Maintaining normal blood sugar levels could prove to be a difficult task, but it is a task that must be done in order to control or prevent diabetes. The technical term for high blood sugar is hyperglycemia. If your body cannot properly use the insulin it produces, or if your body produces too little insulin, you have high blood glucose.

You would benefit by maintaining healthy blood glucose levels; failing to do so could lead to serious complications, such as heart attack, stroke, or even death.

Causes of Hyperglycemia

You could suffer from high blood sugar if your body is unable to produce enough insulin. Hyperglycemia could also occur when your body produces insulin, but rejects it. The sugar in your body has a job – it needs to move through your body and cells. Even though the body is rejecting the insulin, the liver will continue to produce sugar; too much sugar in the body could lead to high blood glucose levels.

Some causes of high blood sugar are:

• Emotional stress (related to everyday life – your family or job).
• Failing to take prescribed medication.
• Lack of proper physical activity.
• Insufficient diet.
• The stress that comes from medical illnesses.

Symptoms

If you are suffering from high blood sugar, you may experience various symptoms. Some of those symptoms include:

• Increased Appetite
• Dry Skin
• Weight Loss
• Excessive Urination
• Dry Mouth
• Increased Fatigue
• Vomiting

It is a good idea to test your blood sugar levels on a regular basis, even if you do not have any symptoms. This could help you prevent diabetes and other serious medical conditions. If you have any of these symptoms, you will need to test your blood glucose levels immediately.

Controlling Your Diet

To keep your blood sugar levels normal, you should eat a well-balanced diet. Cinnamon has the ability to improve your blood sugar levels, and possibly prevent you from being at risk for diabetes. Unsweetened oatmeal is another food that could help you control your blood sugar levels.

Foods low in carbohydrates and high in fiber are good for your diet. Bitter gourd, broccoli, green beans, and spinach are good foods to eat to lower your blood glucose levels. Add as many fresh vegetables to your diet as you can possibly eat. Remember to control your meal portions in order to keep your blood sugar levels normal.

Eat plenty of raw and cooked vegetables, but eat starchy vegetables such as potatoes and lima beans in moderation. According to WebMD, starchy vegetables have the ability to raise your blood sugar levels. Large portions of starchy vegetables could be bad for your health.

Drinking water can help you if you have high blood sugar levels. If you drink two glasses of water immediately – at least 8 ounces each – and a third glass of water five minutes later, you can dilute your blood and flush the sugar out of your bloodstream.

Exercise

If your blood sugar levels are high, exercise could help lower them. When you exercise, it is good to check your blood glucose levels before and after you exercise. The less intense your workout is, the better. Moderate exercise could help you decrease high blood sugar levels, but intense workouts might lead to low blood sugar levels.

Keep in mind that there are some instances when exercise could be dangerous. For example, if your blood sugar levels are above 240 mg/dL, the American Diabetes Association suggests you check your urine for ketones. Ketone is a chemical that is produced when you have a shortage of insulin. Your body will break down fat to use for energy. You could purchase a ketone test from your local pharmacy. If you take the test and notice ketones, refrain from exercising, and consult with a physician.

Do not Stress

Try not to panic when you have high blood sugar levels. Stress is bad for individuals with hyperglycemia. Instead of stressing, remain calm and use some of the tips below. When you encounter stress, walk away from the situation or person. You could

• Take deep breaths
• Go for a walk
• Drink chamomile tea

Remember that stressful situations could cause your blood sugar to rise because of the hormones that are released. Keep calm, even if your blood sugar level is high, because stressing will cause it to rise even higher.

It is important that you treat high blood sugar levels; failing to treat hyperglycemia could lead to nerve damage, skin infections, gastrointestinal problems, as well as other medical issues. If you keep your blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible, you could prevent complications that are associated with diabetes and continue to live a healthy life.

References

“When Your Blood Glucose is Too High or Too Low.” National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/type1and2/lowglucose.aspx. Accessed on September 23, 2013.

“Hyperglycemia (High blood glucose).” American Diabetes Association. Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/hyperglycemia.html. Accessed on September 23, 2013.

“Diabetic Diet: 6 Foods that May Help Control Blood Sugar.” WebMD. Retrieved from http://diabetes.webmd.com/features/diabetic-diet-6-foods-control-blood-sugar. Accessed on September 23, 2013.

“Checking for Ketones.” American Diabetes Association. Retrieved from http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/checking-for-ketones.html. Accessed on September 23, 2013.