Diabetes can occur at any age. There are three major types of diabetes: type 1, type 2 and gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, but is most common in children and young adults. In this type of diabetes, the pancreas makes little to no insulin and insulin is needed daily to keep blood glucose levels under control. Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and usually occurs in adulthood. However, more and more teens and young adults are being diagnosed. This is due mostly to diet and a sedentary lifestyle. Gestational diabetes is high blood glucose levels in pregnant women who do not normally have diabetes. Each of these types of diabetes can create blood sugar levels that are difficult to control. In some cases, even with the proper amount of insulin, diet and exercise, blood sugar levels can go up higher than they should.
Blood Sugar and Physical Activity
To maintain stable blood sugar levels, it’s important for the diabetic to get regular exercise. A brisk walk, 30 minutes each day, at around the same time of day, will help to keep blood sugar levels stable. Sometimes after vigorous exercise blood sugar levels can temporarily go up or down depending on when your last meal was or your last dose of insulin. Keeping a consistent exercise routine and monitoring blood sugar levels regularly can help you understand how exercise is affecting your blood sugar levels and adjust accordingly.
Blood Sugar and Food Choices
Understanding how different food choices affect your blood sugar is a great way to keep blood sugar levels stable. Diets with a consistent level of carbohydrates, as well as a decreased number of calories, work with your medication to keep you from having extreme blood sugar highs and lows. For some diabetics, certain carbohydrates can cause unusually high blood sugar readings. For example, potatoes may not cause a spike in blood sugar, but rice may. So, if you notice your blood sugar levels going up after eating certain foods, eliminating them from your diet or limiting them to an occasional treat will help keep your blood sugar levels stable, or make them go lower. It’s also a good idea to exchange some healthy monounsaturated fats for some carbohydrate servings each day.
Blood Sugar and Stress or Illness
There are many things that can contribute to elevated blood sugar levels. Stress, illness and certain medications can cause your blood sugar to be elevated above normal levels. Make sure to get enough rest to help your immune system fight off illness. If you do become ill, it’s important to continue monitoring your blood sugar, get quality nutrition at the right intervals and stay well-hydrated. If you do need medication during an illness, talk to your doctor about what to expect with regards to your blood sugar. Your doctor may want to increase or decrease your insulin if you can’t keep your blood sugar stable while on antibiotics or other medications.
Keeping consistent with your insulin, checking your blood sugar regularly, getting regular exercise and communicating with your doctor about your blood sugar are all ways to keep your blood sugar stable. Lowering your blood sugar levels through these healthy habits will help keep your diabetes under control.
Source
The American Diabetes Association, Tight Diabetes Control, www.diabetes.org (Accessed August 2011).
Patti Richards - Patti Richards is a freelance writer and editor, former teacher, wife and mother of three. Patti writes children’s books and stories ...
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