Latest news with #hyperglycemia
Medical News Today
12 hours ago
- Health
- Medical News Today
Why might blood sugars rise after physical activity with type 2 diabetes?
In some cases, a person living with type 2 diabetes may experience hyperglycemia during physical activity. This can occur when the body releases certain hormones that increase glucose production and stop activity can play an important part in managing type 2 diabetes. It can help a person to better control their blood sugars and aid in weight management. When performing exercise, it is more common for people living with diabetes to experience low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. However, it is possible for people living with type 2 diabetes to have high blood sugars, or hyperglycemia, during physical activity. This may occur if the body experiences stress during intense periods of physical activity. The body may respond by releasing stress hormones that can cause blood glucose levels to rise. Why might blood sugar levels rise after physical activity?Typically, physical activity causes blood sugar levels to drop. However, in some cases, exercise can instead raise blood glucose levels. Usually, physical activity improves insulin sensitivity. This term describes how responsive a person's cells are to insulin. However, certain activities, such as weightlifting or sprinting, may cause the body to release stress hormones, which can affect the way the body uses example, intense activity may cause the body to release adrenaline. This hormone can not only stop the release of insulin, but can also stimulate the liver to release glucose. As such, this can cause blood sugar levels to rise. Health experts may refer to this as transient post-exercise hyperglycemia. Additionally, the food a person consumes before or during physical activity can also contribute towards high blood sugar levels if their body is not responding correctly to insulin. If a person is using insulin therapy to manage their blood sugars, injecting too little can also result in hyperglycemia. This is because as the muscles cannot use the glucose in the blood for fuel, causing it to build up in the blood sugar levels while exercisingTips to help a person manage their blood sugars while exercising may include:choosing moderate-intensity aerobic workouts, or circuit weight training with light weight and high repetitionspracticing relaxations techniques to help minimize the effect of adrenalineif working out in the mornings, consider working out later due to the dawn phenomenontalking to the diabetes healthcare team about adjusting or changing diabetes medicationsavoiding excessive amounts of carbohydrates before and during workoutsOther strategies can include:checking blood glucose levels prior to and during exercisetry exercising at the same time of day to better understand blood glucose trends consider taking a smaller dose of insulin pre-exercise if a person notices their blood sugars tend to rise with exercisemaintain hydration before and during exerciseExercise-induced hypoglycemiaWhile it is possible for blood sugar levels to rise during physical activity, it is more common for a person to experience low glucose levels. Health experts may refer to this as exercise-induced can occur due to physical activity increasing the muscles demand for glucose, and making cells more sensitive to help prevent exercise-induced hypoglycemia, it is advisable for a person living with diabetes to regularly check their blood sugar levels. If a person notices their blood sugars are low, they can apply the rule of 15. This strategy involves taking 15 grams of fast acting carbohydrates, such as glucose tablets. A person should then recheck their blood glucose after 15 minutes. If blood sugar remains low they should have another 15 g serving of carbohydrates. They can repeat these steps every 15 minutes until their blood glucose is at a suitable sugar levels can rise in a person living with type 2 diabetes during periods of intense physical activity. This can occur when the body releases stress hormones, such as adrenaline. This can stimulate the liver to release glucose and stop the pancreas producing insulin. As a result, a person may experience high blood sugars. Health experts may refer to this as transient post-exercise is also possible for a person with diabetes to experience hypoglycemia during a workout. This is because physical activity can increase the demand for glucose, which can make cells more sensitive to such, it is advisable for a person living with type 2 diabetes to regularly check their blood sugar levels while exercising. This can allow them to make the necessary adjustments to correct their blood glucose levels.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
How To Reduce Blood Sugar Level Immediately With Easy Tips
