Glucose, or blood sugar, is the primary source of energy for all cells. While it is important for your body, too much blood sugar, called hyperglycemia, can cause adverse health effects. Normal blood sugar levels should fall somewhere between 70 and 130 mg/dL. After a meal it might stay as high as 160 to 180 mg/dL. If your sugar levels rise above 180 mg/dL and stay there for more than three days, you need to act to bring it back down, says the Joslin Diabetes Center.
Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Sugar
Several things occur in your body to let your know that your blood sugar is too high. You may urinate excessively or have the urge to do so even without consuming more fluids. This happens when your body pulls water to try to lower sugar by excreting it through the urine, explains Kids Health. You may feel thirsty or have a dry mouth. High blood sugar can cause headaches and may make your vision blurry. Additionally, it can lead to fatigue or a feeling of exhaustion.
Exercise and Physical Activity
Keep moving while your blood sugar is high, suggests the Vermont Department of Health. Since glucose is a source of energy, exerting energy can help burn some of the excess sugar. Go for a walk or do some house work. Exercise can also be a preventative measure by maintaining your weight. Keeping a stable weight and avoiding weight gain can help maintain normal blood sugar levels. Check with your physician to ensure you are healthy enough for exercise.
Drink Water
Excessive urination can cause you to become dehydrated. Drink plenty of water to replace any fluid you lose. Water helps maintain fluid balance in your body. Drinking water throughout the day is essential to keep your blood sugar stable. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water throughout the day, suggests the Joslin Diabetes Center. Avoid caffeinated beverages that can speed up digestion and may cause you to absorb too much sugar at once from your diet.
Timing Meals
Having a balanced diet and eating several small meals at the same time each day helps stabilize your blood sugar levels. If you are on medication for diabetes, such as insulin injections, food and timing of meals affects how your medicine works, explains National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. For example, insulin works to bring blood sugar levels down. Having an insulin injection and not eating may cause your blood sugar to fall dangerously low.
