(GoHealthier.com) – Here is the not so sweet truth about sugar…it is making us very, very sick. Type 2 diabetes, which is characterized by high blood sugar levels, may prove to be the biggest health epidemic in human history. With the rise of processed and highly palatable foods, human consumption of sugar has skyrocketed in the past century. Unfortunately, high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can have serious short-term and long-term consequences. Here are some of the dangers associated with consistently high blood sugar levels:
- Damage to Blood Vessels and Nerves
– Cardiovascular Disease: High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.
– Neuropathy: Over time, high blood sugar can damage the nerves, particularly in the legs and feet, leading to pain, tingling, and eventually loss of sensation. This condition is known as diabetic neuropathy.
- Kidney Damage (Nephropathy)
– Kidney Disease: High blood sugar can damage the delicate filtering units in the kidneys, leading to chronic kidney disease or even kidney failure, which may require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
- Vision Problems (Retinopathy)
– Diabetic Retinopathy: High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to vision problems and even blindness. It also increases the risk of cataracts and glaucoma.
- Poor Wound Healing
– Infections: High blood sugar levels can impair the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight infections. This is particularly problematic with wounds, which may heal slowly or become infected, especially in the feet.
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
– DKA: This is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body starts breaking down fats too rapidly due to a lack of insulin. This leads to the production of ketones, which can accumulate in the blood and make it acidic. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and confusion, and it requires immediate medical attention.
- Increased Risk of Infections
– Frequent Infections: High blood sugar can create an environment where bacteria and fungi thrive, leading to frequent infections, particularly in the skin, urinary tract, and gums.
- Sexual Dysfunction
– Erectile Dysfunction: High blood sugar can lead to poor circulation and nerve damage, contributing to erectile dysfunction in men.
– Reduced Sexual Response: Women with high blood sugar may experience decreased sexual response due to similar vascular and nerve damage.
- Cognitive Impairment
– Memory and Concentration Issues: Chronically high blood sugar can affect brain function, leading to memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and an increased risk of dementia, particularly in older adults.
- Increased Risk of Coma
– Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS): This is a serious condition that can occur in people with very high blood sugar levels. It is characterized by extreme dehydration, confusion, and loss of consciousness, and it can lead to a coma if not treated promptly.
There are many things that can help combat high blood sugar levels including reducing glucose consumption, exercise, and medications. New studies are revealing that fiber, particularly soluble fiber, can play a crucial role in controlling blood sugar levels. Here’s how it works:
- Slows Digestion and Absorption: Soluble fiber forms a gel-like substance in the digestive tract, which slows the breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates. This slower absorption prevents rapid spikes in blood sugar levels after meals.
- Improves Insulin Sensitivity: Fiber can help improve insulin sensitivity, which means the body’s cells respond better to insulin, allowing glucose to be absorbed more efficiently. This can lead to lower blood sugar levels overall.
- Reduces Post-Meal Blood Sugar Spikes: By slowing digestion, fiber helps to reduce the spikes in blood sugar that often occur after eating, making it easier to manage blood sugar levels throughout the day.
- Promotes Satiety: Fiber makes you feel fuller for longer, which can reduce overall calorie intake and prevent overeating. This can indirectly help control blood sugar by preventing excessive intake of simple carbohydrates, which can lead to spikes in blood sugar.
Including high-fiber foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes in your diet can, therefore, be beneficial for managing blood sugar levels. Consuming this macronutrient in the daily recommended dosage of 14 grams per 1,000 calories of food could, as the old adage goes, let you eat your cake and have manageable blood sugar levels too.
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