Obesity And Belly Fat
Being overweight or having obesity can make it harder to manage your diabetes and raise your risk for many health problems, including heart disease and high blood pressure. If you are overweight, a healthy eating plan with fewer calories and more physical activity often will lower your blood glucose levels and reduce your need for medicines.
Excess belly fat around your waist, even if you are not overweight, can raise your chances of developing heart disease.
You have excess belly fat if your waist measures
- more than 40 inches and you are a man
- more than 35 inches and you are a woman
What Are The Symptoms Of High Blood Pressure
Often, people with high blood pressure do not have noticeable symptoms. If the blood pressure is greatly elevated, a person may experience the following. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
The symptoms of high blood pressure may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
When To Go To The Er
High blood sugar can be very concerning because your body can start burning fat for energy instead of blood glucose.
This can cause conditions such as DKA and hyperglycemic hyperosmolar syndrome . These conditions are medical emergencies and can be fatal if left untreated.
DKA is a serious complication of type 1 diabetes. Its rare in people with type 2 diabetes, but can occur.
Symptoms that can indicate you should go to the emergency room include:
- ketones in your urine, as diagnosed using a urine dipstick test
High blood sugar levels can cause a fluid imbalance in the body and can cause the blood to become acidic in a manner that doesnt support life.
Medical treatments for these conditions include administering intravenous insulin on a continuous basis and IV fluids to correct dehydration.
Summary
High blood sugar can become a medical emergency. Go to the ER if you suspect DKA or HHS.
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Signs & Symptoms Of Low Blood Sugar
Keeping blood glucose levels in a healthy range can be challenging.
When the amount of sugar in your blood has dropped below your target range , it is called low blood sugar .
If your blood sugar has dropped, you may feel:
- shaky, light-headed, nauseated
- an increase in heart rate
- sweaty, headachy
- numbness or tingling on your tongue or lips
Symptoms of very low blood sugar are more severe and can make you:
- confused and disoriented
- lose consciousness
Make sure you always wear your MedicAlert® identification and talk to your doctor or diabetes educator about prevention and emergency treatment for severe low blood sugar.
What Is High Blood Sugar
The is the amount of glucose in the blood. Glucose is a sugar that comes from the foods we eat, and it’s also formed and stored inside the body. It’s the main source of energy for the cells of our body, and it’s carried to each cell through the bloodstream.
Hyperglycemia is the medical word for high blood sugar levels. High blood sugar levels happen when the body either can’t make insulin or can’t respond to insulin properly . The body needs insulin so glucose in the blood can enter the cells of the body where it can be used for energy. In people who have developed diabetes, glucose builds up in the blood, resulting in hyperglycemia.
Having too much sugar in the blood for long periods of time can cause serious health problems if it’s not treated. Hyperglycemia can damage the vessels that supply blood to vital organs, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, vision problems, and nerve problems. These problems don’t usually show up in kids or teens who have had the disease for only a few years. But they can happen in adulthood in some people with diabetes, particularly if they haven’t managed or controlled their diabetes well.
Blood sugar levels are considered high when they’re above your target range. Your diabetes health care team will let you know what your target blood sugar levels are.
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How To Control Blood Sugar At Home
Controlling blood sugar at home involves making lifestyle changes. First, however, routine blood sugar monitoring with a blood glucose meter can help you keep track of any side effects of high blood sugar.
In addition, it ensures that your treatment plan is controlling your blood sugar within the acceptable range. So check your blood sugar as often as your doctor recommends.
Also, exercise and diet are crucial to maintaining a good blood glucose level. Exercise and increased activities such as walking and yoga help reduce blood sugar since it activates muscles to use up the excess sugar. It also helps you retain a moderate weight that will sustain blood sugar control.
In terms of diet, it is best to eat more soluble dietary fiber found in fruits and vegetables rather than sugary foods and foods high in carbohydrates. Drinking lots of water is also essential to prevent dehydration.
What Causes Hyperglycemia In People With Diabetes
- The dose of insulin or oral diabetes medication that you are taking is not the most helpful dose for your needs.
- Your body isnt using your natural insulin effectively .
