What is blood glucose?
The primary sugar found in our blood is known as blood sugar. The body sources blood sugar from the food we eat. We need sugar as it provides energy and nutrients to the muscles and the nervous system while the liver, small intestine, and pancreas regulate the storage and production of glucose in the body.
When you consume food rich in carbohydrates, the pancreas breaks it down into glucose and enters the bloodstream as ‘blood sugar.’
How does the body prepare glucose?
When you consume food like potatoes, bread, rich in carbohydrates, it travels through to your stomach via the esophagus. The acids and stomach enzymes breakdown the food, and glucose is released.
The intestine absorbs the glucose and passes it into the bloodstream, and then transports it to the cells through insulin.
Why is glucose essential?
The blood sugar levels of the body increase after you consume food. As the glucose levels continue to rise, the pancreas releases insulin in the bloodstream.
The cells in our body require glucose for proper functioning. They need amino acids and fats to boost energy, but it acts as the primary fuel for brain functioning. Once the body absorbs the required glucose, the remaining is stored in the liver and muscles in glycogen. The glycogen stored is enough to provide energy to your body for a day.
What are the average blood sugar levels of a human body?
The average blood sugar levels before food are 80 to 100 ml/dl. As there should be an increase in blood sugar levels after consuming 80 to 140 mg/dl is considered normal.
The American Diabetes Association states that adults who aren’t pregnant should be within the following range –
- Before a meal: 8- to 130 mg/dl,
- After 2 hours of a meal: within 180 mg/dl.
Why should you maintain blood glucose levels within limits?
You must maintain the blood sugar levels to avoid health issues and keep your weight in check to remain healthy. Diabetes is called a silent killer because it quietly affects the organs of the body.
If not controlled, it may cause:
- Heart trouble: You are at an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases if your blood sugar levels are not in the specified range. Some medications treat diabetes, but those who have Type 2 diabetes are a risk of hypertension, abnormal cholesterol, obesity, lethargy, and weird spikes in blood sugar levels, all of which harm your heart health.
- Foot ulcers : Foot ulcers are prevalent in people suffering from Type1 and Type 2 diabetes. When left untreated, the wounds do not heal. It ends up as severe infections, often accelerating to gangrene. If not treated immediately, it may lead to amputation. It is always advised for patients for diabetes to monitor for swelling or redness in the feet.
- Poor sight: A blood sugar spike can cause eye disorders like vision impairment or swell around the retina. The only to reduce the damage is early diagnosis.
- Stroke : Those that are suffering from increased blood sugar levels are at increased risk for stroke. The frequently elevated levels can cause endothelial dysfunction, which means inflammation and artery damage. With clogged arteries and thicker plaques, the patient is at risk for clot leading to stroke.
- Lethargy : Maximum people who have diabetes complain about unexplainable fatigue. It makes performing easy tasks difficult. So, the best way to avoid this keep your blood sugar levels in check.
- Neuro trouble : You could suffer from nerve disorders if you have untreated diabetes. The most common nerve damage areas are the hands and feet, also known as peripheral neuropathy associated with numbness, decrease in sensation, and pain. Reports suggest that 60-70 percent of people who have diabetes suffer nerve damage.
How can you keep your blood sugar levels in check?
- Quit artificial sweeteners : Processed sugar is harmful and can cause a spike in your blood sugar levels. Avoid food made with artificial sweeteners.
- Fatty food : Fatty foods are rich in carbohydrates, which the body breaks down to produce glucose. Those who have diabetes must pay attention to what they eat. Fatty food takes longer to digest and triggers insulin resistance, which causes blood sugar spikes. It makes it more difficult to control blood sugar levels.
- Physical activity : Exercise is a natural way to keep blood sugar levels in check. Not only that, but it also reduces the risk of stroke and other lifestyle diseases. It lowers the sugar level, as physical activity alerts the insulin in the body, and aids the cells to remove glucose and burn it for energy.
Can a high-calorie diet cause a problem?
The food that triggers the maximum blood sugar spike is carbohydrates. It increases the calorie intake, causing a rise in the blood sugar levels, so high protein for diabetics is recommended. It reduces the intake of carbohydrates, keeps you full longer, and also leads to weight loss. A low carb protein powder rich in protein aids in balancing the blood sugar levels of the body.
The Health Oxide Dizfuel- High Protein Nutrition Drink Mix Powder for Diabetic is a one-stop solution for diabetics. This low-calorie protein powder has all the nutrients and vitamins required for high blood sugar levels to stay healthy and boost their stamina. This powder is scientifically derived with a slow-release protein that provides energy to the body and keeps the sugar levels checked.
Many diabetic patients worry about nutrition due to a diet restriction. This powder is scientifically produced, keeping all the nutrition requirements in mind for those who have diabetes.