If you've been unusually tired, foggy or thirsty, high blood sugar levels may be to blame. More people are keeping an eye on their glucose levels these days with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), and for good reason. When blood glucose levels rise too high, even temporarily, it can sap your energy, mood and long-term health. So if you notice symptoms of a spike and are wondering how to reduce your blood sugar level immediately, there are simple, science-backed steps that can help bring it down fast. Still, it's important to note that home remedies can't immediately reverse high blood sugar or hyperglycemia. 'You don't develop high blood sugar overnight, and it won't reverse overnight either,' says Vanita Rahman, MD, Clinic Director at the Barnard Medical Center and a board-certified lifestyle medicine physician. 'But there are things you can do right now that begin to shift your body in the right direction, and you may start to feel the difference within hours.' Blood sugar, or blood glucose, is your body's main source of energy. It naturally rises after meals or during stress. But when blood sugar stays too high for too long, the effects could go far beyond feeling off. 'Over time, high blood sugar can damage blood vessels and nerves,' says Dr. Rahman. 'That's what increases the risk of developing complications like vision changes, nerve damage, kidney problems, heart disease and even stroke.' A big concern is insulin resistance, which is when your cells stop responding to insulin, the hormone that moves sugar from your bloodstream into your cells. The condition develops gradually due to poor diet, inactivity, excess body fat and genetics. Left unchecked, high blood sugar can lead to prediabetes and eventually raise your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 'Many people are in that prediabetes range and don't even know it,' Dr. Rahman says. Symptoms can be subtle or slow to appear, she says. By the time they do, blood sugar may already be well outside the healthy range. A fasting glucose reading of below 100 mg/dL is generally considered healthy for most adults. Elevated readings are 101 to 125 mg/dL, and high readings are 126 mg/dL and above. (Learn more about normal blood sugar levels for your age here.) To see where you stand, ask your doctor for a fasting blood sugar test or A1C test (an average measure of your glucose over three months). These are the two most reliable ways to diagnose high blood sugar or insulin resistance. Home monitors and CGMs can help track trends, but Dr. Rahman says they're not accurate enough to make a diagnosis. While you can't immediately reduce high blood sugar levels, there are a few simple tips and tricks that help you control your blood sugar fast. Here's what works: 'Physical activity helps your muscles use blood sugar for energy, which brings levels down,' says Dr. Rahman. The effect is almost immediate. Studies show that walking within 30 minutes of eating can significantly reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes and improve insulin sensitivity. Even short bursts, just two to five minutes of light activity, make a difference. 'Do something you enjoy and can stick with,' Dr. Rahman adds. 'That's what makes it sustainable.' Reducing the fat content in your can have a swift impact on reducing blood sugar levels. 'Fat interferes with insulin,' says Dr. Rahman. 'That's why cutting out oils, fried foods, animal fats—and even limiting high-fat plant foods—can begin to lower blood sugar soon after you eat.' Research shows that low-fat meals produce significantly lower glucose responses within 30 to 60 minutes compared to high-fat meals. Conversely, even a single day of high-fat eating can impair insulin sensitivity by 28 percent within hours. Another simple trick that reduces blood sugar levels fast: Change the order in which you eat your food. Research shows that eating vegetables and protein before carbohydrates reduces post-meal blood sugar spikes by as much as 40 percent within the first hour. That's because fiber and protein help slow digestion and blunt the glucose surge. So before reaching for the bread basket, begin your meal with a salad or veggie side and some beans, tofu or another protein-rich food. 'How we eat can affect blood sugar as much as what we eat,' says Dr. Rahman. Mindful eating—turning off distractions, eating slowly and stopping when you feel satisfied— helps prevent overeating, which can lead to blood sugar spikes. In one study, people who practiced mindful eating for three months significantly reduced their blood sugar levels. 'When we eat mindfully, we let our body guide the process, not stress or habit,' Dr. Rahman explains. 'That makes it easier to make choices that support blood sugar balance.' Quick changes can bring blood sugar levels down, but lasting results come from consistency. And according to Dr. Rahman, big improvements often start within weeks of following a low-fat, plant-based diet. 'Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes naturally support insulin sensitivity and help lower blood sugar,' she says. In her clinic's study, people who followed this approach for three months lost weight, improved their blood sugar and often needed less medication. 'Give it your full effort for 12 weeks. Your body will thank you,' she says. 'Most people feel so much better, they want to keep going.' Want to read more about lowering your blood sugar? Keep scrolling. The Best Low-Sugar Fruits to Stabilize Your Blood Sugar Naturally The 5 Best Sugar Substitutes Diabetics Love—They Taste Great and Keep Blood Sugar Steady! High Blood Sugar Symptoms You Should Never Ignore—Plus How To Naturally Lower a Spike This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
