Glucose is your body’s main source of energy, especially for your brain. Glucose enters your body through what you eat and drink. Insulin, a hormone, helps keep your blood sugar within a normal range so that your body can function properly. The role of insulin is to help the glucose enter your cells where it will be used for energy so you can continue to do what you do.
Blood sugar levels should be maintained within the normal range which is less than 100 mg/dL under fasting condition and less than 140 mg/dl, 2 hours after meals (referred to as post-prandial). If your glucose level is too high or too low, your body’s functioning will be affected and you will not feel your best.
You have to be mindful of your carbohydrate and sugar intake. After all, it is the sugars and carbohydrates you eat that will eventually cause your blood sugar levels to rise. Low blood sugar levels can cause the body to malfunction too. This condition is called hypoglycemia where one would feel hungry, anxious, sweaty, trembling and faintish. High blood sugar levels are not good either; it can damage your vital organs. Reduced vision, easily catching infections, slow healing wounds and kidney damage are common consequences of poorly managed high blood sugar.
Steps to control blood sugar levels
- Healthy eating
This is the foundation of a healthy life. If you are diabetic, your food intake has a very direct impact on blood sugar control. Not only should you monitor the types of food consumed but also the amount of food and your eating schedule. Replacing foods high in sugar with fruits or vegetables can be helpful.
- Keeping active
Regular exercising is essential to control blood sugar levels. When you exercise, your muscles use sugar to make more energy which will help your body to use insulin more efficiently and stabilise your blood sugar levels.
- Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle includes avoiding stress and limiting alcohol consumption. This is because your body produces certain hormones when you are stressed that would eventually increase your blood sugar levels. Furthermore, alcohol increases insulin secretion which leads to low blood sugar. This condition may worsen the blood sugar pattern of diabetics.
- Monitoring blood sugar levels
Regular monitoring your blood sugar levels is vital. This can be done at the nearest health facility or laboratory or using any self-used tools at home just to make sure your blood sugar levels are within the normal range.
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