Grapes Are A Good Source Of Dietary Fiber
Apart from containing healthy micronutrients, the peels of grapes are also high in fiber. Fiber is essential for feeling full and satisfied between meals and can help regulate your blood glucose levels and improve digestion. Including fiber from fruits and vegetables can also help prevent conditions like heart disease, cancer, and diverticular disease.
Manage Your Stress Levels
Reducing stress-related hormones like cortisol, growth hormones, and adrenaline over time is an excellent approach to lower blood sugar-raising hormones. A person can select whichever modality they believe best suits them when it comes to the most effective technique for stress reduction. Alternative therapies including acupuncture, aromatherapy, guided imagery, and biofeedback are some examples of stress-reduction methods for diabetes that have been supported by research.
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Devise Some Methods To Restrict Your Calorie Intake
Restricting the calorie intake is not so easy as said. But for lowering the blood sugar level it is important to devise some method of controlling the intake of the right amount of calories. One of the ways is to adopt portion controlling measures.
You can achieve this by the following routine
Make some arrangement to measure the portion size at home.
Adopt smaller plates while eating.
Try to avoid eating at restaurants.
Get the list of calories of different foods so that you can know the calories you are taking.
Make a journal for noting down the measured amounts of portions for monitoring your sugar levels.
Make a practice to eat slowly.
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What Is The A1c Test
The A1C test is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 or 3 months. The test is done at a lab or your doctors office in addition tonot instead ofregular blood sugar testing you do yourself.
A1C testing is part of the ABCs of diabetesimportant steps you can take to prevent or delay health complications down the road:
- A: Get a regular A1C test.
- B: Try to keep your blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg .
- C: Manage your cholesterol levels.
- s: Stop smoking or dont start.
The A1C goal for most adults with diabetes is between 7% and 8%, but your goal may be different depending on your age, other health conditions, medicines youre taking, and other factors. Work with your doctor to establish a personal A1C goal for you.
How To Raise Blood Sugar
For optimal body function it is necessary to maintain a certain blood sugar level, when the blood sugar levels drops below the cut off point of 3.35 mmol/l the condition is known as hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar level.
Hypoglycaemia mainly occurs in people with glucose metabolism defects and can lead to dizziness, sweating, tremor, hunger, loss of energy and other symptoms. If you suffer from hypoglycaemia you need to know how to raise your blood sugar levels in case they drop.
Glucose acts as the main fuel for the body and all the food consumed is eventually converted into glucose. Insulin helps to convert glucose into energy. Carbohydrates, fruit, vegetables, juices and sweets are instant sources of glucose.
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Blood Sugar And Exercise
There are a few ways that exercise lowers blood sugar:
- Insulin sensitivity is increased, so your muscle cells are better able to use any available insulin to take up glucose during and after activity.
- When your muscles contract during activity, your cells are able to take up glucose and use it for energy whether insulin is available or not.
This is how exercise can help lower blood sugar in the short term. And when you are active on a regular basis, it can also lower your A1C.
How Do You Treat Hypoglycemia
Treatment for hypoglycemia involves both the immediate steps needed to raise your blood sugar level in addition with the later treatment or medication dose adjustment to prevent recurrence.
To immediately raise your blood sugar level, Dr. Shah advocates the rule of 15eating 15 grams of carbohydrates and then checking your blood sugar level 15 minutes later. Fast-acting carbohydrates include:
- 4 glucose tablets
- 4 ounces of fruit juices
Keep repeating these steps every 15 minutes until your blood sugar reaches above 70 mg/dL, he explains. Once your level has stabilized, its important to then eat a snack or even a full meal to maintain that balance, Dr. Shah adds.
If your symptoms are more severe and/or a person is unable to swallow, you may need an injection of glucagon, he says.
To prevent episodes of hypoglycemia in the future, Dr. Shah says that treatment may involve the changing of prescribed regimens and dosages or adjusting your meal plans.
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How Does Poha Affect Your Blood Sugar Levels
Poha is made out of flattened white rice therefore its major component is carbohydrates. Depending on how it is made it has a GI of between 38 to 64. However, the calorie count will depend on your quantity and cooking style.
