Glucose is a sugar found in your blood, and your body uses this as energy. It is vital for brain function, and is obtained from carbohydrates that you eat. However, there are health conditions like diabetes and hyperglycemia that cause the amount of glucose in your blood to become unbalanced.
Diabetes and Glucose Levels
Insulin is the hormone that helps to metabolize and regulate blood sugar levels. There are two types of diabetes: when the body cannot make insulin, as in type 1 diabetes, or where the body is unable to respond to insulin correctly, as in type 2 diabetes, states TeensHealth. Type 1 diabetes is typically a disorder you are born with or develop early in life, whereas type 2 diabetes is usually developed as an adult; although in recent years, the numbers of children and teens developing type 2 diabetes has been rising. This condition is typically managed through medication and eating foods that help to lower or maintain glucose levels in your blood.
Hyperglycemia
If you have diabetes, hyperglycemia is a possible risk. However, you don't have to have diabetes in order to develop this condition. Hyperglycemia is a condition where blood sugar levels are elevated, according to TeensHealth. Hyperglycemia will cause glucose to build up in the blood, which can damage blood vessels in your body, thus leading to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, vision problems and nerve problems. Hyperglycemia begins to cause problems when glucose levels are above 200mg/dL, states MayoClinic.com. Once this occurs, you may experience symptoms like increased thirst, blurred vision, fatigue and frequent urination.
The Glycemic Index Diet
If you have diabetes or hyperglycemia, you may be directed to follow a glycemic index diet to control and lower your blood sugar levels. In a glycemic index diet, carbohydrate-containing foods are measured as to how quickly they raise blood sugar, explains the American Diabetes Association. Then, these foods are ranked based on how they compare to bread or sugar. Those foods that rank high on the list have a high glycemic index value, while those on the low end of the chart have a low glycemic index, or GI.
Following a Glycemic Index Diet to Lower Glucose Levels
The premise behind the glycemic index diet is to eat foods that have a low GI rating in order to balance blood sugar levels. Diabetics who must test their blood sugar prior to eating may find that their blood sugar is too high, and therefore must select foods on the lower end of the glycemic index scale. The glycemic index diet also states that if you choose a high GI rated food, you can combine it with a low GI food in order to keep your blood sugar at balance.
Foods Ranked as Low GI
Some foods that are ranked low on the glycemic index scale and that will help to lower your blood sugar include dried beans, all non-starchy vegetables, most fruits, carrots, sweet potatoes, pasta, whole grains, lima beans, peas and lentils.
