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.
How Do Glucose Levels Change Overnight
A persons blood sugar levels change during the night, mainly, because of two processes:
A person can identify how their glucose levels change during the night by taking various readings.
- The dawn phenomenon. Between roughly 3:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., blood sugar levels surge as part of the process of waking up. This causes high blood sugar levels in the morning.
- The Somogyi effect. Glucose levels drop significantly between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. The body responds by releasing hormones that raise blood sugar levels again. It can release too much of these hormones, leading to high blood sugar levels in the morning.
Eating a bedtime snack can prevent blood glucose levels from dropping very low during the night and lessen the Somogyi effect.
A person can determine how their glucose levels change throughout the night by taking readings at various points, such as just before bed, between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., and again when waking up.
Understanding how the body is processing blood sugar is the first step toward picking more healthful snacks in the evening and before bed.
According to the American Diabetes Association , being overweight or having obesity increases the risk of diabetes-related complications. A variety of bedtime snacks can fit into a balanced, healthful diet.
Baby Carrots Cherry Tomatoes Or Cucumber Slices
Non-starchy vegetables are a great choice for a snack. They are very low in calories, fats, and carbohydrates, while offering plenty of vitamins and minerals.
These vegetables also provide antioxidants and a good dose of fiber to boost heart and gut health. For more protein, add a low-fat cheese slice to this low-calorie snack.
Read Also: How Can I Test My Blood Sugar Level At Home
Should People With Diabetes Cut Back On Fruit Because Of Sugar Content
Managing diabetes has to do with managing your long-term blood glucose, blood fats, blood pressure and your weight, and fruits and vegetables can play a positive role in all these.
The concern has been that because fruits contain sugar, it makes your blood glucose go up. In fact, most fruits have low to medium glycaemic index, so they do not lead to a sharp rise in your blood glucose levels compared to other carbohydrate-containing foods like white or wholemeal bread.
Portion size is very important when considering the biggest effect of fruits on your blood glucose levels after eating so lets look at this in more detail.
A portion of fruit contains about 15-20g carbohydrate on average, which is similar to a slice of bread. To put things in perspective, just a can of cola contains 35g carb and a medium slice of chocolate cake contains 35g of carbs as well.
So, if you are looking to reduce your carb intake, with the aim to manage blood glucose levels, the advice is to reduce your intake of foods and drinks like ordinary fizzy drinks, cakes, biscuits, chocolate and other snacks.
When you have done that, you can then begin to look at reducing your portions of starchy foods starting with those that are highly processed and contain added fats, sugars and salt.
It is very unlikely that fruits are the main culprit for high blood glucose levels as there is a tendency to over-estimate consumption of foods that are perceived to be healthy like fruits and vegetables.
How Much Does 15 Grams Of Carbs Raise Your Blood Sugar
4.2/5CarbsAgramglucose raises the blood sugaragram glucoseraises the blood sugar15gramscarbohydrateblood sugars
1 gram of carbs raises blood sugar levels 3-4 mg/dL.
Additionally, can eating too few carbs raise blood sugar? Unlike starch and sugar, naturally occurring fiber in food does not raise blood sugar levels. When diabetics eat foods high in digestible carbs, their blood sugar can rise to very high levels. However, eating fewer carbs can significantly reduce their mealtime insulin dosage.
Furthermore, how much will 60 carbs raise blood sugar?
1. Body Size
| 3 |
How much is 15 grams of carbohydrates?
One serving of carbohydrate is measured as 15 grams. A food that contains 15 grams of carbohydrate is called one carb serving. For example, one slice of bread, a small piece of fruit, or a ear of corn each have around 15 grams of carb.
Also Check: What Happens If You Take Too Much Insulin
Don’t Miss: Does Drinking Lots Of Water Help Lower Blood Sugar
With A Surprisingly Low Glycemic Load Strawberries Are A Good Fruit For Diabetes
Strawberries are often thought to have more sugar than other fruits. But in reality, strawberries have the lowest amount of sugar per 1-cup serving when compared to popular fruits such as apples and oranges, with about 7 g per serving, according to the USDA. Strawberries have a GL of 1, according to the University of Sydney. Strawberries can be the perfect low-calorie solution for someone with a sweet tooth,” says Mitzi Dulan, RD, Kansas City-based author of . “Research suggests that eating strawberries may help our bodies better use insulin, which can lower the amount needed to manage blood sugar after eating. Preliminary research published May 2020 in Food & Function suggests that berries, including strawberries, may improve insulin sensitivity and help prevent diabetes and its complications.
Foods That Regulate Blood Sugar
- Post Views:8,425
You dont need to be diabetic or hyperglycemic to care about blood sugar levels. Spikes, followed by dramatic drops in blood sugar, affect everyones energy level, productivity, and how they feel. Plus, when blood sugar isnt regulated over the long term, it can increase the risk of numerous health problems such as diabetes, of course, but also heart disease, loss of vision, and kidney disease. In other words, regulating blood sugar levels can be one of the most important tools to help you feel your best and promote long-term health.
