Understanding Glycemia Levels

Glycemia levels are measurements of the amount of glucose in the blood. In addition to the food that the person eats, glycemia levels can be affected by several physiological processes.

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.

Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia are two problematic glycemia levels for diabetic patients. Abnormally low glucose in the blood is called hypoglycemia. A diabetic patient may develop hypoglycemia if they skip meals or take too much insulin.

Hypoglycemia can cause blurred vision, mental confusion, and faintness. A diabetic patient experiencing severe hypoglycemia can lose consciousness and enter into a coma.

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 should educate themselves about the risks associated with diabetes and diabetes complications. Managing glycemia levels is a priority and helps prevent negative effects of diabetes. Understanding glycemia levels and the things that affects glycemia levels can help the diabetic patient work to manage diabetes effectively.

Diabetes is managed by keeping glycemia levels within normal range through diet, exercise, and diabetes medication if necessary. If a diabetic patient is having difficulty controlling their blood sugar levels, they should meet with their doctor and dietitian to determine what may be causing this difficulty.