Glucose is the energy currency of the body. You receive glucose or sugar from the foods you eat, and it is then converted to energy molecules for use in all body functions. However, first it must be transported into the cells where energy production occurs. Excess glucose is stored in the body's tissues and readily available when it is needed. The hormone insulin is necessary to transport and store glucose; individuals with type 1 or 2 diabetes may require insulin supplementation or medication for these processes to take place. Without adequate amounts or with sensitivity to insulin, the blood sugar level rises, causing hyperglycemia.
Step 1
Eat simple and complex carbohydrates as part of a balanced diet to provide the body with glucose. Complex carbohydrates help lower your glycemic index or how quickly the blood sugar level rises. These include foods such as lentils, apples, beans, whole wheat bread and milk. Simple carbohydrates raise the blood glucose level quickly. These include rice, white bread and boiled potatoes.
Step 2
Take diabetes medication as recommended by your doctor. Medications for type 2 diabetes help make the body more sensitive to the action of insulin to decrease the glucose level in the blood. The hormone insulin is required to ferry glucose molecules into the cells of the tissues and muscles, where the glucose is converted to energy.
Step 3
Take insulin as prescribed by your doctor. Insulin is also necessary to store excess glucose from food and drink in the liver and muscles. The glucose is packaged in larger molecules called glycogen for storage. The hormone glucagon converts the glycogen back into glucose and releases it into the bloodstream when energy is needed between meals.
Step 4
Check your blood glucose levels regularly if you are diabetic. If stable blood glucose levels are maintained, it means that the dietary glucose is being converted to energy and also stored as glycogen for later use.
Tips and Warnings
- High-glycemic foods release glucose quickly, causing a spike in the blood sugar level; this can lead to insulin resistance, which causes the body to be unable to respond properly to insulin. Balance your diet with low-glycemic foods to prevent this and to maintain healthy energy levels. Consult a glycemic food chart, such as the one on MayoClinic.com, to plan a glycemic index diet.
- Diabetes is a serious metabolic disease that affects metabolism, energy production and storage and every body function. Closely monitored treatment is important to prevent hyperglycemia and damage to the organs and nerves. Treatment includes a diabetic diet, exercise plan, medications and insulin injections.
