Wellness Wednesday emails are designed to provide you with simple tools, information, and resources to encourage positive and healthy lifestyle choices. As a proud recipient of The Healthy Arizona Worksite Award, The Be Kind People Project is committed to the health and wellness of their employees, friends, and family.
All about control
Have you ever wondered why your doctor tells you to fast before getting a blood test? Well, it turns out that there’s a legitimate reason for it! Fasting before a blood test helps to accurately measure your blood sugar levels (also called blood glucose levels). By keeping these levels within a normal range, you can lower your risk of diabetes. Let’s see how we can stay in control!
What is Hyperglycemia?
High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, is a result of too much sugar in the blood and not enough insulin to help your body. Insulin is a hormone that your body produces to help your body absorb glucose for your cells to use as energy. Here are some causes of hyperglycemia:
- Accidentally eating more than you planned or exercising less than planned
- Your body is experiencing stress from an illness, like cold or flu
- You’re experiencing stress
- If you have Type 1 Diabetes: You may not have given yourself enough insulin
- If you have Type 2 Diabetes: You may have enough insulin, but it may not be as effective
Signs of Hyperglycemia
For those with diagnosed diabetes, it may be easier to know when your blood sugar levels are higher than usual. But for the millions of people that have undiagnosed diabetes or pre-diabetes, it might be harder to recognize the signs to get the care and diagnosis as soon as possible. Here are some of the symptoms of hyperglycemia:
- Feeling more tired than usual after eating foods like carbs and sugar
- Urinating more than usual
- Feeling thirsty all the time
- Frequent headaches
If you feel like you are at an increased risk of developing diabetes, you should talk with your doctor to get a proper diagnosis!
Tips to lower blood sugar
Although genetics, stress, and body weight plays a factor in blood sugar maintenance, activity and diet also play a vital role. Here are ways to lower your blood sugar naturally.
- Exercise regularly, it helps increase insulin sensitivity.
- Eating healthy foods that naturally reduce blood sugar. Click here for a helpful list!
- Control your stress levels by practicing mindfulness and relaxation methods like yoga.
- Getting enough good quality sleep.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Helps rehydrate your blood and flush out excess blood sugar through urine.
If you currently have diabetes and your doctor has prescribed you medication, you should continue to take your medication and consult with your doctor before making any lifestyle changes.
Happy, Healthy People
Do you have a favorite dish that helps you maintain your blood sugar? Especially with the holidays coming up, we want to know your favorite ways to maintain your blood sugar. Let us know!
Published October 14th, 2020
By Krysta Flores, School Wellness Programs & Events Coordinator at BKPP
Questions? Comments? Want to contribute to the Wellness Wednesday Bulletin?
Send your ideas to Krysta Flores at krysta@bkpp.org.
