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Warning Signs of High Blood Sugar

Warning Signs of High Blood Sugar

High blood sugar levels in the body are the common cause of Type 2 diabetes and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). According to the National Kidney Foundation, type 2 diabetes is a leading cause of CKD. Thus the best way to prevent CKD related to type 2 diabetes is by controlling high blood sugar levels. Here are some warning signs and foods that may indicate and contribute to a spike in blood sugar levels.

What is blood sugar level?
Glucose is an essential energy source for the body and is obtained from different foods. The blood sugar level, also known as blood glucose level, measures how much glucose (sugar) is present in the bloodstream.

Upholding healthy blood sugar levels is crucial for overall health and well-being. Various conditions, including diabetes and other illnesses, can cause high or low blood glucose levels. When it comes to blood sugar levels, it is essential to understand how to monitor and manage them to maintain optimal health.

Warning signs that increase blood sugar levels
Here are some crucial warning signs of diabetes that you should be aware of. If you experience any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it’s important to see a doctor and get tested for diabetes. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing long-term health complications.

Frequent urination
When you have high blood sugar, the body may try to eliminate the excess sugar by making you urinate more than usual. Frequent urination is a common symptom of high blood sugar and one of the warning signs of diabetes. It’s essential to note how often you use the bathroom and discuss it with your healthcare provider if you notice any changes.

Other health-related issues that can cause frequent urination include urinary tract infections, bladder cancer, and kidney stones. If you’re experiencing frequent urination and other symptoms, it’s best to talk to your doctor and get tested for these other conditions.

Slow healing wounds
Slowly healing wounds can be an indication of high blood sugar levels. This is because high blood sugar damages the body’s ability to produce collagen and elastin, which are responsible for helping the skin heal. When the body cannot produce enough of these proteins, it takes much longer for cuts, bruises, and other wounds to heal. Therefore, if you have a wound that is taking a long time to heal, it could be a sign of high blood sugar levels, and you should seek professional help at the earliest.

Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
A number of different conditions can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, but when it’s related to your blood sugar levels, it’s usually due to hypoglycemia. When this happens, the body cannot get enough glucose from the bloodstream, and the brain doesn’t have enough energy to function properly, leading to dizziness and lightheadedness.

The best way to prevent feeling dizzy or lightheaded due to low blood sugar is to monitor levels closely. If your levels are dropping too low, it’s crucial to immediately include some form of carbohydrates, like fruit juice or glucose supplements, in your meals. Eating a snack with complex carbohydrates (like whole grains) can also help stabilize your levels and reduce the symptoms of hypoglycemia.

It’s also crucial to remember that if you experience extreme dizziness or lightheadedness, you should seek professional help as soon as possible, as it could indicate a more serious condition.

Excessive thirst
Excessive thirst is one of the signs of high blood sugar levels. When your body doesn’t have enough glucose in the bloodstream, it triggers the release of a hormone called vasopressin, which can lead to feeling thirsty. If you are experiencing extreme thirst and haven’t been drinking a lot of fluids, checking your blood sugar levels is essential.

Blurry vision
If you’re experiencing a hazed vision, this could be a sign of high blood sugar levels. Blurred vision can occur when the eye’s lens becomes swollen due to increased sugar levels. This is because the sugar molecules bind with water and cause the lens to swell. This is a distorted image, making it difficult to see clearly. If you experience blurred vision, monitoring your blood sugar levels and speaking to your doctor as soon as possible are important.

Foods that increase blood sugar levels
Keeping track of the foods you eat is one way to help regulate blood sugar levels, as some foods have a more significant impact than others. Here are some of the surprising foods that can spike sugar levels.

Processed meats
These meats include bacon, hot dogs, salami, sausages, and ham. Although these meats are high in protein, they can also be high in fat and sodium, increasing blood sugar levels.

These processed meats are also high in saturated fat, raising cholesterol levels and making you more prone to developing type 2 diabetes. For this reason, limiting the intake of processed meats or avoiding them is essential. Instead, opt for leaner options like chicken or fish.

Brown rice
Brown rice is a popular healthy food choice, often touted as a healthier alternative to white rice. Despite this reputation, many may be surprised to learn that brown rice can significantly impact blood sugar levels. It is a complex carbohydrate, meaning it takes the body longer to break it down. This slows the digestion process and leads to a more gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream, resulting in a slower, steadier rise in blood sugar levels.

To help reduce the impact of brown rice on blood sugar levels, consider pairing it with healthy fats and proteins. Adding nuts, seeds, or lean proteins to your meal will slow digestion and help you avoid an unnecessary spike in blood sugar. Additionally, ensure to control the portion of brown rice so you don’t overindulge at once.

Whole wheat bread
Whole wheat bread is a popular food choice because it is high in fiber and can provide a feeling of fullness. However, many people need to realize that whole wheat bread is also one of the foods that can increase your blood sugar levels.

It contains carbohydrates, which are broken down into glucose during digestion. As glucose enters your bloodstream, the body releases insulin, which helps your cells absorb the glucose for energy. When you consume too many carbohydrates quickly, your body releases more insulin than necessary, which can result in a spike in your blood sugar levels.

Fruit juice
Fruit juice is often thought of as a healthy alternative to soda and other sugary beverages, but it can have just as much of an impact on your blood sugar levels. This is because many juices are made from concentrated fruit, meaning they have more sugar per serving than their unprocessed counterparts.

It’s essential to pay attention to the nutritional information on the label when shopping for juices, as many brands add additional sugar to make their drinks sweeter. Additionally, it’s best to limit the amount of fruit juice you consume to no more than one cup per day.

