How To Reduce Sugar Level: A Home Remedies Guide
Maintaining optimum health requires awareness of the risks associated with elevated blood sugar levels. High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, can result in serious complications such as heart disease, damaged kidneys, & nerve damage. In order to successfully lower blood sugar levels through lifestyle & nutritional modifications, one must be familiar with the signs & causes of diabetes.
What is high sugar level? How to reduce sugar level home remedies? Explore effective home remedies for lowering blood sugar levels and sugar control foods & focusing on understanding the concepts of glycemic index (GI) & glycemic load (GL).
What Level Of Blood Sugar Is Dangerous?
Both type 1 & type 2 diabetics are at risk for developing severe hyperglycemia. The term "high" is used to describe blood sugar levels exceeding 125 mg/dL while fasting &180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L) 2 hours postprandial & "critical" is reserved for readings of 300 mg/dL (16.7 mmol/L) or higher.
Chronic hyperglycemia can result in complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, vision problems, & nerve injury.
Signs of High Blood Sugar
High blood sugar symptoms can vary from person to person, but the following are common signs:
- Increased thirst & urination frequency
- Fatigue & weakness
- Blurred vision
- Unexplained weight loss
- Slow healing of cuts & wounds
- Tingling or weakness in the hands & feet
- Chronic infections, such as urinary tract infections or yeast infections
The symptoms of high blood sugar in women are similar to those in males. However, some women may experience additional menstrual symptoms or fluctuations, such as:
- Frequent vaginal infections
- Yeast infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Changes in menstrual cycles
- Greater risk of gestational diabetes during pregnancy
If you observe any of these symptoms or abnormalities in your menstrual cycle, visit your doctor for a correct diagnosis & treatment.
Why Sugar Level Increases?
Multiple factors may contribute to an increase in blood sugar levels:
- Unhealthy eating habits: Consuming excessive amounts of sugary foods & beverages, processed foods, & harmful fats can increase blood sugar.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Inactivity & a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to insulin resistance & elevated blood glucose levels.
- Excess body weight: Being overweight or obese increases the likelihood of developing insulin resistance, resulting in high blood sugar levels.
- Stress: Chronic stress may impact hormone balance, influencing blood sugar control.
- Genetics: Family history & genetics can contribute to an individual's susceptibility to excessive blood sugar levels.
- Certain health issues: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) & other hormonal abnormalities have been linked to insulin resistance & increased glucose levels in certain patients.
The Role Of Glycemic Index (GI) & Glycemic Load (GL) In Blood Glucose Levels
The glycemic index (GI) & glycemic load (GL) are valuable tools for effectively managing blood glucose levels. The GI ranks carbohydrates according to their effect on blood sugar levels, whereas the GL analyses the GI & the amount of carbohydrates ingested. Choosing foods with a low GI & GL can aid in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
The GI & GL are measures used to determine the impact of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. These concepts are explained below:
Glycemic Index (GI):
The GI ranks carbohydrates on a scale from 0 to 100 based on how rapidly & to what extent they raise blood sugar levels after consumption. High GI foods are promptly metabolized & cause a rapid rise in blood sugar, whereas low GI foods are digested more slowly & cause a gradual rise in blood sugar.
- Low-GI foods (GI of 55 or less) are associated with a slower & more controlled release of glucose into the bloodstream. Whole cereals, legumes, the majority of fruits, & non-starchy vegetables are examples of these foods.
- Medium-GI foods (GI of 56-70) are digested moderately, resulting in a slower increase in blood sugar levels. Some examples include basmati rice, whole wheat bread, sweet potatoes, oats, & brown rice.
- High-GI foods (GI of 70 or more) are quickly digested & cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. Some examples include refined cereals, sweetened foods, & carbohydrate vegetables like white potatoes.
The GI can benefit individuals with diabetes or those looking to manage their blood sugar levels. Choose foods with a low glycemic index to help maintain stable blood sugar levels & sustained energy.
Glycemic Load (GL):
GL considers the GI & total quantity of digestible carbohydrates in food. It provides a more precise measurement of the effect of a substance on blood sugar levels.
The formula for calculating GL is:
GL = (GI × grams of carbohydrate) / 100
- Low-GL food (GL of 10 or less) has a negligible effect on blood sugar levels & includes a variety of non-starchy vegetables, legumes, & whole grains.
- Medium-GL food (GL between 11 & 19) moderately impacts blood sugar & includes whole-grain bread, brown rice, & oatmeal.
- High-GL foods (GL of 20 or greater) cause a significant rise in blood sugar high resulting in blood sugar symptoms. These high-GL foods include sugary beverages, processed munchies, & refined grains.
By considering both the GI & the quantity of carbohydrates in a food, the GL provides a broader overview of its effect on blood sugar levels.
The GI & GL are tools to help choose food, but they should be evaluated together with diet, portion size, & health issues. It is advisable to seek personalized dietary advice from a healthcare professional or registered dietitian.
Home Remedies To Reduce Sugar Level
What to do when blood sugar is high? How to stop diabetes before it starts? Diabetes prevention begins or prevent with adopting a healthful lifestyle. Some strategies, such as:
- Consume a healthy diet: Concentrate on sugar control foods such as whole, unprocessed foods & limit sugary & high-carbohydrate foods to regulate blood sugar levels & prevents increases induced by rich & high-carbohydrate foods. Also, rich in fiber, whole foods reduce the rate of digestion & glucose absorption into circulation.
- Maintain a consistent exercise routine: Aim for at least 150 minutes per week of exercise at a moderate intensity. Because exercise enhances insulin sensitivity, allowing cells to utilize glucose efficiently. Also, it helps maintain a healthy weight & reduces insulin resistance, a significant contributor to the development of diabetes.
- Maintain a healthful body mass index: Diabetes risk can be reduced through weight loss & maintaining a healthy body mass index as insulin resistance is increased by excess weight, particularly in the abdominal region. Losing weight through a healthy diet & exercise improves insulin sensitivity & reduces the risk of developing diabetes.
- Learn to manage your stress: Chronic stress causes the release of stress hormones, which can increase blood sugar levels. Relaxation techniques reduce stress & enhance glucose regulation. Incorporate stress management strategies such as meditation, yoga, or relaxing activities.
- Have routine checkups: Monitoring blood glucose levels & other health parameters enables early detection of any abnormalities. It allows for early intervention & changes in lifestyle to prevent the onset of diabetes.
- Limit your alcohol intake: Consuming too much alcohol can interfere with liver function, altering blood sugar regulation. Therefore moderation is essential.
- Quit smoking: Smoking contributes to the development of diabetes by increasing insulin resistance & promoting inflammation. Quitting smoking reduces risk & enhances overall health.