GLYCAEMIA

Glycaemia, also known as blood sugar, refers to the amount of glucose present in the bloodstream. It is regulated by the pancreas, which plays a crucial role in producing insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Imbalances in glycaemia can lead to various symptoms and conditions such as hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar).

Symptoms can range from fruity breath odour and nausea to weakness and blurry vision.

Managing glycaemia involves medical treatments such as intravenous glucose or glucagon injections, as well as natural approaches like maintaining a balanced diet with protein, carbohydrates, and fibre, and controlling anxiety and stress levels.

Certain foods, vegetables, herbs, vitamins, and minerals can support glycaemic control and overall pancreatic health. These include aloe vera, apples, broccoli, beans, berries, cinnamon, eggs, ginger, yoghourt, and vitamins/minerals such as alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, magnesium, and vitamin D.

Understanding and managing glycaemia is crucial for maintaining overall health, preventing complications, and supporting the proper functioning of the pancreas in regulating blood sugar levels.

Description

Glycaemic typically refers to the glycaemic index (GI) or glycaemic load (GL), which are measures used to assess how carbohydrates in foods affect blood sugar levels. Here’s a brief explanation of these terms:

Glycaemic Index (GI): The GI is a ranking system that assigns a numerical value to carbohydrates in foods based on how quickly they raise blood sugar levels when consumed. Carbohydrates with a high GI are rapidly digested and cause a quick spike in blood sugar, while those with a low GI are digested more slowly, leading to a slower and steadier increase in blood sugar.

Glycaemic Load (GL): The GL is a measure that takes into account both the quality (GI) and quantity of carbohydrates in a serving of food. It provides a more accurate picture of how a specific portion of food will affect blood sugar levels. A food with a low GI can still have a high GL if consumed in large quantities.

When glycaemia is not well-balanced, it can lead to various health issues, including diabetes.

Monitoring and managing glycaemia levels are crucial for individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper medication can help maintain stable glycaemia levels. It is essential to consume foods with a low glycaemic index, such as whole grains, legumes, fruits, and vegetables, to prevent rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. Additionally, portion control and balanced meals throughout the day can contribute to better glycaemic control.

Regular monitoring of glycaemia levels and working closely with healthcare professionals are vital for individuals managing glycaemia-related conditions.

Symptoms

Specific symptoms and their severity can vary from person to person, and they depend on factors like individual response to blood sugar fluctuations and the underlying cause of the glycaemic issue (e.g., diabetes, medication, dietary choices).

Hyperglycaemia (High Blood Sugar) symptoms:

Fruity breath odour: This can be a sign of ketoacidosis, a serious complication of uncontrolled diabetes where the body produces ketones, which can lead to a fruity-smelling breath.

Nausea and vomiting: High blood sugar levels can cause gastrointestinal distress, leading to nausea and sometimes vomiting.

Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing can occur in severe cases of hyperglycaemia due to the body's attempt to eliminate excess glucose through increased respiration.

Dry mouth: High blood sugar can lead to dehydration, causing dry mouth.

Weakness: Elevated blood sugar can make you feel fatigued and weak.

Disorientation: Severe hyperglycaemia can affect cognitive function and lead to confusion or disorientation.

Abdominal pain: Gastrointestinal symptoms, including abdominal pain, can occur when blood sugar levels are elevated.

Headache: High blood sugar levels can lead to headaches.

Blurry vision: Elevated blood sugar can cause changes in vision, leading to blurry vision.

Low concentration: Difficulty concentrating is a common symptom of high blood sugar.

Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar) symptoms:

Weakness: Weakness is a classic symptom of low blood sugar.

Disorientation: Hypoglycaemia can lead to confusion or disorientation.

Headache: Headaches can occur with low blood sugar.

Stutter when speaking: Speech difficulties can be a symptom of hypoglycaemia.

Blurry vision: Changes in vision, including blurry vision, can occur during hypoglycaemia.

Loss of consciousness: Severe hypoglycaemia can lead to loss of consciousness.

