High blood sugar is known as hyperglycemia. According to the American Diabetes Association, it is the major complication of diabetes. Hyperglycemia occurs when the body is unable to produce insulin or the insulin does not work properly. You can tell if you have high blood sugar levels if you have to urinate a lot, have high levels of sugar in the urine or if you are increasingly thirsty.
Types of Diabetes
Insulin takes the sugar in your body and converts it to sources of energy for your bodily functions. People with Type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin. With Type 2 diabetes, the body ignores the insulin in the body or it is not properly absorbed into the cells. The build up of sugar in the blood causes major health risks. According to the American Diabetes Association, Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes among Americans.
Diabetic Features
The American Diabetes Association says that there are 23.6 million people in the United States with diabetes. Diabetes can lead to many health risks. If you do not treat the effects of hyperglycemia, then you could fall into a diabetic coma. Other health risks include high blood pressure, heart disease, blindness, kidney disease and neuropathy. The American Diabetes Association states that some symptoms of diabetes include extreme hunger, frequent urination, unusual weight loss and fatigue.
Nutrition
The quality of the food you eat is important when following a diabetic diet. MayoClinic.com recommends that you eat healthy carbohydrates commonly found in foods such as vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Fiber rich foods are also important in a diabetic diet. Fiber can help lower your risk of contracting heart disease and control your blood sugar levels. Eating unsaturated fats founds in nuts and peanut oils can help lower cholesterol levels.
Diabetic Meal Specifications
A diabetes diet to treat hyperglycemia is known medically as a medical nutrition therapy according to MayoClinic.com. The diet involves sticking to healthy meal plans with moderation at regular times during the day. You should eat the same amount of carbohydrates every day at the same times to avoid sugar spikes your blood. Select foods based the on the glycemic index, which indicates the sugar levels of specific foods.
Considerations
Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day to help lower your blood glucose levels. The American Diabetes Association states that exercise helps you use the insulin the body makes and helps manage your blood sugar levels. Consult your dietitian for the best meal plan to help combat any complications you may have on your current diet. Monitor your sugar levels daily to make sure your diabetes is under control.
