Senior Living News

What Is Blood Sugar?

Glucose travels through your bloodstream, providing your cells with energy in the process. When you eat foods like pasta, bread, fruits and rice, your body breaks down those carbohydrates into glucose. The pancreas then releases the hormone insulin to help glucose better enter your cells. Levels that are too low or too high can cause serious health problems, so maintaining blood sugar at healthy 70 to 99 mg/dL levels helps you retain energy throughout the day. Keep in mind that these levels rise immediately after eating but return to normal within a few hours.

What Causes Blood Sugar Issues?

Blood sugar levels fluctuate for a variety of reasons, with diet being the main one you can control, especially when you're dining out in Phoenix. Eating foods that contain high amounts of sugar and refined carbohydrates may spike your blood sugar levels, but not eating enough may lead to lower-than-normal energy levels. Likewise, physical activity affects blood sugar by helping your body use insulin more efficiently, so lack of exercise may lead to higher levels. Medications may also cause issues, as can stress and illness due to the hormones your body naturally releases. If you think any of these things may be causing issues for you, speak to your doctor or health care provider at Bethesda Gardens Phoenix to find healthy solutions.

Why Should You Monitor Your Blood Sugar?

Most people think only diabetics should keep a close eye on their blood sugar, but monitoring is important for everyone. For instance, monitoring your blood sugar may help prevent diabetes by letting you know when you're at pre-diabetic levels, where lifestyle changes can have a big impact. It can also help you avoid hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, which may cause symptoms like shakiness, confusion and even fainting. On the flip side, it also helps you prevent hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, which has symptoms such as frequent urination, fatigue and increased thirst.

Stable blood sugar levels also help you maintain consistent energy levels. Preventing spikes and drops means you're less prone to fatigue and irritability due to rising and falling blood sugar. High levels of blood glucose may also damage the blood vessels in your heart and increase disease risks, and it may also negatively impact cognitive function and even cause dementia. For all these reasons, consider asking your doctor to keep tabs on your blood sugar to maintain your good health in your golden years.

Controlling Your Blood Sugar Levels

Monitoring blood sugar is just one part of maintaining good levels, but the other part includes controlling your blood glucose. Use these tips to reduce the risk of your blood sugar getting too high or too low.

• Eat balanced meals. A diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins and ample fruits and vegetables helps keep your blood sugar levels stable. Eat small, frequent meals to stay even throughout the day, and avoid processed foods and sugary snacks that can cause spikes with corresponding crashes as the sugar high wears off later.
• Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated helps you in numerous ways, but it also affects your blood sugar levels. Dehydration may cause ebbs and flows that produce unwanted symptoms when you're socializing or enjoying a day out, so be sure to keep a bottle of water close at hand to help stabilize your blood sugar.
• Exercise regularly. Getting active for at least 30 minutes per day with moderate exercise helps you maintain healthy blood sugar levels. For seniors living in an assisted living community, low-impact activities like walking, yoga and swimming make excellent choices for keeping blood glucose in check.
• Manage stress. Stress can cause major issues with your blood sugar, so minimizing levels can help you stay healthy. Relaxation techniques like meditation and deep breathing help calm you down and create a serene environment, and hobbies you enjoy can provide a way to reduce stress and manage blood sugar.
• Get enough sleep. Poor sleep patterns affect hormones that regulate your blood sugar, so it's essential to prioritize good sleep to keep levels stable. Aim for 7 to 8 hours per night, and consult with your doctor about natural and pharmaceutical aids if you're having trouble getting ample sleep.
• Schedule regular checkups. Whether you monitor your blood sugar daily or not, regular checkups help you keep a handle on any issues that arise. Regular visits to your doctor can help detect any issues early enough to allow dietary adjustments, an increase in exercise levels or pharmaceutical intervention if necessary.

Understanding what blood sugar issues are caused by and how to take proactive steps to control it can help you lead a happier, healthier life in Phoenix, AZ.

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