The blood sugar levels indicate the amount of glucose you have in the blood. We get glucose through foods and drinks and the cells use it as a main energy source. High blood sugar also known as hyperglycemia is caused by two different factors. One is called type 1 diabetes which is caused by lack of glucose and the other type 2 diabetes which happens when the body is unable to properly use the glucose.
Leaving this condition untreated for too long can have serious negative effects on many organs such as the eyes, blood vessels, kidneys and nerves.
Causes of sugar spikes in diabetics
- Overeating or snacking between meals too often
- Medications such as steroids
- Over-treating an episode of low blood sugar
- Taking a wrong dose of diabetes medications or missing a dose
- Lack of exercise
- Stress
- Common colds
- Dehydration
Most common symptoms of high blood sugar
- Stomach issues
- Excessive thirst
- Nerve issues
- Dry mouth
- Impotence
- Dry and itchy skin
- Constant hunger
- Excessive weight gain
- Being unable to focus
- Slow healing of cuts and wounds
- Frequent urination
- Nighttime urination
- Tiredness
- Recurrent infections
- Blurry vision
How to lower blood sugar levels
The glycemic index or GI is the ranking of foods based on their ability to influence the levels of glucose in the blood. This number can be anything between 0 to 100. The foods that have a low GI are processed slower and they have the ability to reduce the insulin levels as well as promote weight loss.
Foods that have low GI
The foods that have a low glycemic index should be consumed every day. Here are some of them:
- One egg: 0
- One cup of hummus: 6
- One cup of broccoli: 10
- One mid-sized yellow onion: 10
- One cup of walnuts: 15
- One cup of cherries: 22
- One cup of cashew nuts: 22
- One cup of yogurt: 23
- One Turkey sausage: 28
- One cup of kidney beans: 31
- One cup of butter beans: 34
- 8 ounces of tomato juice: 38
- One mid-sized apple: 38
- One cup of spaghetti: 42
- One cup of green grapes: 46
- Eight ounces of pineapple juice: 46
- One large carrot: 47
- One medium orange: 48
- One large grapefruit :50
- One large banana: 52
- One cup of peas: 54
Foods that have moderate GI
The GI of these foods ranges from 55 to 69 and they should be moderately consumed. Here are some of them:
- One cup of brown rice: 55
- One tablespoon of raw honey: 55
- One cup of oatmeal: 58
- One cup of regular white rice: 64
- One serving of macaroni and cheese: 64
Foods that have a high GI
The GI of these foods ranges from 70 to 100 and in order to avoid serious health issues you should avoid them as much as you can.
- One slice of regular white bread: 70
- Two cups of popcorn: 72
- One doughnut (glazed): 76
- One rice cake: 78
- One mid-sized baked potato: 85
- One serving of corn flakes: 92
- 50 grams of glucose: 100
Preventing sugar spikes
The food we eat has an enormous impact on our health particularly on the blood sugar levels. If you notice any of the symptoms we explained above, you should consult your doctor in order to determine if you need any treatment. In order to prevent further complications, you should also avoid foods with high GI.