Whats more, diabetes is an ever-growing concern in this country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found that 13% of adults in the U.S. have diabetes and another nearly 35% are prediabetic.
Of course, if you are already experiencing health issues due to irregular or high blood sugar levels, its even more important to take steps to regulate blood sugar. One of the first places to start is with your diet.
You May Like: Does High Blood Sugar Cause Fatigue
Foods That Spike Blood Sugar
1 / 8 7 Foods That Spike Blood Sugar If you have type 2 diabetes, you know about the importance of making healthy mealtime choices. But just as important is staying away from the wrong foods those that can spike your blood sugar. That’s because simple carbohydrates, like white bread and sugary soda, are broken down by the body into sugar, which then enters the bloodstream. Even if you don’t have diabetes, these foods can lead to insulin resistance, which means your body’s cells don’t respond normally to the insulin produced by the pancreas. Here are seven foods you should avoid for better blood sugar control.Continue reading > >
Some Are More Obvious Than Others
If you have diabetes, it is probably not surprising to hear there are foods you should avoid. Certain foods, particularly those rich in carbohydrates, can cause blood sugars to rise quickly. This can make you feel sluggish, cause high blood sugar, and even pack on weight.
What might be surprising, however, is that some foods you might think are healthy are actually foods you should limit or avoid due to their high carbohydrate content, lack of fiber, and generally limited nutritional value.
Below is a breakdown of some unhealthy foods that are often disguised as healthful:
Whole-Wheat Bagels
Don’t be fooled – choosing a whole wheat bagel does not translate to fewer carbohydrates when compared to its white counterpart.
Eating just one is about the same as eating four to six slices bread. Whole wheat bagels are very carbohydrate-dense, can raise blood sugar quickly and are lacking in filling fiber and protein. Eating foods that are low in fiber and protein often leave people feeling hungry just an hour or two afterward.
There are healthier breakfast options out there that can have a positive impact on your diabetes. Studies suggest a larger, higher-protein, higher-fat breakfast may help to reduce HgbA1c.
If you really want the bagel, you should at least adjust and find a healthier middle ground. You can scoop the bread out from the middle of the bagel and and top it with a few scrambled egg whites and a vegetable of your choice.
You May Like: What Happens If Blood Sugar Is Too High
A Diabetes Diet Plan Best Way To Control Blood Sugar
Health experts across the globe have, through research, backed the importance of a proper diet to manage diabetes. A bad diet can easily cause a spike in blood sugar levels, while the appropriate diet can help control it.
The following diet plan is created by certified nutritionists and can help you manage diabetes. By religiously following this diet plan, you can manage your blood sugar levels.
| Meals |
Also Watch For High Blood Sugar
If youre not eating due to an acute illness like the flu or an infection, its also common for your blood sugars to rise.
When you have diabetes and are acutely ill, you should check your blood sugars up to four times per day, drink plenty of fluids and contact your doctor if your blood sugars are consistently over 250, Garvey says.
You May Like: What Is The Best Time To Check Sugar Levels
Best Foods For Low Blood Sugar
For patients with diabetes, monitoring blood sugar levels is a part of daily life.
Low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia, can occur for many people with diabetes who are on certain medications, including insulin. It can occur for a variety of reasons including skipping a meal, exercising strenuously, taking too much insulin or consuming alcohol, especially on an empty stomach.
Low blood sugar can be as minor as a slight inconvenience or as serious as a life-threatening emergency. Thats why it is important to boost blood sugar before it becomes problematic.
Angela Norton, a diabetes educator at Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center, has diabetes herself, so she knows firsthand the tips and tricks of keeping blood sugar on track. Although blood glucose is considered normal if above 70 mg/dL, Norton says patients with diabetes should not wait until they reach below that threshold to take action.
Treat when you feel the symptoms, even if your blood sugar is not below 70, because as long as it is less than 100, it may be dropping fast, she says.
When it comes to treatment, Norton shares these five foods to help boost low blood sugar.
1. CandyWhen hypoglycemia occurs, patients should follow the 15-15 rule. Consume 15 grams of carbohydrates to raise blood glucose and check your levels again after 15 minutes. When the numbers return to normal, eat a snack to stay on track.
Gummy candies contain carbohydrates, which have a large impact on blood sugar levels.
Snack On Fresh Fruit Instead Of Dried Fruit
Although dried fruit contains fiber and many nutrients, the dehydration process removes the water, so it’s easier to eat more think about how many more raisins than grapes you can eat. While snacking on raisins or dried apricots is better for you than eating a cookie, itll still send your blood sugar soaring. Skip the dried fruit and instead choose whole fruits that are high in fiber, which cause a lower and slower rise in blood glucose .
Recommended Reading: How Much Daily Sugar On Keto
Low Glycemic Foods That Wont Raise Blood Sugar Levels
Everyone loves a good sugar or carb-loaded treatment over and over, but if you do have diabetes or even prediabetes, its important to control your diet so you dont push your sugar levels to a dangerous place. How do you bring blood sugar down quickly? Read the article carefully, We have collected 11 Low Glycemic Foods That Wont Raise Blood Sugar Levels.