Dried fruit
Dried fruit is often considered a healthy snack, but it can have an adverse impact on your blood sugar levels. While some varieties, like dates and raisins, contain more natural sugars than fresh fruits, dehydration concentrates their sweetness and increases their glycemic index. These are also much higher in calories than their fresh counterparts, making them an easy way to overconsume sugar.

When snacking on dried fruit, always check the nutrition label for added sugars, and stick to the suggested serving size of no more than 1/4 cup. Look for unsweetened varieties, and be aware that dried cranberries, bananas, and mangoes tend to have the highest sugar content. Consider combining dried fruits with a source of protein or healthy fat like nuts, seeds, or nut butter to help slow down digestion and the absorption of sugar.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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Foods to Eat With Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is a health condition in which the kidneys cannot effectively filter waste from the blood, leading to an accumulation of toxins. If left untreated, it can cause serious health complications. While chronic kidney disease can be an onerous burden, it does not have to prevent the patient from living a fulfilling life. Many treatments help manage the symptoms and discomforts, and doctors also recommend a few nutrition and lifestyle changes. Foods for managing chronic kidney disease Healthy nutrition is an essential part of managing chronic kidney disease. Certain foods have nutrients that help improve overall kidney health and manage diseases that affect the organ. Below are a few such foods to consider adding to meals: Low-sodium foods Reducing salt and sodium intake is essential when dealing with chronic kidney disease. Cutting back on salt helps maintain healthy blood pressure, reducing the risk of complications that can arise with this condition. Eating fresh foods like greens, broccoli, and cauliflower is a great way to reduce sodium intake. Besides being low in salt, fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meats are excellent sources of nutrients and protein. Another way to reduce sodium intake is to avoid canned foods, as they use salt as a preservative. If one cannot do without canned foods, they should drain and rinse them to reduce sodium before eating. Avoiding salt in home-cooked meals can affect their taste. To avoid this problem, patients can use herbs and spices. Rosemary, basil, garlic, cumin, and oregano are excellent seasonings that are low in sodium but rich in flavor. While saying no to salt can be hard, it can help manage chronic kidney disease in the long run. Foods with low potassium Including low-potassium foods in the meal plan is another critical step in managing chronic kidney disease. It can help control the amount of minerals and waste in the body and regulate blood pressure. Some examples of low-potassium foods are cranberry juice, apples, grapes, peaches, cooked rice, wheat cereals, grits, white bread, and pasta. When it comes to choosing low-potassium fruits, cranberry is a great option. Cranberry juice has plenty of antioxidants that can reduce inflammation. When had in moderation, it can help keep the kidneys healthy and functioning correctly. Apple is another healthy fruit, rich in vitamin C and fiber and low in potassium. It can help reduce the risk of stroke and other heart-related diseases. Grapes are packed with essential vitamins and minerals and are relatively low in potassium. They can help reduce cholesterol levels and regulate blood pressure. Peaches also have only a tiny amount of potassium and are excellent sources of vitamin C and fiber, suitable to lower cholesterol and inflammation. Among grains, cooked rice and wheat cereals are suitable. Cooked rice is a good source of fiber and complex carbohydrates and has low potassium levels. If eaten regularly, it can help control blood sugar levels. Wheat cereals are an excellent source of fiber, protein, and other nutrients and are low in potassium, making them healthy when managing chronic kidney disease. White bread, grits, and pasta are also great choices. They have high reserves of complex carbs with little potassium. However, white bread can raise blood sugar, so it is best had in moderation. Heart-healthy foods Chronic kidney disease makes the heart work harder, increasing the risk of cardiovascular conditions. Hence, it is advisable to add heart-healthy foods to meals. Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, while dairy products and whole grains provide protein. These foods can help reduce cholesterol and maintain a healthy blood pressure level. Leafy greens are best for improving heart function. Spinach, kale, and collard greens are good sources of folate and vitamin K, which can help reduce inflammation. Other nutritious vegetables include sweet potatoes, squash, eggplant, and bell peppers. Apples, oranges, berries, and grapes are excellent picks among fruits. They are a great source of antioxidants, which can help prevent cell damage in different body organs, including the heart. Besides fruits and veggies, experts recommend adding beans to meals. Lentils, black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans are excellent sources of fiber, protein, and micronutrients like iron and zinc. These properties help lower cholesterol levels. The role of milk and milk products in supporting heart health cannot be ignored. Milk is a source of calcium and protein. However, one must choose fat-free or low-fat milk over whole milk to prevent high cholesterol. Yogurt is packed with probiotics, which can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria. Cheese is also healthy, but individuals should choose low-fat varieties like cottage cheese and ricotta cheese. Homemade iced tea Iced tea is a refreshing and nutritious beverage that can help stay hydrated while managing chronic kidney disease. It contains beneficial antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which have several health benefits. For instance, these antioxidants can reduce inflammation and protect organs against oxidative damage. Homemade iced tea may also improve kidney function in patients with chronic kidney disease. When making homemade iced tea, it is essential to use fresh ingredients, natural sweeteners like honey or stevia, and purified water free from contaminants. One can add fresh herbs and spices to the tea for added flavor and health benefits. Foods with less phosphorous Studies suggest that high phosphorus levels can harm the kidneys and lead to a loss of kidney function. Therefore, people with chronic kidney disease should add low-phosphorus foods to meals. Fresh fruits and vegetables like apples, oranges, lettuce, spinach, and carrots have less phosphorous and provide a range of other essential nutrients. Other low-phosphorous options include bread, pasta, rice, corn, and cereals. Besides being low in phosphorous, these foods are high in fiber, vital for maintaining a healthy digestive system. Fiber helps slow digestion and promote regular bowel movements, reducing waste buildup. One must consult a doctor or nutritionist before modifying their food habits. In severe cases, doctors may recommend treatments besides nutrition changes to manage the condition.

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