Blood sugar is important to our bodies because it is the main resource of energy; energy that is used to keep our muscles, organs and tissues healthy. When digestion occurs, some foods break down into single sugar units, which then are absorbed into the blood. Such foods are known as carbohydrates.
When someone suffers from a too high blood sugar level it means that insulin, which helps sugars in the blood enter your body cells and then used for energy, are not being produced in needed quantities – sometimes not at all – thus producing a high sugar reading.
There are two types of diabetes: Type 1, which occurs in children and young adults. Insulin injections and diet are used to control this type of diabetes. Type 2 is the more common kind of diabetes and occurs in those who are over 40. In most cases, with this type of diabetes, many are overweight or have a history of diabetes in their family. Treatment for this type of diabetes includes a balanced diet plan, oral medication or insulin and losing weight.
So, if one has diabetes he or she should have a diet that is low in fats – particularly saturated fats – fats that are found in food that is processed such as cookies, cakes, pies, pizza, red meat and take out foods. To help keep blood sugar levels low one should chooses foods such as low-fat dairy foods, lean meat, fresh vegetables such as broccoli and cabbage, cherries, blueberries and strawberries, high fiber cereals such as oatmeal, whole grain bread, turkey, chicken and fish, walnuts, nuts and pecans and drink plenty of water.
In addition, moderate exercise also helps control diabetes but caution must be used when exercising. Talking with your doctor on the type and length of exercise and what to check before and after exercising is very important to avoid any health problems that could arise from too much exercise.
It is important to know about blood sugar because our bodies and especially our brains depend on a healthy level of blood sugar in order to function well. Blood sugar – glucose – is sugar that comes from the foods we eat. Once we eat something it is then formed into blood sugar and then stored inside the body. Then, it is used as energy for the cells in our body, which is then carried to every cell throughout the bloodstream.
Monitoring and regulating blood sugar levels is important, especially for those who have diabetes because blood sugar levels affect us physically and mentally. And, certain blood sugar levels play a big part in losing or gaining weight.
Blood sugar levels can be tested and regulated by using a blood sugar monitor or having your blood sugar levels tested by a physician. It has been suggested that blood sugar should be taken shortly upon waking – before eating and also several hours after eating. Normal glucose levels are usually less than 100 mg/dL when taken in the morning upon waking up or before eating. The normal glucose levels taken one to two hours after eating are usually less than 140.