Understanding Glycemia Levels And Diabetes

By: Moses Wright

Published: August 27, 2009

Physiological processes and the food the person eats affect the glycemia level. A glycemia level is a measurement of the concentration of glucose in the blood.

A diabetic patient can benefit from understanding glycemia levels and what affects them. Abnormally high glycemia levels can put the diabetic patient at risk for developing diabetes complications such as damage to the circulatory system or nervous system.

For a diabetic patient, the amount of food and the type of food eaten can directly affect their glycemia level. In people who do not have diabetes, their bodies release natural insulin to compensate for the raised levels of glucose into the blood after eating.

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.

Though the person's diet affects their glycemia level, diet is not the only thing that influences the glycemia levels. Exercise can be a helpful tool in the management of glycemia levels. Exercise forces glucose from the blood to be used as an energy source for muscles.

Glycemia levels can be problematic if they are too high or too low. Hypoglycemia is a condition of having low blood sugar. Hypoglycemia in diabetic patients is often attributed to skipping meals or using too much insulin.

Hypoglycemia can cause blurred vision, mental confusion, and faintness. A diabetic patient experiencing severe hypoglycemia can lose consciousness and enter into a coma.

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.

Diabetes patients can improve their diabetes management by educating themselves about the diabetic diet, risks associated with diabetes, and diabetes complications. The effectiveness of diabetes management can be improved by understanding glycemia levels and the factors that affect them.

There are many tools that a diabetic patient can use to keep their blood glucose levels within normal range. If a diabetic patient is using diet and exercise without good results, the diabetic patient should consult their doctor and dietitian.

About the Author:

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