hyperglycemia diet
Hyperglycemia Diet
A hyperglycemia diet is prescribed to individuals who have been detected with high blood sugar. Read this Buzzle article to find out more about the same.
Signs and Symptoms of Hyperglycemia
The most common signs to look out for are fatigue, blurred vision, increased hunger and thirst, and a tingling sensation in the feet.Foods to Include
Given below is the list of foods that should be a part of the diet. It also contains food items that should either be completely avoided or consumed in moderation in order to design a perfect diet.
Carbohydrates
■ Carbohydrates break down into glucose in the body, thus increasing the sugar levels. Being one of the major causes of high blood sugar, consumption of carbohydrates must be moderate.
■ Carbohydrates can be classified into two types: simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates such as table sugar and products made using table sugar such as cookies, soft drinks, and cakes should be completely avoided, as they are easily digestible and are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream.
■ Complex carbohydrates take a longer time to digest, which prevents the blood sugar level rising to an abnormal degree. Grains, potatoes, and pastas fall into the category of complex carbohydrates and can be included in your diet in moderation.
■ As far as sugar is concerned, one must look for sweeteners or other substitutes that could be used to replace table sugar.
Proteins
■ Just like carbohydrates, proteins too are energy providers. Besides being a source of energy, proteins are also an essential source of amino acids that are required for proper growth and good health.
■ Although most food proteins are converted into glucose, the conversion takes longer, not dissimilar to complex carbohydrates. This implies that food containing proteins, such as lean meat (chicken, fish, turkey), nuts and seeds, and plant proteins such as legumes and beans should be part of the diet in order to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
High-Fiber
■ Natural sources of fiber such as vegetables and fruits slow down the process of absorption of glucose in the blood, and therefore, high-fiber foods are something that should definitely be a part of diet for hyperglycemia.
■ It is advised to consume naturally grown raw vegetables and fresh fruits, which means that products at the store should be checked for any added preservatives or chemicals. Avoiding canned foods from the store completely will negate the chances of consuming any possible chemicals or food additives.
Meal Size and Frequency of Meals
Managing the quantity of food intake and the frequency of meals in a day plays a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of the diet. To begin with, one should have three full, well-balanced meals in a day. In between these meals, include small snacks that can be eaten at mid-morning, in the afternoon, and evening. You may also choose to divide these meals into smaller portions to eat in five to six intervals.
Foods to Avoid and Other Essential Pointers
■ Besides the above-mentioned components, foods to be avoided from the diet are extremely fatty foods such as whole milk, red meat, and cheese. The consumption of the same should be limited, along with limiting the intake of alcohol and caffeine.
■ If you have been detected with high blood sugar, your doctor surely must have recommended the weight that needs to be maintained, and the number of calories to be consumed in a day. It is important to keep a record of the number of calories consumed in a day in order to determine if you have been successful in bringing down the high blood sugar levels.
■ Regular exercise and drinking plenty of water also helps enhance the effectiveness of the diet.
Through these pointers, you will see a considerable change in your high blood sugar levels. Taking the advice of an expert is always recommended and beneficial before beginning with any diet.
Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.