How Food Affects Your Blood Glucose
Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, what, when, and how much you eat all affect your blood
glucose. Blood glucose is the main sugar found in the blood and the body's main source of energy.
If you have diabetes (or impaired glucose tolerance), your blood glucose can go too high if you eat
too much. If your blood glucose goes too high, you can get sick.
Your blood glucose can also go too high or drop too low if you don't take the right amount of
diabetic medicine.
If your blood glucose stays high too much of the time, you can get heart, eye, foot, kidney, and other
problems. You can also have problems if your blood glucose gets too low (hypoglycemia).
Keeping your blood glucose at a healthy level will prevent or slow down diabetes problems. Ask your
doctor or diabetes teacher what a healthy blood glucose level is for you.
Hypoglycemia (a.k.a. insulin shock)
You should know the signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) such as feeling weak or dizzy, sweating more,
noticing sudden changes in your heartbeat, or feeling hungry. If you experience these symptoms, stop what
you are doing and test your blood glucose. If it is 70 or less, eat one of the following right away:
• 2 or 3 glucose tablets
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) of any fruit juice
• 1/2 cup (4 ounces) of a regular (not diet) soft drink
• 1 cup (8 ounces) of milk
• 5 or 6 pieces of hard candy
• 1 or 2 teaspoons of sugar or honey
After 15 minutes, test your blood glucose again to find out whether it has returned to a healthier level.
Once blood glucose is stable, if it will be at least an hour before your next meal, it's a good idea to eat a snack.
To be safe when you exercise, carry something to treat hypoglycemia, such as glucose tablets or hard candy.
Another good idea is to wear a medical identification bracelet or necklace (in case of emergency). Teach your
exercise partners the signs of hypoglycemia and what to do about it.
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