The concept of intermittent fasting is being popularized among people throughout the world. People are more conscious and aware of their health and well-being today; therefore, they take all the necessary steps to lead a healthy and better life.
In this rat race, while everyone is running behind a fat paycheck and long international holidays, most people fail to heed what their body has to say.
Do you know that a slight fluctuation in blood sugar levels can create havoc in your daily life?
Hyperglycemia is when the body has excess glucose in the bloodstream. In most cases, it is mainly associated with diabetes. However, intermittent fasting for diabetes has been proven to be beneficial to our well-being.
How To Manage Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia is when the bloodstream contains more glucose than the required level. In other terms, it is also referred to as high blood sugar. Overeating at times, snacking in between meals, not having adequate water, and lack of proper exercise can cause hyperglycemia.
On the other hand, missing out on your diabetes medication and an incorrect dose can also trigger this condition.
Hyperglycemia can be managed by taking up a short supplement course of insulin. Changing your insulin program may allow you to normalize and bring your blood sugar level to healthy standards.
Intermittent Fasting With Diabetes
Intermittent fasting includes a unique eating pattern that allows you to eat for a certain period and fast for the rest of the day. In doing so, you are allowing the gastrointestinal tract to rest.
Moreover, when fasting, the body burns up the stored fat, which helps to lose weight naturally. In addition, when the fasting period is over and you start consuming food, the sugar level in your blood gets normalized naturally.
How To Treat Hyperglycemia
In hyperglycemia, the blood sugar level is usually more than 125mg/dL, and in the case of fasting, it is usually greater than 180mg/dL. Now if a person has a fasting plasma glucose level of 100mg/dL to 125mg/dL, that patient, in particular, has an impaired glucose level.
There are a few symptoms of hyperglycemia which are:
- Dry mouth
- Thirsty
- Exhaustion
- Blurry vision
- Frequent urination
- Weightloss
- Infection – skin, bladder, etc.
Treatment:
The first and most important treatment for hyperglycemia is seeking out insulin treatment.
On the other hand, you can also try a fluid replacement, which is usually done intravenously until and unless your body reaches the desired fluid level.
One can also seek electrolyte replacement therapy in which the tissues are provided with all the necessary minerals that allow the tissues to work correctly.
How to lower your blood glucose levels?
The best way to lower blood glucose levels is by following the proper diet for diabetes treatment:
- Eat as much carbs, fiber, and green veggies as possible. Try eating foods that are rich in chromium and magnesium.
- Do not overeat at a time, but try to moderate the portions according to your chosen intermittent fasting schedule.
- Keep yourself hydrated
- Exercise regularly and try to get enough sleep
Intermittent Fasting Benefits for Hyperglycemia
Intermittent fasting can have multiple health benefits for people suffering from hyperglycemia. It promotes weight loss and improves insulin sensitivity. When insulin sensitivity is improved, it lowers the insulin requirement in the body.
On the other hand, it normalizes the fasting blood sugar level in the blood and reduces the levels of AC1 hemoglobin.
At the same time, eating berries, nuts, non-starchy veggies, and whole grains will allow you to lower hyperglycemia to a consistent level. Therefore, if you try intermittent fasting, add these superfoods to your diet once you resume eating after a long fasting period.
Intermittent Fasting Diet
Several studies stated that intermittent fasting is beneficial in helping people lose 7-11 pounds only in 10 weeks. Therefore, if you are fasting, incorporate these few items into your diet.
- Vegetable oils – Canola, sunflower, or olive.
- Brown rice.
- Whole grain
- Green fruits and vegetables.
- Omega 3 Fatty acids
- Protiens and legumens
- Herbs and spices.
Conclusion:
While intermittent fasting is a great way to lose weight, it might not be safe for everyone to try.
People suffering from hyperglycemia have very tumultuous blood sugar levels in their bloodstream, and therefore fasting for a long time may make them weak, nauseated, nervous, and dizzy. At the same time, it can also make them feel nervous, irritated, and sleepy or may cause a rapid heartbeat.
No doubt intermittent fasting has many positive effects on hyperglycemia, but we would always suggest that, depending on your current health condition, always consult your doctor before trying it out.
