Excessive sugar intake has been linked to several health problems, including high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). If one is worried about their sugar intake, this is a common concern, and over time, there has been a growing emphasis on limiting sugar. This is possible by making minor changes to daily meals and lifestyle, helping one lower the risk of developing serious health problems. So, here are some practical ways to cut down on sugar: What is hyperglycemia? Hyperglycemia is a condition in which one’s blood sugar levels are abnormally high. There are two main types of hyperglycemia: fasting hyperglycemia and postprandial hyperglycemia. Fasting hyperglycemia is when the blood sugar level is higher than 125–130mg/dL after not eating for 8 hours or more. Postprandial hyperglycemia develops when the blood sugar level is higher than 180 mg/dL about 1–2 hours after a meal. People with high blood sugar might experience symptoms like headache, blurred vision, thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. Causes High blood sugar is a common problem that can lead to diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its cells, leading to insulin resistance and eventually diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is more commonly the result of lifestyle factors, such as poor eating habits and a lack of exercise.

Hyperglycemia is high blood sugar, a complication observed in people with diabetes. It develops when the body has significantly less insulin than required or when the body is unable to process insulin. A person with hyperglycemia usually has a blood glucose level of more than 125 mg/dL when fasting and over 180 mg/dL after eating. When hyperglycemia is left untreated for a long time, it can damage the nerves, organs, and blood vessels. Causes and risk factors Many factors can increase the risk of hyperglycemia in people with diabetes. Some of them are: Insufficient or inaccurate dosage of insulin that one takes to manage diabetes  Body’s inability to effectively utilize insulin treatment Excessive carbohydrate intake Leading a sedentary lifestyle Physical or emotional stress Dawn phenomenon, which is a hormonal surge or rise in blood sugar people with diabetes experience every morning Some of the other possible causes of hyperglycemia: Cushing’s syndrome results in insulin resistance Being affected by pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, and pancreatic cancer Using certain treatment options Experiencing trauma or surgery Some of the risk factors of high blood sugar are: A family history of diabetes Unhealthy lifestyle High cholesterol Polycystic ovarian syndrome History of gestational diabetes Symptoms Hyperglycemia may not exhibit symptoms unless one experiences extremely high blood sugar levels, for instance, blood glucose over 180 mg/dL.

Diabetes is currently one of the most common metabolic diseases worldwide. According to experts, nearly 422 million people live with this condition. Over time, the number is only expected to increase. It is a chronic condition characterized by excessive levels of blood sugar. Though the condition has no definite cure, it can be kept at bay by following healthy nutritional habits. Keep reading to find out foods that are considered unsafe for diabetes patients. Foods to avoid for managing diabetes Living with diabetes means making significant adjustments to the daily meal plan. Many foods that were once a favorite of a patient should be sidelined. Some food items often considered healthy can harm a person diagnosed with diabetes. Some foods that are best avoided while dealing with diabetes are listed here.  Processed meat Processed meat is preserved meat that undergoes various preservation methods like smoking, curing, salting, or chemical preservatives. Such foods include bacon, ham, salami, beef jerky, etc. Since chemicals are often used to enhance preservation, it is advised to avoid preserved meat, even by individuals not diagnosed with diabetes. Instead of processed meat, it’s advised to try out natural and lean meat alternatives like chicken, tuna, and turkey.

Diabetes is when the body does not produce or use insulin efficiently. This results in excess sugar or glucose in the blood. The fact that many people might not notice the signs (such as extreme appetite and tiredness) until it’s too late is even more concerning. This blog post will cover some important type 2 diabetes symptoms to watch out for. We’ll also talk about how diabetes affects children, teenagers, and adults. Early signs to watch out for Insulin helps the sugar penetrate into the body cells to be used as energy. Low or inactive insulin leaves sugar accumulated in the bloodstream causing serious health issues affecting the nervous, circulatory, and immune systems of the body. Below are some tell-tale signs of type 2 diabetes that one should be aware of: Increased thirst and frequent urination High glucose levels and bladder function issues associated with type 2 diabetes lead to frequent urination. This, along with less saliva secretion, causes dehydration and dryness in the mouth and throat and increases thirst levels in the patient. Darker skin If a person’s skin is getting darker around the neck, armpits, and groin, one may need to check one’s blood sugar levels. This condition is called acanthosis nigricans (AN), making the skin feel thicker, velvety, and smoother.