Glucose is the amount of sugar in your blood. In today’s day and age of eating on the go, processed foods, and obesity we are almost all predisposed to some type of glucose problem. Below are some of the most common ailments, causes and treatments.
The exact cause of diabetes is unclear at this time but may include poor diet, a lack of exercise, and genetic factors. Obesity is also a very common cause. Pregnancy can also trigger gestational diabetes.
Common treatments for diabetes include a diet overhaul, regular exercise, and sometimes insulin shots. Blood glucose levels must be constantly monitored in people with any type of diabetes. Gestational diabetes usually requires the same treatment plan.
Hyperglycemia just means dangerously high blood sugar. Some common causes are the bodies inability to produce sufficient amounts of insulin, certain medications, poor diet, and thyroid problems. One may experience temporary bouts of hyperglycemia as a symptom of other health issues as well.
TreatmentsMild cases of hyperglycemia may not require treatment. More severe cases can usually be treated with lifestyle changes including diet and exercise. Sometimes insulin injections may be necessary. In cases where hyperglycemia is symptomatic of an underlying condition, then the blood glucose levels must be stabilized before that condition can be treated.
As you probably guessed, hypoglycemia is low blood sugar. Low blood sugar is more common in people with diabetes. It is often the result of too much insulin in the body which cause the blood sugar to drop to dangerously low levels. Other triggers may include certain medications and the malfunctioning of adrenal and/or pituitary glands. These glands are responsible for producing key hormones that help to regulate glucose. When they malfunction they can trigger hypoglycemic episodes.
TreatmentsHypoglycemia also requires regular blood glucose monitoring. People who suffer from this condition often keep foods with simple sugars on hand. Eating about twenty grams of simple sugars will usually do the trick. In more extreme cases, a glucagon shot may be required but must be administered by someone trained to do so.
People with common glucose problems usually have a weakened immune system which makes it harder for them to fight infections. This makes them more prone to dental problems and gum disease. Hyperglycemia actually promotes gum disease and tooth decay. Serious and consistent dental care is necessary for people with elevated glucose levels. If you have any of the above conditions make sure to visit the dentist regularly. You’ll also want to make sure your dentist is aware of your condition because some dental procedures can trigger episodes and effect glucose levels.
Many of us are genetically predisposed to these conditions and that is beyond our control. However the common factors in the treatment of all of these conditions include proper diet and exercise. This is always your first line of defense. Be aggressive with it. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator at work will help but does not actually constitute exercise. Alter your diet to avoid processed foods, and try to do some type of cardiovascular exercise three to four times a week for fifteen minutes or more. This will drastically improve your odds of controlling your condition before seeking medical attention.