A traditional recipe of Poha will raise your blood sugar levels and it will be a sharp spike as it is mainly carbohydrates. It will also not help you make full for a longer period of time.
Usually, poha is eaten with farsan and a cup of chai. All these items are low in protein and fiber and high in carbohydrates and fats.
However, the exact effect that Poha has on your blood sugar levels depends on your personalized glycemic response. You can measure the same with the help of a CGM device or a smart glucometer which is a part of the Fitterflys Diabetes Management program.
You can also use the Fitterfly Wellness App and add your food entries which will be mapped with your blood sugar entries to determine your PGR.
The Fitterfly Apps food diary will also give you a calorie, macronutrient, and micronutrient breakdown of your meals. So now you will know how poha affects your blood sugar levels and the nutritional value of Poha.
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Understanding Low Blood Sugar
Our bodies, particularly our brains and hearts, depend on sugar for energy. “Blood glucose” is the term for the amount of glucose in the blood. Problems can arise when blood glucose is either too high or too low.
Fasting blood glucose levels range from 70 to 100 milligrams per deciliter . Levels higher than this indicate prediabetes or diabetes. Chronically high blood sugar can lead to complications like nerve, eye, and kidney damage, and cardiovascular disease. People with diabetes often require medication to keep blood sugar levels healthy.
Blood sugar levels lower than 70 mg/dL indicate low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Levels below 54 mg/dL indicate serious hypoglycemia that can lead to loss of consciousness. Low blood sugar is often a side effect of blood sugarlowering medications for diabetes, like insulin and sulfonylureas. However, other medications can lower blood sugar, especially in people with diabetes. These include beta-blockers and some antibiotics.
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How Can I Treat Low Blood Sugar
If youve had low blood sugar without feeling or noticing symptoms , you may need to check your blood sugar more often to see if its low and treat it. Driving with low blood sugar can be dangerous, so be sure to check your blood sugar before you get behind the wheel.
Carry supplies for treating low blood sugar with you. If you feel shaky, sweaty, or very hungry or have other symptoms, check your blood sugar. Even if you dont have symptoms but think you may have low blood sugar, check it. If your blood sugar is lower than 70 mg/dL, do one of the following immediately:
- Take four glucose tablets.
- Drink four ounces of fruit juice.
- Drink four ounces of regular soda, not diet soda.
- Eat four pieces of hard candy.
Wait for 15 minutes and then check your blood sugar again. Do one of the above treatments again until your blood sugar is 70 mg/dL or above and eat a snack if your next meal is an hour or more away. If you have problems with low blood sugar, ask your doctor if your treatment plan needs to be changed.
How Do I Treat Low Blood Glucose
If you begin to feel one or more symptoms of low blood glucose, check your blood glucose level. If your blood glucose level is below your target or less than 70 mg/dL, follow these steps
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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.
Worst Fruits For People With Diabetes
Five fruits that are to be eaten less frequently or in smaller quantities are mango, jack fruits, banana, chickoo, grapes according to Dr Mohan. He also explains why.
“These fruits usually increase the blood glucose level and to avoid spikes in blood sugar, people with diabetes must closely monitor their sugar intake,” says Dr Mohan, adding that it depends on how much fruit one eats.
“It is fine, if you take one or two slices or small quantities of these restricted fruits as sugar levels can rise if they are consumed in large quantities. We see several patients with uncontrolled diabetes after taking large quantities of these fruits every season. Hence, you can limit your consumption of these fruits to one or two slices, so that you can still enjoy these fruits. If you want to lower your blood glucose levels, take these fruits in the intervals between meals. You can also limit your consumption of cereals like rice and chapatis in lunch and dinner,” says Dr Mohan.
Dr Mohan says every person with diabetes has a different response to fruits and it’s imperative to check the impact of fruits on blood sugar levels.
“Please do check your blood sugar levels to see if these fruits have an effect on your blood sugar levels. If you want to add fruits, use a continuous glucose monitor sensor, you can easily see which fruits affect your glucose levels and which do not,” says the expert.
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What Foods Can Help Raise Blood Sugar Fast
Because your blood sugar comes from the foods and beverages you consume, one of the easiest ways to raise your blood sugar fast is to grab a quick snack.
