You Can
Control Blood Sugar
What is Blood Sugar?
Blood glucose, or blood sugar, is your body’s main source of energy. Your body breaks down everything you eat and drink into glucose which is circulated through your bloodstream to all your cells where it is used for fuel.
You need a continuous supply of glucose in your blood to carry out your body’s basic functions. Having too much or too little can cause problems.
High Blood Sugar
High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) happens when there’s too much glucose in your blood. Your blood sugar levels can fluctuate depending on several factors, including what you eat, how often you eat and your physical activity.
The pancreas helps control blood sugar levels with insulin, a hormone that regulates how the body absorbs glucose.
When your body isn’t making enough insulin or using it as well as it should, glucose can accumulate in your bloodstream without reaching the cells and tissues where it’s needed.
Even though high blood sugar is the main symptom of diabetes, your blood sugar can be high even if you don’t have diabetes. Your blood sugar levels can spike after eating, when you’re ill or when you’re under stress.
If you have concerns about high blood sugar or have a family history of diabetes talk to your primary care provider to avoid the risk of serious complications. Scheduling an appointment is easy.
Impact of High Blood Sugar on Your Body and Heart
Because blood circulates throughout the entire body, having high blood sugar levels can have a negative impact on virtually every organ and system.
If left untreated, high blood sugar can damage your nerves, blood vessels, tissues and organs and lead to various chronic health problems, including cardiovascular disease.
Consuming too much added sugar can be contributed to high blood pressure, inflammation and weight gain – all of which are pathways to an increased risk for heart disease, stroke and metabolic syndrome.
Symptoms of High Blood Sugar
High blood sugar levels can lead to symptoms such as:
It’s not uncommon to feel a temporary “sugar rush” after you eat or drink something sugary, but you shouldn’t have blood glucose spikes after a typical balanced meal. If you do experience symptoms of high blood sugar levels after every meal, talk to your healthcare provider about blood sugar screenings and your risk of diabetes.
Insulin Resistance
A major reason for hyperglycemia is insulin resistance – a precursor to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance happens when cells become less responsive to the effects of insulin. When this occurs, your body needs higher amounts of insulin to balance out blood sugar levels. When the pancreas can no longer produce enough insulin to meet the body’s needs, it causes blood sugar levels to rise.
If you’re experiencing high blood sugar symptoms, see your primary care provider to have your blood glucose levels checked. Schedule an appointment through your MyChart account or call (800) 737-7900.
Prediabetes
Prediabetes is when blood sugar levels are higher than normal but are not yet high enough to be classified as diabetes.
The progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes can be stopped with better lifestyle choices. Eating healthy foods, increasing your physical activity and maintaining your body weight can help keep your blood sugar levels in a normal range.
Tips to Keep Your Blood Sugar Levels in Check
Healthy lifestyle choices can help you better manage your blood sugar, this includes:
Ask your primary care provider about how often you should get your blood sugar checked. Your recommended screening schedule will depend on your age, current health, risk factors and your family history. Typically, bloodwork is done alongside other screenings in your annual physical exam, schedule yours today.
You Can Be a Healthier You
Call Us
For more information about Take Time for Your Heart or other Heart & Vascular Prevention and Wellness services, call
(859) 301-WELL (9355) today.
