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.
Understanding glycemia levels and what affects them can help diabetic patients learn to manage their diabetes effectively. Uncontrolled glycemia levels put the diabetic patient at risk for developing nerve damage, blindness, and other diabetes complications.
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 numerous physical syndromes including mental confusion, blurred vision, and faintness. A loss of consciousness or coma are potential, serious side effects of hypoglycemia.
Hyperglycemia is excess glucose in the blood. Hyperglycemia can cause dry mouth, fatigue, blurred vision, and recurrent infections. Increased thirst and hunger are common symptoms that the person with hyperglycemia may notice.
Diabetic patients need to consider managing glycemia levels a priority for the sake of their health. Understanding glycemia levels can help the diabetic patient identify what behaviors may be problematic and what they can do to help make their diabetes management more effective.
Diabetes management includes keeping glycemia levels within a healthy range. If a diabetic patient has frequent bouts of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, they put their health at risk. Diabetic patients should consult their doctors and seek support from a diabetes support group to help improve their diabetes management if necessary.
