Tips to lower blood sugar levels when they rise unexpectedly

In the treatment of diabetes, the focus is on keeping the blood sugar levels in a normal range through diet, lifestyle changes and medication. This helps to prevent the long-term complications of diabetes. But sometimes, when sugar levels rise in diabetics, they know how to lower sugar levels naturally.

Diabetes is a risky disease. It increases the risk of heart disease, nerve damage, kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy and non-healing wounds, etc. Depending on the individual, the doctor will monitor and work to keep the blood sugar in a target range. With readily available kits to self-measure blood sugar levels at home, it is becoming easier for patients to monitor their blood sugar levels. The doctor will advise you on the frequency of checking your blood sugar level and the ideal range it should be in.

However, sometimes the blood sugar can go up beyond the normal range due to various reasons. This condition of high blood sugar is known as hyperglycemia.

The cause of high blood sugar levels can range from being sick, stressful situations, overeating and of course, missing one’s medication.

The symptoms of high blood sugar include tiredness, excessive thirst, blurring of vision and increased frequency of urination. If high blood glucose continues for a long time, the patient runs the risk of developing the health problems mentioned above.

What is diabetes ketoacidosis?

In the short term, high blood sugar can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, which is more common in case of Type 1 Diabetes, or Hyperosmolar Hyperglycaemic State, a short-term complication most commonly associated with Type 2 Diabetes. Both conditions are serious.

The test for diabetic ketoacidosis is to check the urine for ketones, which are chemicals produced in the liver when the body breaks down fat for energy. In diabetes, the lack of insulin results in an inability to use sugar for energy and an over-reliance on fat with a high level of ketones in the body. This can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis that requires hospitalization and can be life-threatening.

How to lower blood sugar levels fast?

While some sources claim that consuming water or a high-protein snack can help you lower your blood sugar levels quickly, there isn’t enough evidence to back this up. You need to contact your doctor immediately.

However, if you need to lower your blood sugar quickly and effectively in an emergency, you can use the following ways:

1. Take your medication:

Do not miss a medicine dose. If you have been prescribed insulin, consult your doctor on how much insulin to take. Check your blood sugar 30-60 minutes later to ensure it is decreasing and not falling too low.

2. Exercise:

Exercising is effective in bringing down blood sugar levels. This may be a brisk walk. However, if you don’t exercise regularly, this is not something you should do all of a sudden. It’s crucial to check your urine for ketones and if your blood sugar level is higher than 240 mg/dl. Exercise should be avoided if ketones are present because it may cause your blood sugar to spike even higher.

Incorporating a regular exercise routine in daily life can help you reach and maintain an optimal weight and increase insulin sensitivity1. The body needs glucose to function during exercise. In turn, the muscles receive glucose from the blood, and blood sugar levels typically decrease.

3. Go to the hospital

High blood sugar levels can quickly escalate into a medical emergency. If you have any of the symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis such as confusion, frequent urination, excessive thirst, nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting, check your ketones in your urine (you can do a quick urine test at home using a dipstick test) and go to the hospital.

4. Do not ignore high blood sugar symptoms

If you have two readings in a row of 300 or higher, it is always advisable to visit doctor.

5. Be aware

There is no magic wand to lower blood sugar. It requires control and discipline. Take your medicines regularly. Keep track of your blood sugar levels and see what makes them go higher or lower. Keep a regular schedule for meals. Eat healthy and do not overeat or skip meals. Avoid sugared drinks. Limit intake of alcohol. Stop smoking.

A healthy lifestyle will go a long way in helping your blood sugar stay under control and enable you to live a long and healthy life!

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Short-term complications of Type 2 diabetes and their symptoms

Some short-term complications related to

Diabetes is a grave condition that may affect you from head to toes. Even then, many do not take this health issue seriously. It could possibly be because in the past few decades the prevalence of this condition has increased drastically.

Managing blood sugar levels, by eating healthy, following a healthy lifestyle and taking medications on time are crucial things to do when diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. If left unmanaged it may increase the risk of life-threatening conditions. The threat is higher for those who have been suffering from diabetes for a long time. Learning about the potential risk of diabetes may help you take the necessary steps to avoid the situation and manage them when the time comes. Here are some complications related to diabetes. 

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is referred to as a drop in the blood sugar level below the normal mark. When the blood sugar level drops to 70 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) or less, it leads to a set of symptoms like shakiness, dizziness and acute illness. The most common cause of hypoglycemia is the intake of excess insulin medications or fewer carbohydrate consumptions in a day. Both things can take the blood sugar level to a dangerous level. If left unattended the person may even go into a coma. To prevent this condition, eat a sufficient amount of carbs in a day and take medications as prescribed by a doctor.

​Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia is referred to as a high blood sugar level. In this condition the level of glucose in the blood increases to a dangerous level. It may happen due to a lack of insulin. The blood sugar level goes above 180 to 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), leading to symptoms like vomiting, excessive hunger and thirst, rapid heartbeat, vision problems and others. If you experience such symptoms it is best to consult your doctors immediately. He/she may give medication to bring it back to normal.

Diabetic ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or Ketoacidosis is a life-threatening problem that affects people with diabetes. It happens when the body starts breaking down fat at a higher speed than regular. It eventually affects the level of insulin in the body and it drops. In such a case, the body starts breaking down fat to produce energy. During the process, ketones are produced which causes the blood to become acidic. To get rid of ketones (a waste product), the body starts to produce more urine increasing your rounds to the washroom. Even then the body cannot get the ketones to a manageable level and they start building up in the blood, leading to ketoacidosis. The condition needs immediate medical attention and its symptoms involve shortness of breath or heavy breathing, extremely dry mouth, nausea and vomiting.

Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state

This condition is rare, but it mostly affects older adults or people with a coexisting illness or infection. In this condition, the blood sugar level goes too high but no ketones are present. The symptoms may include vision loss, hallucinations, weakness down one side of the body and confusion and extreme thirst. To avoid this situation it is recommended to keep monitoring the blood sugar from time to time.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement