How the Glycemic Index Works with Diabetes

Managing diabetes can be done with a good glucose monitor and a healthy diet and exercise program. While intense exercise may not be feasible for everyone, there are several exercise programs you can participate in that allow you to get adequate exercise for your body’s needs. The glycemic index is used to control the blood sugar and insulin levels for a person with diabetes. You must look for foods that are low-GI in order to control your blood sugar levels and avoid blood sugar spikes. Low-GI foods are great because they can also help you lose weight, which is always welcome news to a person that has suffered from obesity for years.

When you eat, the food will be absorbed into the bloodstream when your body uses insulin to transfer the glucose (sugar) to all the essential organs of the body. A person with diabetes can have problems when they drink soda as it causes the blood sugar levels to spike. When there is too much sugar running through the blood stream, the body will start to slough off blood cells. This is extremely dangerous to your body as it can shut down the kidneys and nervous system as well. If you notice blood in your urine, contact your doctor immediately to discuss diabetes and treatment options that are available.

If your doctor finds that you have problems producing insulin, they will recommend taking a pill or shot that will regulate the insulin levels in the body. You will also need a blood glucose monitor to test your levels before and after meals to see where your glucose level is at. To purchase a nice glucose monitor, visit: http://www.caregiverpartnership.com/search/glucose. The reason why you nee the glucose monitor is to make sure your blood sugar is not too high or too low. When it gets too low, you have a condition known as hypoglycemia. This can be a fatal condition if left untreated. It will cause you to suffer from dizziness, shakes, sweating, irritability, confusion, and many other issues. You need to get your blood sugar up quickly or you risk passing out. If you have problems with hypoglycemia, always keep a source of sugar with you. Suck on hard candies as this will improve your blood sugar levels in a hurry. Some people will take a tablespoon of sugar when their blood sugar drops rapidly like this. To prevent this from happening, make sure you are eating plenty of fiber and protein. This will regulate the blood sugar levels so you don’t have the drops in blood sugar.

While you want to look for foods that have a low-GI, it is not always possible for diabetes patients that also suffer from hypoglycemia. Look for whole grain foods when you are consuming carbohydrates since they have fiber and produce sustainable sugar levels throughout the day. Consider a fiber drink if you do not eat foods that are high in fiber. Not only will the fiber help your blood sugar, it also helps the digestive tract by pushing feces out of the body.

Search for fat-free and sugar-free foods whenever possible. This is a simple way to prevent blood sugar problems. Select 4-5 fruits to consume throughout the day. You should look for low-GI fruits like apples, berries, and pears compared to the tropical fruits as they have more sugar. Opt for vegetables that are deep green and leafy, they have more vitamins and minerals that your body will need. Don’t forget to drink milk to get your daily calcium recommendations. You need calcium to build up the bones and muscles.

About The CareGiver Partnership. The CareGiver Partnership helps caregivers and their loved ones with answers to their caregiving questions, including information about home health care products and supplies, from our Wisconsin-based team of Product Specialists who are all current or former caregivers. The company’s Web site provides the largest online library of resources on subjects most important to caregivers — from arthritis to assisted living, and Parkinson’s to prostate cancer — as well as access to more than 3,000 home care products for incontinence, skin care, mobility, home safety and daily living aids. The CareGiver Partnership was founded in 2004 by Lynn Wilson of Neenah, Wisc. Visit http://www.caregiverpartnership.com to learn more or call 1-800-985-1353.

1 comments:

tessa wu said...

Can fiber also aid in regulating blood sugar level when it is high?

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