The American Diabetes Association recommends the 15-15 rule if your blood sugar dips below 70 mg/dL: Eat at least 15 grams of carbohydrates, then wait 15 minutes to recheck your blood sugar.
If youre still below 70 mg/dL, have another 15 grams of carbs, wait 15 minutes, and check your levels again.
Among the foods you can try for a quick blood sugar boost are:
- a piece of fruit, like a banana, apple, or orange
- 2 tablespoons of raisins
- 1 tablespoon of sugar in water
Foods that contain protein or fat, such as peanut butter, ice cream, and chocolate, may be helpful if your blood sugar level has dropped but isnt below 70 mg/dL.
These higher-fat foods, as well as whole-grain bread and other high-fiber foods, take longer to absorb into your bloodstream. Because of this, these foods wont raise your blood sugar as quickly as foods that have more simple carbohydrates.
How To Treat A Low Blood Sugar Level Yourself
Follow these steps if your blood sugar level is less than 4mmol/L or you have hypo symptoms:
You do not usually need to get medical help once you’re feeling better if you only have a few hypos.
But tell your diabetes team if you keep having hypos or if you stop having symptoms when your blood sugar level is low.
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When Blood Sugar Is Too Low
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 is carried to each cell through the bloodstream. Our brains depend on glucose to function, even when we’re sleeping.
The is the amount of glucose in the blood. When these levels drop too low, it’s called hypoglycemia . Very low blood sugar levels can cause serious symptoms that need to be treated right away.
Hypoglycemia Signs And Symptoms
The symptoms of low blood sugar levels may differ from person to person and from one episode to the next.
The first time you experience low blood sugar, you may have specific symptoms, but they may be different the next time. The following are early signs that your blood sugar levels are dropping too low.
- Tingling or numbness of the lips, tongue, or cheek
- Irregular or fast heartbeat
If you have diabetes, it is vital to be aware of hypoglycemia and how your body responds to low blood sugar levels. Recognising the signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia can help you manage it more effectively and avoid developing severe hypoglycemia.
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Dangerously Low Blood Sugar
Blood sugar that is below 55 mg/dl is generally considered to be dangerously low. At this level, you may not be able to eat or check your own blood sugar. There is a prescription medication called glucagon which is available as an injection or nasal spray , that a family member, friend, or caregiver can administer to you in the event of a low blood sugar emergency. Ask your doctor if you need a prescription for a glucagon kit. If so, learn how and when to use it, and show your close friends, family, and caregivers how to use it in case of emergency. You should also wear medical identification, like a bracelet, that notifies first responders that you have diabetes in case of an emergency.
More Intake Of Fibrous Foods
The diabetic patients must choose foods rich in fibers. The property of the fiber is to slow down the digestive process. Slow digestion means lesser sugar absorption and a better control of blood sugar levels.
The fibers can be of two types: soluble and insoluble fibers. Studies have shown that soluble fibers are superior for the sugar control of the diabetic patients. The intake of fiber rich foods can even optimize the blood sugar levels of type 1 diabetes. There are standard values for the fiber intake recommended by the experts. 35 grams per day for men and 25 grams per day for women.
Fiber rich foods are vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains etc.
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Talk To Your Doctor And Cdces
Everyone has a unique medical background and may have individual factors that can increase the risk of low blood sugar. Talk with your doctor and diabetes care team. Ask your doctor if they work withor can refer you toa Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist or locate one online. A CDCES is a healthcare professional with extensive knowledge of diabetes who provides education and support to patients. A CDCES can be an important part of your healthcare team.
Low Blood Sugar Levels In Diabetes
People with diabetes can have low blood sugar levels because of the medicines they have to take to manage their diabetes. They may need a hormone called or diabetes pills to help their bodies use the sugar in their blood.
These medicines help take the sugar out of the blood and get it into the body’s cells, which makes the blood sugar level go down. But sometimes it’s a tricky balancing act and blood sugar levels can get too low.
People with diabetes need to keep their blood sugars from getting too highor too low. Keeping blood sugar levels in a healthy range means balancing when and what they eat, and when they exercise with when they take medicines.
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