How To Raise Blood Sugar Levels Quickly And Safely
- To raise blood sugar levels quickly, eat or drink something containing about 15 grams of simple carbs for a quick boost to restore blood glucose.
- Frequent low blood sugar episodes can cause a potentially dangerous condition called hypoglycemia unawareness, where there are no warning signs until more severe symptoms, like shakiness and confusion, set in.
- This article was medically reviewed by Scott Kaiser, MD, geriatrician and Director of Geriatric Cognitive Health for Pacific Neuroscience Institute at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, California.
- Visit Insiders Health Reference library for more advice.
Hypoglycemia is a condition where blood sugar levels drop too low and need to be restored fast. If the condition isnt treated quickly, you risk symptoms and complications like shakiness, confusion, seizures, or even death.
Heres what you need to know about the causes and symptoms of hypoglycemia and the safest ways to raise blood sugar quickly.
Dont Miss: How A Diabetic Can Lose Weight Fast
Also Check: What’s The Recommended Amount Of Sugar Per Day
Best Ways To Snack Before Bed
The ADA no longer provide specific carbohydrate counts or recommended diets for people with diabetes.
A person should choose a healthful snack before bed.
Instead, the ADAs Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes 2019 suggest that a person follows an individualized meal plan tailored to their current eating patterns, preferences, and weight goals.
Some general tips that may be beneficial for everyone:
- Eat mindfully by focusing on enjoying the food.
- Avoiding snacking in front of the television or while reading, driving, or otherwise distracted.
- Plan meals, snacks, and treats ahead of time.
- Choose healthful snacks, rather than ones that contain empty calories and low-quality carbohydrates.
- Learn about and pay attention to portion sizes.
The 17 Best Foods To Lower Your Blood Sugar
For people with prediabetes, diabetes, or other conditions that affect blood sugar, diet is a major part of maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
Although factors like body weight, activity, stress, and genetics also play a role in blood sugar maintenance, following a healthy diet is critical for blood sugar control .
While some foods, including items high in added sugar and refined carbs, can contribute to blood sugar fluctuations, others can optimize blood sugar control while promoting overall health (
Recommended Reading: Is Fruit Sugar Bad For You
What Is The Daily Value For Carbohydrates
While it may not look like one, a banana is technically a berry, according to Purdue University. These fruits are a good source of fiber, potassium and vitamin C. Like any other carbohydrate-containing food, they can cause your blood sugar levels to increase. However, they arent likely to cause blood sugar levels to spike as long as you watch your portion size.
You May Like: Does Metformin Lower Blood Sugar
Worst Foods For Your Blood Sugar
NOT-SO-FRIENDLY FOODS
Certain foods can send your blood sugar level on a roller coaster, with insulin rushing to keep up. The good news is, while there are some surprises, most of these foods fall under the same category: processed food, such as white flour and sugar. Refined flours and sugar cause huge spikes in insulin and get absorbed quickly, which causes problems, says Mark Hyman, author of The Blood Sugar Solution . Look at the whole meal instead of just individual ingredients, adds Jackie Mills, MS, RD. Pairing carbohydrates with protein, fat or fiber helps slow down the absorption process. Watch out for these 10 blood-sugar saboteurs.
WHITE RICE
White rice is a whole rice grain that has been polished until just the endospermessentially an easily digestible starch bombs left. Not surprisingly, recent studies have shown that eating white rice can raise blood glucose significantly, especially if eaten often or in large quantities. One study showed an 11 percent increase in diabetes risk with each daily serving of white rice. If you love rice with your stir-fries, switch to brown rice. Your blood sugar will thank you.
POTATOES
KETCHUP
WHITE PASTA
BAGELS
ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS
FRUIT JUICE
ENERGY BARS
LOW-FAT SWEETENED YOGURT
SPORTS DRINKS AND ENERGY DRINKS
Sourcing: American Diabetes Association, National Institutes of Health, CDC
Don’t Miss: Is Organic Cane Sugar Healthy
Checking For Low Blood Sugar Levels
The warning signs of hypoglycemia are the body’s natural response to low blood sugar levels. When blood sugar levels fall too low, the body releases the hormone adrenaline, which helps get stored glucose into the bloodstream quickly. This can make someone:
- pale
- start shaking
- have an increased heart rate
If the hypoglycemia isn’t treated, more serious symptoms may happen, such as drowsiness, confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
The only way to know for sure if you’re having a low blood sugar level is to test. Blood sugar levels can be tested with a . This computerized device measures and displays the amount of glucose in a blood sample. But if you can’t quickly check your blood sugar level, it’s important to treat yourself for hypoglycemia immediately to prevent symptoms from getting worse.
Sometimes a person with diabetes may have symptoms of low blood sugar levels, but blood sugar levels are not actually low. This is a called a false reaction. The hormone adrenaline is not just released when blood sugar drops too low it’s also released when blood sugar levels fall quickly when they’re too high. If you’re having a false reaction, you might actually have blood sugar levels in a healthy range but feel as if you have low blood sugar. Testing blood sugar levels before treating yourself for hypoglycemia can help you figure out if you’re having a false reaction.
page 3