- The amount of carbohydrates you are eating or drinking is not balanced with the amount of insulin your body is able to make or the amount of insulin you inject.
- You are less active than usual.
- Physical stress is affecting you.
- Emotional stress is affecting you.
- You are taking steroids for another condition.
- The dawn phenomenon is affecting you.
Other possible causes
- Pancreatic diseases such as pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis.
- Certain medications .
- Gestational diabetes, which happens in 4% of pregnancies, and is due to decreased insulin sensitivity.
- Surgery or trauma.
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How Are High Blood Sugar Levels Treated
Treating high blood sugar levels involves fixing what caused them in the first place. Your diabetes health care team will give you specific advice on how to keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range. But here are some ways to manage the common causes of high blood sugar levels:
| Reason for High Blood Sugar Level | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Not getting enough insulin or other diabetes medicine |
|
| Not following the meal plan |
|
| Not getting enough exercise |
|
| Illness or stress |
|
| Use of other medicines that can increase blood sugar |
|
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Things That Put You At Risk For Too High Blood Sugar Says Physician
More than 1 out of every 3 US adults has high blood sugar, and of those people, more than 80% are unaware that their sugar is elevated. I am a doctor who specializes in weight loss and disease prevention, and every day I see people suffering due to the silent epidemic of diabetes and prediabetes. The number of Americans with diabetes has doubled over the past 20 years and is projected to continue to increase rapidly. This is important because high blood sugar from diabetes can affect every organ in our body, and increases our risk for heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, nerve problems, and vision loss. Fortunately, type 2 diabetes and prediabetes are very often preventable. By recognizing the signs and your risk factors, and then making changes to your lifestyle, it is possible to reduce your blood sugar, prevent, and sometimes even reverse type 2 diabetes and prediabetes and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
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What Causes Low Blood Sugar
Low blood sugar has many causes, including missing a meal, taking too much insulin, taking other diabetes medicines, exercising more than normal, and drinking alcohol. Blood sugar below 70 mg/dL is considered low.
Signs of low blood sugar are different for everyone. Common symptoms include:
Know what your individual symptoms are so you can catch low blood sugar early and treat it. If you think you may have low blood sugar, check it even if you dont have symptoms. Low blood sugar can be dangerous and should be treated as soon as possible.
How Is Hyperglycaemia Treated
If you experience hyperglycaemia regularly, speak to your doctor or diabetes care team. You may need to change your treatment or lifestyle to keep your blood glucose levels within a healthy range.
You may be advised to:
- adjust the foods you eat eg, avoid foods such as cakes or sugary drinks
- drink plenty of sugar-free fluids to help keep you well hydrated
- exercise more often even gentle, regular exercise such as walking can lower your blood sugar level
- if you use insulin, adjust your dose your healthcare team can give you specific advice about how to do this.
You may also be advised to monitor your blood glucose level more closely or test your blood or urine for substances called ketones .
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Take Your Insulin As Prescribed
High blood sugar occurs when your body has too little insulin, or your body cant use insulin properly. Administering insulin can bring your blood sugar levels down.
Talk to your doctor about how much rapid-acting insulin you should administer when your blood sugar is high.
You may want to check your blood sugar about 1530 minutes after taking insulin to make sure your blood sugar is going down and that its not dropping too low.
How Do I Check For Ketones
There are two ways to check for ketones:
Steps to check for urine ketones:
- Gather the supplies
- Small paper cup to pee in
- Timer or watch with a second hand
- Dip the test end of the strip into the cup of fresh urine.
- Take it out right away.
- Remove extra urine by drawing it along the rim of the cup.
- Exactly 15 seconds after dipping it in the urine, compare the ketone strip with the color chart on the bottle of ketone strips.
- If you have ketones, follow these instructions.
Ketone strip storage
- Keep ketone strips at room temperature between 59° and 86° F. Keep them out of direct sunlight.
- Step 8 After opening the first time, write the date on the bottle.
- Always put the lid back on right away after opening.
- Do not keep them in the bathroom because the moisture could ruin the strips.
- Throw the ketone strips away 6 months after first opening if they are not gone.
- Do not use them after the expiration date. Call your pharmacy for a refill.
