High blood glucose or high blood sugar as we call it, is a major call for concern. It refers to a condition in which there are elevated levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. According to the American Diabetes Association, continually high, fasting blood sugar levels above 100 mg/dL are considered pre-diabetic, while levels above 126 mg/dL are considered diabetic. It can be a symptom of several conditions, including uncontrolled diabetes and insulin resistance.
If left untreated, high blood sugar can lead to several health problems including diabetic complications (nerve damage, heart disease, kidney disease, and eye problems), frequent urination, increased thirst, fatigue, slow-healing wounds, blurred vision, and nerve damage. It is important to maintain proper blood sugar levels through a combination of healthy eating, physical activity, and medication (if prescribed by a doctor) to reduce the risk of these and other complications.
Impact of Different Foods on Blood Sugar Levels
The impact of particular foods on blood glucose is measured by the Glycaemic Index (GI). Foods with a High Glycaemic Index (GI) tend to cause a sharp rise in blood sugar (i.e. rice, potatoes, wheat, corn, sugary beverages, fruity drinks, maize etc.) and Low GI foods (i.e. leafy greens, most fruits, raw carrots, kidney beans, chickpeas, high fibre foods, high protein foods, lentils etc.) steadily raise and maintain blood sugar to healthy limits.
Top 10 Causes of High Glucose Levels in Blood (Hyperglycemia):
Foods with a low GI consequent to better insulin response. Steady insulin and glucose levels are key to maintaining proper metabolism & insulin sensitivity. They help you keep up a healthy weight, have better energy levels and reduce your cravings for sugary foods.
High GI foods lead to a sharp insulin surge while storing excess glucose in the form of glycogen and fat. Moreover, it leads to glucose crash by rapidly depleting the blood glucose levels quickly from the blood thereby leading to feeling fatigued due to lack of energy, less concentration and enhanced craving for sugary foods.
High blood glucose, also known as hyperglycemia, occurs when there is too much sugar in the blood. This can lead to a variety of health problems if left untreated. Here are the top 10 reasons for high blood glucose levels:
1. Diet:
Consuming foods with high GI, Binge eating, drinking sugared beverages etc can lead to high blood glucose levels.
2. Altered Metabolism:
Genetic history for diabetes, severe dehydration, hormonal imbalances (thyroxine and insulin) and altered gut microbiome may lead to insulin resistance and high blood glucose levels.
3. Lack of Activity or Exercise:
When you work out, your muscles need more glucose than when you rest. This increased blood sugar uptake into muscle cells naturally reduces blood sugar levels.
4. Medication:
Alcohol, Antibiotics (Dapsone, Rifampin), Antidepressants (Zyprexa, risperdal, Clozaril, Seroquel, Abilify, Geodon, lithium), Beta-2 agonists (Proventil, Alupent, Serevent, Foradil, Brethine, Theo-Dur), Corticosteroids and Caffeine, Nicotine, Estrogens, Medication for the heart and blood pressure (amiodarone, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, catapress, diuretics), Contraception pills (Birth control pills), Niacin, Inhibitors of proteases (ritonavir etc-AIDS drugs) and thyroid hormones (Synthroid, Levothroid).
5. Genetics:
A family history of diabetes increases the risk of developing the condition, which can lead to high blood sugar levels. Some people are at a higher risk of developing diabetes due to their genetics. If you have a family history of diabetes, you may be at a higher risk of developing the condition yourself, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
6. Skipping Meals:
Skipping meals can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, leading to overeating and a subsequent spike in blood sugar. When you skip a meal, your blood sugar levels can drop too low, which can cause you to feel hungry and crave high-sugar foods. This can lead to overeating and a subsequent spike in blood sugar levels.
7. Stress:
Stress can cause the release of hormones that can raise blood sugar levels. Stress can cause the release of hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which can raise your blood sugar levels. This can be problematic for people with diabetes, as it can make it difficult for them to control their blood sugar levels.
8. Hormone Imbalances:
Hormone imbalances, such as those caused by diabetes or a thyroid disorder, can lead to high blood sugar levels. Hormone imbalances, such as those caused by diabetes or a thyroid disorder, can affect how your body uses insulin and glucose. This can lead to high blood sugar levels.
9. Pancreas Damage:
Damage to the pancreas, the organ responsible for producing insulin, can lead to a lack of insulin and high blood sugar levels. The pancreas is responsible for producing insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. If the pancreas is damaged, it can lead to a lack of insulin and high blood sugar levels.
9. Dehydration:
Dehydration can cause the body to produce more glucose, leading to an increase in blood sugar levels. When you're dehydrated, your body may produce more glucose in an attempt to conserve water. This can lead to an increase in blood sugar levels.
It is important to note that high blood glucose levels can be a symptom of undiagnosed diabetes or pre-diabetes, and it is recommended to consult with a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Glucose Levels?
Frequent Urination: When blood sugar is high, the kidneys flush out extra glucose through urine, leading to increased urination.
Increased Thirst and Urge to Drink More: due to profound sweating and urination you feel thirsty.
Weight Loss Despite Unchanged Appetite: Without enough insulin to utilize glucose for energy, the body instead breaks down muscle and stored fat, leading to weight loss.
Feeling Tired and Fatigued: Because the body is unable to efficiently use glucose for energy, a person may feel particularly weary.
Read the article - Signs and Symptoms of Hyperglycemia for more details.
High fasting blood glucose levels is an alarming situation and a cause for concern of metabolic disorder. High GI foods have a negative impact on blood glucose regulation and foods with low GI support a healthy blood glucose levels. Improper diet, altered metabolism, lack of activity, predisposition to diabetes, medication, stress, skipping meals, hormone imbalance, pancreas damage and dehydration can elevate blood glucose levels. Frequent urination, increased thirst, weight loss and fatigue are some visible signs indicating high blood glucose levels. Regular exercise, consuming low GI foods, drinking plenty of water, managing stress, proper sleep and consuming foods high in chromium and magnesium help regulate high blood glucose levels. Taking Gluboc™ before a meal is an easy and convenient way to maintain steady glucose levels.