As the blood sugar system is complex, understanding it can be difficult.
How Blood Glucose Levels Operate In Our Body
Our body basic requirement is blood sugar as fuel to operate body functions. After digestion of food blood sugar is taken up from the bloodstream and reaches of the cells of body where is used to produce energy required for body normal functioning. Glucose which is later converted into glycogen and it is stored in our body specially in our liver and skeletal muscle cells. How it is stored in our body, pancreas plays a major role by secreting a hormone called insulin which aids in transporting glucose from bloodstream to the body cells.
Now lets talk further, there are several factors that influence how your blood sugar levels change during the day.
According to various studies model, sugar levels might increase eating particularly those meals which are rich in high carbohydrates but the interesting thing is blood sugar also increases after experiencing stress and occasionally exercising. Hyperglycemia is a term which is defined as high blood sugar.
On the other hand hypoglycemia is a term defined as low body blood sugar. It occurs when the blood sugar levels drops below 60 mg/dL.
There are many symptoms of low blood sugar which includes trembling, sweating, anxiety, a rapid heartbeat, vertigo, nausea, hunger and blurred eye vision. Low blood sugar that is untreated for long time can even raise risk of seizures.
Now how our body tackle this situation of low blood sugar levels, our pancreas releases the hormone called glucagon which causes glycogen which is stored in our body to convert it into glucose and deliver it into the bloodstream.
Now how our body tackle high blood sugar levels, whenever this situation occurs our pancreas releases another hormone which is called insulin which aids in getting the glucose into body cells from bloodstream.
However, diabetes occurs when the blood sugar levels are high despite pancreas generating insulin.
There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 and type 2.
In type 1 diabetes pancreas doesn't make insulin resulting into high blood sugar levels.
In type 2 diabetes pancreas does make insulin but there is insulin resistance, where the body is unable to effectively response to the increased insulin levels and as a results the blood glucose levels stays high as compared to diabetes type 1 in which pancreas doesn't even make insulin and as a results blood sugars levels go high. So this is basic difference I hope you got this.
Now lets talk about certain things that people with diabetes should avoid most to maintain their health and well being.
1. Sugary foods and Bevarages
Sugary foods and bevarages are considered biggest culprits when it comes to diabetic management. These include soda, soft cold drinks, candy, baked goods, and other high sugar snacks. Sugary foods and beverages cause a rapid spike in blood glucose levels which can lead to insulin resistance and can cause type 2 diabetes. So people with diabetes should avoid these sugary foods and beverages and opt for healthier alternatives which are fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
2. Processed Foods
Processed foods are high in refined carbohydrates, unhealthy fatty acids and added sugars. These foods are highly processed and lack very essential nutrients that body needs to function properly. So people with diabetes 1 or diabetes type 2 should avoid these processed foods and choose whole foods because whole foods are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber.
3. Fried Food
Fried foods such as french fries, fried chicken, and fried fish are high in unhealthy fats and sugars. These foods can cause inflammation and insulin resistance which can lead to diabetes complications. So people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes should avoid fries food opt for other healthier cooking methods such as baking, grilling or steaming.
4. Alcohol
Alcohol also cause a rapid spike in blood glucose level, which can be dangerous for people with diabetes. Other important thing to mention, drinking alcohol can also interfere with diabetes medications and can cause hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) .
So people with diabetes type 1 or type 2 should avoid or limit their alcohol intake and talk to their doctors about safe drinking habits.
5. Smoking
Smoking is one of the major risk factor for diabetes and can also worsen the complications associated with the disease.
As smoking increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye disease, these are common complications of diabetes. So people with diabetes should avoid smoking to prevent complications.
6. Stress
It is important to discuss stress as it can cause a rise in blood sugar levels and also interfere with diabetes management. Unfortunately chronic stress can lead to insulin resistance and other complications.
So people with diabetes should avoid stress and practice stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing exercises.
7. Lack of exercise
Very important factor as it can worsen diabetes and increases the risk of complications. Exercise helps to improve blood glucose levels and reduce insulin resistance, lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. People with diabetes should exercise 5 times a week for 20 minutes. Simple exercises such as walking, cycling and swimming.
8. Skipping meals
Skipping meals can have very bad impact on health as it can cause a drop in blood glucose levels and lead to hypoglycemia. This can be dangerous for people with diabetes specially diabetes type 1. People with diabetes should aim to eat regularly at time to maintain their blood glucose levels.
In conclusion people with diabetes should avoid sugary foods and beverages, processed foods, fried foods, alcohol, smoking, stress, lack of exercise and skipping meals.
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