Post Time: 2025-07-18
Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, can have severe consequences for individuals living with diabetes. When left unmanaged, it can lead to serious complications such as kidney damage, nerve damage, and even heart disease.
To understand the importance of managing hyperglycemia, let's first look at what constitutes a healthy blood sugar range. The American Diabetes Association recommends that people with diabetes keep their fasting plasma glucose (FPG) below 130 mg/dL and postprandial glucose (PPG) below 180 mg/dL.
The Risks of Unmanaged Hyperglycemia
Unmanaged hyperglycemia can have a significant impact on overall health. It is estimated that every percentage increase in HbA1c levels corresponds to an approximately 12-15% increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and microvascular complications, such as diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy.
The Benefits of Early Interventions
Early interventions are crucial for managing hyperglycemia. One key aspect is monitoring blood sugar levels regularly using glucometers or continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). These devices enable individuals to track their blood sugar trends throughout the day, providing valuable insights into patterns and fluctuations that can inform dietary and lifestyle adjustments.
Identifying and Addressing Lifestyle Triggers
Another critical factor in managing hyperglycemia is identifying and addressing lifestyle triggers. For instance, stress has been shown to have a profound impact on blood sugar levels, with studies indicating that even mild forms of psychological stress can cause significant fluctuations. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, also plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar.
Dietary Strategies for Hyperglycemia Management
In addition to regular monitoring and lifestyle adjustments, dietary strategies are essential for managing hyperglycemia. Whole foods high in fiber such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains help slow the digestion of carbohydrates and minimize spikes in blood glucose levels. Avoiding or reducing intake of added sugars is also crucial.
Managing Medications Effectively
For individuals taking medications to manage diabetes, monitoring medication efficacy through regular A1c tests can identify potential issues with hyperglycemia management. Moreover, maintaining an optimal body weight by balancing calorie consumption and energy expenditure helps prevent insulin resistance.
Avoiding Common Mistakes in Hyperglycemia Management
Common mistakes that people often make when trying to manage blood sugar include skipping meals or not having a consistent eating schedule, overreliance on supplements instead of adopting comprehensive lifestyle changes.
Learn more at Read 3 hours after meal blood sugar more by Dr. Stephen Phinney at: Stephen Phinney, MD, Ph.D and Amy McKenzie, Ph.D, are scientists and researchers as well as collaborators on blood sugar 110 before dinner a recent clinical trial examining a technology-supported and medically-supervised ketogenic intervention. Stephen Phinney, MD, Ph.D is the Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of Virta Health, the first clinically-proven treatment to safely and sustainably reverse type 2 diabetes without medications or surgery. Amy McKenzie, Ph.D is a senior research blood sugar test glucose scientist at Virta Health.