Sugar High

Sugar Appeal
Has the system failed us?  Do we need to appeal?  About sugar, that is! The sugar verdict is frustrating and predictable if one doesn’t make their health and wellness matter.  Last week’s blog post on sugar leads us to discuss sugar or glucose in the body further.

Do you know your blood sugar value?  Have you had an A1C blood test to determine your blood sugar level? Fasting blood sugar levels should be measured six to eight hours after eating.  The measurement is milligrams of glucose per one-tenth liter (mg/dL) of blood:

  • Less than 109 mg/dL:  Normal
  • 110-125 mg/dL: Fasting blood glucose/borderline, pre-diabetes
  • 126 mg/dL and over Diabetes Type 2
    Diabetes1

Watch the video animation of what causes diabetes to occur in the body:

Diabetes is a metabolic disease in which the body either does not produce or cannot correctly use the pancreatic hormone insulin. Insulin controls the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood and the rate at which glucose is absorbed into the cells. The cells need glucose to produce energy.  The brain’s only food is glucose. Therefore, the glucose level must be maintained at a certain minimum for the brain to function normally. Over time, high blood sugar levels can hurt many parts of your body, such as your skin, mouth, kidneys, heart, nerves, eyes, and feet.  It can even cause death.

Type 2 Diabetes is a preventable chronic disease that, if not managed, can cause debilitating, life-threatening complications such as heart disease and stroke, blindness, kidney disease, and amputations.  Research has shown that lifestyle changes such as increased physical activity, changes in diet, and a modest weight reduction can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes and other preventable chronic conditions.

Type 2 diabetes – the most common type of diabetes – is one of the biggest challenges facing African American women.  One in 4 African American women older than 55 has diabetes.  African American women also have high rates of at least two of diabetes’ most serious complications:  amputation (such as toe or foot removed) and kidney failure.

Some of the signs/symptoms of Diabetes:

Diabetes2

 

You can’t control some risk factors for type 2 diabetes, such as your age, race, or family history.  But you can prevent or delay developing type 2 diabetes by taking these steps:

  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Eat low-fat, well-balanced meals (certain foods spike your blood sugar level).
  • Make physical activity a habit.
  • Limit alcohol to no more than one drink per day.

Are you giving yourself a fair trial?  Are you taking responsibility for your health and wellness that will increase your chances of leading a more productive and satisfying life?