Steps to check for blood ketones:
- Gather the supplies:
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What Are The Dangers And Complications Of High Blood Sugar
Long-term complications of prolonged hyperglycemia or high blood sugar can be severe. These occur in people with diabetes and are worse when the condition is poorly controlled. The long-term complications of diabetes tend to develop slowly over time.
Some of the complications of hyperglycemia in poorly controlled diabetes are:
- Heart and blood vessel disease can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease
- Poor kidney function eventually leads to kidney failure
- Nerve damage can lead to burning, tingling, pain, and changes in sensation
- Eye diseases, including damage to the retina, glaucoma, and cataracts
How Harmful Is High Blood Sugar
February 27, 2018 by Diabetes Care
High blood sugar levels can be very harmful for people with diabetes, especially when they remain elevated for long periods of time. The harmful effects of high blood sugar are both short- and long-term. Diabetes complications can also result from prolonged high blood sugar levels.
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Change Your Life Today And Reduce Your Risk Of Diabetes
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The Worst Breakfast Mistake For High Blood Sugar Say Dietitians
Breakfast is deemed the “most important meal of the day” by many experts for a reason, as skipping it may be linked to health issues such as slow metabolism, weight gain, and even an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. This morning meal is particularly important for those who currently have diabetes. Eating early and having a meal that is low-carb and high-fat have been shown to support blood sugar levels throughout the day. On the other hand, missing out on breakfast may make it harder to keep your blood sugar in a safe range throughout the day.
While having breakfast is essential, you also need to consume the right foods and beverages to make the most of this meal. When it comes to having your morning drinks, in particular, you could wreak havoc on your blood sugar if not careful. This is why the worst breakfast mistake for high blood sugar is drinking certain beverages without accompanying them with food.
As an example, coffee is a classic drink that gets your morning going however, drinking a cup of joe alone may take a toll on your body.
“For some people with diabetes, caffeine can cause blood sugars to spike ,” says registered dietitian Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LDN, CLEC, CPT, author of The First Time Mom’s Pregnancy Cookbook, The 7 Ingredient Healthy Pregnancy Cookbook, and Fueling Male Fertility.
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Breakfast-eaters will also have to be on the lookout for their juice intake.
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Diabetes And Healthy Weight
If you are overweight, even losing a small amount of weight, especially around the abdomen, helps to lower your blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
It can be difficult trying to lose weight, so to get started set yourself a short-term, achievable goal. Try thinking about the food you are eating, whether you really need it, if it’s a healthy choice, and consider the portion size. An accredited practicing dietitian can help you set a realistic meal plan and answer any food related questions you may have.
Managing Your Diabetes Devices
If you are using an insulin pump, talk to your diabetes team about how to best manage hyperglycemia. In general, be sure to check your pump first. Make sure all parts are connected and working correctly. Check your bolus history and temporary basal rate. Also check your insulin to make sure it has not expired or gotten too warm.
If you use a CGM, try not to react to it too often. You might be tempted to give another dose of insulin too soon, before the first one finishes working, which is known as stacking insulin this can cause low blood sugar .
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What Are The Risks Of High Blood Sugar
Normal Blood Sugar Levels, What Is Normal Blood Sugar Level, Resources For People Living With Diabetes What Are The Risks Of High Blood Sugar.
Recently, researchers are putting efforts to develop a non invasive technique for glucose monitoring through the skin.
Obesity and diabetes are What Are The Risks Of High Blood Sugar affected by blood sugar levels, while one s blood sugar also impacts obesity and diabetes.
If Symptoms Of Low Blood Sugar you What Is Normal Blood Sugar Level are thinking about having High Blood Sugar Symptoms a baby .
What Is Considered Low Blood Sugar
For the average person with diabetes, low blood sugar means anything under 80 mg/dL .
Very low blood sugars are any readings under 40 mg/dL. Anything under 40 mg/dL is considered extremely dangerous and potentially fatal.
A person is at a significantly higher risk of falling into a diabetic coma if they cannot get their blood sugar above 40 mg/dL for several hours.
If a person is experiencing a severe low, and they are unable to chew food or swallow liquids, they will require an emergency shot of Glucagon .
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