Diabetes is a serious and lifelong chronic disease. However, before this condition is diagnosed, the body shows signs that the blood sugar levels are too high. Therefore, by learning to recognize these signs, we can avoid causing irreversible damage to our bodies.
One of the culprits of high sugar levels is the consumption of glucose through the diet. Besides the fact that glucose is evenly distributed to every cell in the body, sometimes the glucose levels increase and this can be detrimental to the kidneys, blood vessels, nerves, and eyes.
14 Signs of High Blood Sugar
The following symptoms are one of the most prominent signs that your body shows as a result of elevated sugar levels:
- Dry mouth
- Impotence
- Recurrent infections
- Frequent urination and urination during the night
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty concentrating
- Slow healing of cuts and wounds
- Stomach problems
- Constant fatigue or extreme tiredness
- Increased thirst
- Dry and itchy skin
- Constant hunger
- Excess abdominal fat/weight gain
- Nerve problems
The Glycemic Index
The Glycemic Index (GI) indicates the number of carbohydrates in food products. Hence, this index shows us which food we should avoid and which we should consume if we deal with increased sugar levels. The GI measures food from 0-100, based on a system of the lower the number, the lower the glucose content.
Foods You Should Avoid
There are numerous foods with a high glycemic index, which yоu should definitely avoid if you have elevated sugar levels, such as processed sweets, fizzy drinks, white bread, rice cake, and baked potato.
Foods You Should Consume
If you want to maintain your sugar levels at a healthy rate or lower it, you should consume the following foods, which have a low glycemic index:
- Walnuts
- Broccoli
- Eggs
- Oatmeal (rolled or steel-cut), oat bran, muesli
- Pasta, converted rice, barley, bulgar
- Sweet potato, corn, yam, lima/butter beans, peas, legumes, and lentils
- Most fruits, non-starchy vegetables and carrots