports drinks, and sweet tea or coffee
- Refined grains like white bread, pasta, and sugary cereals
- Processed meats like hot dogs, sausages, and bacon
Emphasize fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds. These can help slow the digestion of carbohydrates and promote satiety.
Blood Sugar Self-Care
Managing high blood sugar levels requires a comprehensive approach that incorporates healthy habits beyond diet and exercise. Prioritize stress management techniques, maintain regular sleep schedules, and engage in activities you enjoy to reduce burnout.
- Identify your personal risk factors for diabetes
- Develop an emergency plan with your healthcare provider
- Connect with support groups or online resources
By implementing these strategies, individuals can effectively manage high blood sugar levels and improve their overall health.
Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes as a teen, Nicole was so frightened she tried to ignored the disease. After years of sugar highs and lows, Nicole now waits for a rare kidney-pancreas transplant but stays positive by helping others with diabetes. how do you know when your blood sugar is high WATCH ALL: #BloodSugarPBS best time to monitor blood sugar #Diabetes To watch the full film starting 4/15, and to learn more about the project: Blood Sugar Rising is a production of Structure Films for WGBH Boston. Major funding provided by Draper. Additional funding provided by the Russell a1c with blood sugar of 110 Berrie Foundation, Sami Inkinen through the Inkinen Family Donor-Advised Fund, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. SUBSCRIBE to our CHANNEL: Website: Newsletter: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter: WORLD CHANNEL is a 24/7, full-service multicast channel featuring public television’s signature nonfiction documentary, science and news programming complemented by original content from emerging producers. Launched in August 2007, WORLD is produced and distributed by WGBH/Boston, American Public Television (APT) and WNET/New York in association with Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and the National Educational Telecommunications Association (NETA). Funding provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the MacArthur Foundation and the Wyncote Foundation.