According to the American Diabetes Association, in the United States alone, more than 17 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes, 5.7 million have yet to be diagnosed and 57 million are at risk of developing the condition. The numbers are staggering and this should be a cause of concern.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is considered to be a disorder in metabolism. Metabolism is a term used to describe the way the body utilizes digested food in order to obtain energy and grow. Our bodies get the energy that it needs to properly function from glucose. Basically, what happens is that our body digests food which is then turned into glucose which is considered as the body’s fuel because they are what the cells need. Glucose, also called food for the cells, then travels into the blood stream. In order for glucose to enter the cells, insulin must be present. Think of it this way: a cell is a house and in order for glucose to enter its house, it must have a key, which is insulin.

The hormone insulin is produced by the pancreas which is normally released after a person has eaten. Without the presence of insulin, glucose will not be able to enter the cells thus depriving them of their food.

Why do I have High Blood Sugar Levels?

Having a very high blood sugar level in the bloodstream, or a condition medically known as hyperglycemia, is a precursor to diabetes mellitus. If left uncontrolled, this may lead to the diagnosis of diabetes in the long run. What actually happens is one of three things: it’s either your pancreas produces very little insulin, it does not produce insulin at all, or your cells do not respond to the insulin from your pancreas. When glucose is not properly utilized by the body cells, it starts to accumulate in your blood stream, and this explains your very high blood sugar level.

What Are the Dangers Associated with having High Blood Sugar Levels?

A blood stream that has very high sugar levels would cause a very, very poor blood circulation which could be described as sluggish. A poor, sluggish circulation presents problems to the farthest areas in the human body because blood will be very slow in getting to them. So the most affected parts are those with small blood vessels such as the eyes, the fingers and toes, the kidneys, and the heart. Diabetic retinopathy affects the eyes; diabetic nephropathy affects the kidneys; diabetic neuropathy affects the nerves giving one that tingling, numb sensation. An added problem with diabetes is that the sufferer has poor healing tendencies. A simple scratch wound could turn into a gangrenous foot which would call for an amputation. This is due to the poor blood circulation once again. Remember that blood carries with it nutrients necessary for wound healing.

What Can I Do if I have High Blood Sugar Levels?

It is time to put your foot down on high blood sugar levels before it turns into a final diabetes diagnosis. The good news is, you can eat your way to good health just as long as you know which foods to eat. Numerous studies have been conducted regarding the following foods and their positive effects on blood glucose levels. Eat these often enough and you will surely reap the benefits later on.

• Oatmeal

  The American Dietetic Association (ADA) has confirmed that oatmeal can help regulate blood sugar because although it is a carbohydrate, it is a good form of carbohydrate that digests slowly so it does not quickly raise one’s sugar level. It acts as a stable energy source and that it actually helps one lose weight. Oatmeal contains the soluble kind of fiber which causes you to feel full for longer periods of time. It has been found out that losing weight significantly helps with glucose control. But the ADA is quick to point out: oatmeal is good; just do not get the sweetened one.

• Broccoli and Spinach

  Experts say that eating more non-starchy vegetables can be good for people with high blood sugar levels. Vegetables such as green beans, spinach and broccoli are packed with fiber while being low in carbohydrates. In contrast, starchy vegetables like lima beans, winter squash, corn, potatoes and peas contain loads of carbohydrates and they tend to raise one’s blood sugar. However, it is not advised that you cut off starchy vegetables from your diet completely. The key here is in knowing the right portion size.

  Additionally, broccoli is an excellent source of chromium, a mineral which helps regulate insulin and blood glucose. Researchers believe that the key compound found in broccoli is sulforaphane which exerts a protective effective on the heart.

• Strawberries

  A common misconception about strawberries is that they are not good for people with diabetes because they are very sweet. But the truth of the matter is, strawberries are low in carbohydrates and low in calories too. They are also high in water and fiber content, making a person feel full for a longer time. The longer it is that a person feel full, the lesser carbohydrates he will consume. So a cup of strawberries is a far healthier option than a candy bar or cookies if you are looking for something to snack on.

• Salmon

  Because one of the complications of diabetes is geared towards the development of heart problems it is important that we take the necessary measures to protect the heart. Eating fish such as salmon, mackerel and tuna can help reduce heart disease risk because these fish are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids which are not only good for the heart but it also help in inflammation reduction and in improving insulin resistance. Plus, these fish are low in saturated fat.

  A spokesperson from the American Dietetic Association said that stroke or heart attack is the most common cause of death of up to 65 percent of diabetics worldwide.

• Cinnamon

  Cinnamon has captured the attention of the world when news broke out that the spice displays effects similar to insulin and that it helps reduce blood glucose levels in people diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. German researchers have conducted a study on 79 patients for a period of four months where a control group was given placebo and a test group was given cinnamon extract thrice a day. After the four-month test period, those who were given cinnamon extract exhibited a 10.3 percent decrease in their blood sugar levels and the control group only had a 3.4 percent decrease. The results of the study led the researchers to conclude that cinnamon extract exerts a positive effect in lowering blood sugar levels among diabetics.

• Apples

  Looks like eating an apple a day does not only keep the doctor away; it also keeps diabetes at bay. Apples contain pectin which reduces the body’s needs for insulin. A study revealed that women who consume at least an apple everyday has 20% less chances of developing type 2 diabetes compared to women who do not eat apples at all.

• Garlic

  Garlic is packed with antioxidants – organic compounds such as flavonoids, allicin and Allyl Propyl Disulphide (APDS) – which are acts to lower blood sugar levels. Another one of their very important effect is that they stimulate the release of insulin from the pancreas.

Sources
diabetes.webmd.com
healthonlinezine.info
medicalnewstoday.com
livestrong.com