Seizures: Seizures can occur in extreme cases of hypoglycaemia.

Types

There are only two types of blood glucose:

Hyperglycaemia: Hyperglycaemia refers to higher-than-normal levels of glucose in the blood. It is commonly associated with diabetes mellitus, a chronic condition characterised by insufficient insulin production or impaired insulin function. High blood glucose, above 126 mg/ dL.

Hypoglycaemia: Hypoglycaemia refers to lower-than-normal levels of glucose in the blood. It is commonly associated with diabetes treatment, particularly when individuals with diabetes take medications that lower blood glucose levels (such as insulin or certain oral antidiabetic drugs). Low blood glucose, between 100 and 125 mg/ dL.

Causes

Causes of Hyperglycaemia (High Blood Sugar):

Diabetes mellitus: Hyperglycaemia is a hallmark of diabetes, both type 1 and type 2.

Poor diabetes management: Inadequate insulin or medication dosing, missed doses, or failure to follow a diabetes management plan can lead to high blood sugar levels.

Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can contribute to insulin resistance, making it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar.

Stress: Stress hormones can raise blood sugar levels, especially in individuals with diabetes.

Causes of Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar):

Diabetes treatment: Hypoglycaemia can occur when individuals with diabetes take too much insulin or diabetes medications, leading to an excessive drop in blood sugar levels.

Excess exercise: Intense physical activity without adequate adjustments to insulin or carbohydrate intake can cause low blood sugar.

Alcohol consumption: Alcohol can interfere with the liver's ability to release glucose, potentially causing hypoglycaemia, especially if alcohol is consumed without food.

Infrequent mealtime: Skipping meals or delaying meals can lead to drops in blood sugar levels.

Hormonal imbalance: Certain hormonal conditions or disorders can affect blood sugar regulation, potentially leading to hypoglycaemia.

Medical treatment

Proper glycaemic control is crucial for preventing short-term and long-term complications associated with diabetes and blood sugar disorders.

Medical treatment for Hyperglycaemia (High Blood Sugar):

Insulin therapy: For individuals with diabetes, especially those with type 1 diabetes, insulin may be administered via injections or an insulin pump to lower blood sugar levels.

Antidiabetic medications: In addition to insulin, some people with type 2 diabetes may require oral medications or other injectable medications to help lower blood sugar levels.

Lifestyle modifications: Lifestyle changes are a critical part of managing hyperglycaemia. These may include dietary adjustments, regular physical activity, weight management, and stress reduction.

Medical treatment for Hypoglycaemia (Low Blood Sugar):

Intravenous glucose: Severe hypoglycaemia may require intravenous (IV) administration of glucose to rapidly raise blood sugar levels.

Glucagon injection: In cases where a person with diabetes is unconscious or unable to consume glucose-containing foods or drinks, a glucagon injection may be administered by others to raise blood sugar levels.

Lifestyle modifications: Preventing hypoglycaemia often involves adjusting the dosage of diabetes medications, timing of meals and snacks, and monitoring blood sugar levels closely.

Natural treatment

Natural approaches to managing blood glucose levels:

Balanced Diet: A balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods is essential for blood glucose control. Focus on whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Low Glycaemic Foods: Choose foods with a low glycaemic index (GI) to help stabilise blood sugar levels. Low GI foods include most non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and some fruits.

Regular Exercise: Physical activity can improve insulin sensitivity and help the body use glucose effectively. Aim for a mix of aerobic exercise and strength training.

Weight Management: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce insulin resistance and improve blood glucose control.

Stress Management: High stress levels can lead to elevated blood sugar. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga.

Good Sleep Habits: Quality sleep is crucial for overall health and blood glucose regulation. Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep per night.

Acupuncture: Some people find acupuncture helpful in managing stress and supporting overall well-being, which can indirectly contribute to better blood sugar control.

Yoga: Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques, which can help reduce stress and improve insulin sensitivity.

Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is important for overall health and can help regulate blood glucose levels. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.