How can i tell if my blood sugar is high?
It’s amazing how we tend to overlook the little things that matter. For instance, something as small as a spike in our blood sugar levels can have long-lasting consequences on our health. Unlike dogs who can immediately sniff out problems with your blood sugar, us humans need some guidance. So how do you tell if your blood sugar is higher than usual? Let’s dive into this!
Understanding Blood Sugar
Before delving deep into telling whether or not our blood sugar is high let’s first grasp what it means when we say “blood sugar”. Glucose, also known as “blood sugar”, refers to the amount of glucose present in the bloodstream at any given time. Now that we know what it means let’s discuss how we can tell if are sugars are too high.
Signs and Symptoms
Your body will give you signs indicating whether your glucose levels are normal or too high.
Excessive thirst
Are you always thirsty or experiencing dry mouth? This could be an indicator of high blood sugars so drink up!
Dry skin
Is your skin feeling rougher than The Rock’s abs? This may be entirely unrelated but if combined with other symptoms then this could indicate elevated glucose levels.
Increased urination
If you find yourself spending more time queuing for public restrooms there may be a chance [[”you’ve increased urine output due to elevated glucose.”]] You should definitely check just to make sure.
Weakness & Fatigue
Do daily tasks seem like climbing Everest all over again? It might mean that [[‘your cells aren’t getting enough energy from excess carbs.”]] Consult with a physician before self-diagnosing, for all I know maybe running after my dog everyday counts has increased mine instead ([and seriously do run behind them once!]).
Numbness & Tingling sensation
Ever felt the sensation of pins and needles in some part of your body? This could be an indication that you’ve been taking too much sugar lately. Analyze to determine if this is related to any diabetic neuropathy.
Blurry vision
Is your vision blurry or are you experiencing momentary blindness followed by regularity after a few moments? Keep note, it could indicate elevated glucose levels or hypo/hyperglycemia.
If all these signs indicate high blood sugar, then it’s time for damage control. Remember that prevention is better than cure so let’s look at how we can reduce our risk level starting now!
Monitoring Sugar Levels
The easiest method to test blood sugar is through a glucometer. This user-friendly device (which should come with readings below “500”<<53+6>>) yields visible estimations following sampling from tiny pricks on your finger(s). Ensure you sanitize before use so as to avoid bacterial infections. It’s recommended that at least one digital reading occurs every three months and compared against past tests to track patterns [[(keep notes!)]] Following numerous readings, share with medical experts[[((yup – medical ones))]]
It should be noted monitoring alone isn’t absolute insuring disease-free living; speaking strictly from my human experience which provided no immediate cure/ reversed progress [[(not professional advice but kinda)]], needed was also considered were lifestyle changes & always remember providing informed consent enhances devices’ optimization potential [[(this I got right though !!)]].
Normal Blood Sugar levels
To maintain healthy glucose level,target between (80-140) mg/dL throughout the day irrespective nighttime maintenance being slightly more lax ([[I said night-time only what were thinking?!]]) .
| Time | Blood Glucose Level ranges |
|---|---|
| Fasting state | Under 100mg/dLl |
| Pre-prandial (before meals) | 80-140mg/dL |
| Postprandial(after meals) | Under 180mg/dL |
If your readings are higher than those shown above it’s time to evaluate what has been happening these past few days to locate cause and consider a review with medical professionals [[(I heard of this book “medical referencing”!)]].
Causes of High Blood Sugar
If you’re wondering what could be the possible causes of high blood sugar, then here’s a list:[[it’s not like I haven’t warned ya!]]:
- Insufficient insulin
Insulin deficiency leads to unwillingness or failure in sugar absorption by the body which ultimately surfaces as elevated glucose levels. - Overconsumption of sugary foods/drinks
Yes, those sins we all love – fast-foods/ drinks rich in carbs can lead to increased glucose on most items that don’t end up contributing positively towards regulating our sugars. Doritos® hold lesser key nutrients compared your green veggie salad[[((isn’t this painfully low hanging?))]] - Emotional stress[[((stress is not my middle name but cool))]]
Adrenaline promotes an increase in blood pressure which brings about a rise in carbohydrates introduced into circulation thereby elevating muscle release too often leading terrible outcomes if unhandled ASAP.
4.Lack of exercise
A sedentary lifestyle renders less energy usage resulting buildup which further limits handling excess improper carb diets.
After evaluating whether or not any food/habit changed within your daily routine impacted blood sugar levels take action immediately when required & resist wallowing solely from sadness due shifts tested herein above.
Exercise Is Key!
Getting regular physical activity each week helps reduce elevated sugar levels hugely1, 2. Exercising causes your muscles to use stored sugar in a bid to improve insulin sensitivity. Aim for at least 30-mins of vigorous/ moderate exercise on most days of the weeks [[(It’s workout season )]]. Now that’s something my dog and I totally agree with, because we like nothing more than sweating out together!
Lifestyle Changes
If you have been diagnosed with elevated glucose or are at risk then it’s necessary to simplify diet plans[[((as much as humanely possible))]] cutting down sugars & replacing them complex carbohydrates. Focus on lean sources of protein and vegetables rich in fibers.Ease into this practice first though don’t attempt drastic immersion since still require energy output level management optimally.3<\sub>
Hydration is important too!
Drink plenty fluids {{water}} especially if symptoms indicating thirst surface while remembering that regulating sugar helps optimal water retention unlike when constantly switching between overly sugary beverages frequently leading spikes nowhere good.
And there you have it – A comprehensive guide providing information on how one can determine high blood sugars levels complete solutions offered allowing minimizing risky behavior resultant from poor choices from consumed food intake/habits developed over time.
References:
1 American Diabetes Association: Standards of medical care-[https://www.diabetes.org/-Standards-of-Medical-Care-in-Diabetes-2017-Blood-Glucose-Targets].
2Dietitians of Canada: Nutrition Therapy.[https://guidelines.-diabetes.ca/reduce-risk/nutrition].
[3] The Unrefined Kitchen Blog. Top Ten Benefits Of High-Fiber Foods In Your Diet. 2021.[https://theunrefinedkitchen.com/blogs/news/top-ten-benefits-of-high-fiber-foods-in-your-diet].