Understanding Glycemia Levels
The measurement of the amount of glucose in the blood is the glycemia level. Glycemia levels are affected by a person's physiological processes and diet.
A diabetic patient can benefit from understanding glycemia levels and what affects them. Abnormally high glycemia levels can put the diabetic patient at risk for developing diabetes complications such as damage to the circulatory system or nervous system.
The glycemia levels of diabetic patients are affected more by of food that they eat than for people who do not have diabetes. The body produces a natural form of insulin to regulate blood glucose levels in people who do not have diabetes.
The naturally occurring insulin in the body of a diabetic patient is insufficient or ineffective for regulating blood sugar levels. Since diabetic patients do not have the benefit of natural insulin regulation, the diabetic patient must make a conscious effort to use other things to keep their glycemia levels within normal range.
Food is not the only thing that affects a person's glycemia level. If the diabetic patient exercises, the exercise can force more of the glucose from the blood for use by the muscles.
Glycemia levels can be problematic if they are too high or too low. Hypoglycemia is a condition of having low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia in diabetic patients is often attributed to skipping meals or using too much insulin.
Blurred vision, faintness, and mental confusion can be caused by hypoglycemia. Severe hypoglycemia can cause the person to lose consciousness and become comatose. Hypoglycemia is potentially fatal for a diabetic patient.
Another problematic glycemia level is hyperglycemia which is high blood sugar. Fatigue, blurred vision, and dry mouth are some signs of hyperglycemia. A person developing hyperglycemia may notice an increase in thirst and hunger.
Diabetes patients can improve their diabetes management by educating themselves about the diabetic diet, risks associated with diabetes, and diabetes complications. The effectiveness of diabetes management can be improved by understanding glycemia levels and the factors that affect them.
There are many tools that a diabetic patient can use to keep their blood glucose levels within normal range. If a diabetic patient is using diet and exercise without good results, the diabetic patient should consult their doctor and dietitian.