Blood sugar, glucose, is the pioneering product that keeps the body energetic. Anything out of proportion that causes fluctuations in the level either too high or too low can have dangerous ramifications. Whilst high blood sugar is hyperglycemia, low blood sugar is known as hypoglycemia and it is just as dangerous as high blood sugar is. Therefore, it is necessary that you follow all precautions as advised by your doctor to keep blood sugar in a healthy range. Having said that, what exactly is the healthy range that everyone talks about?
Well, for a start, the normal blood sugar range is not a definitive figure. It varies from person to person in accordance with the factors like;
Health status
Diabetic or not
Kidney problems alongside diabetes
Age and weight
Keeping all these considerations in mind, the American Diabetes Center proposes the target figure of minimum 70 mg/DL. Thus, if your blood sugar drops below this amount then you must seek medical advice.
Having said that, hypoglycemia also known as insulin-shock is classified into 3 types, depending upon the severity.
Level 1 – When the value of blood glucose is close to or just a little below 70 mg/DL.
Level 2 – When the value is less than 54 mg/DL.
Level 3 – When the value is dangerously below 50 mg/DL.
Whilst the first level is a cause of certain concern, level 2 and level 3 are extreme cases. If unattended, it can drop the patient in a diabetic coma, or worse, death. Therefore, you should always be careful and make necessary lifestyle amendments to keep blood sugar in a healthy range.
Lifestyle Changes To Increase Low Blood Sugar
As discussed, level 2 and level 3 hypoglycemia and extreme conditions that can only be dealt with by professionals. For the rest, the following tips will help in increasing low blood sugar.
1. Include Healthy Carbs In Your Diet
This is a long-term remedy that will prevent your blood sugar from dropping dangerously close to level 2 and level 3 hypoglycemia.
Despite diabetic, it is necessary to eat healthy carbs because glucose is the only fuel that keeps the body energetic. The carbs that you should eat include;
Lentils
Sweet potatoes
Quinoa
Yogurt
Oatmeal
Also, if you’re in the habit of skipping meals, you’re at a greater risk.
If you find that your blood sugar reading is below 70 mg/DL, then immediately consume 15-30 grams of simple carbs that can be absorbed in blood quickly – honey, sugar water, pineapple juice, or bananas.
If it doesn’t cross the mark of 100 mg/DL even after 15 minutes, repeat the process and consume 15-30 grams of carbs again.
2. Meal Planning
It is recommended that you plan your meals ahead of time. Make sure that the 3 main meals aren’t set apart by more than 4 hours. Distributor in between snacks between the 3 main meals as suggested by your doctor.
3. Exercise Smartly
Do not wait for 2 hours after a meal to begin your workout. You might run low on energy that increases the risk of passing out. Instead, begin exercising 30-45 minutes after snacking. It ensures that the body doesn’t get deprived of sugar completely. Always measure your pre and post-workout sugar level to determine whether or not you require a sweetener. Some other tips include;
No more than 1-2 exercising sessions a day
Do not exercise in the evening. Blood sugar can drop down even after 2-4 hours of exercising. It might put you at the risk of diabetic coma while asleep.