Q and A for Diabetes
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blood sugar levels

For more information about: blood sugar levels visit the Diabetes site DiabetesFAQ.org today.

Q: Can different parts of your body contain different blood sugar levels? eg eyes?
Type 1 diabetic… Sometimes when my blood sugars normal my eyes go blurry, Sometimes they don’t, sometimes when my blood sugars high my eyes are perfectly fine. Just wondering if its possible that your body contains 2 different bloodsugar levels in 2 different parts of your body?

A: Yes.

When your blood sugar climbs, the fuild in your eyes can develop a higher concentration of sugar than normal. When your body tries to dilute it to protect your eyesight, the pressure in your eyes goes up. This causes damage.

Try to get things under better control, or you will eventually develop retinopathy, cataracts and possibly blindness. It also increases your risk of kidney failure, heart disease, ulcers, gangrene, and if you are male, impotence. It also affects your brain immediately, making it hard to think, and can contribute to dementia if untreated or allowed to rise too much over the long term.

High blood sugar also damages the tiny capillaries in your eyes and all over your body, decreasing blood flow in some areas, and causing bleeding in others. It also damages nerves all over your body. It is vital to keep your blood sugar under good control to avoid complications as long as possible.

By the way, your blood sugar rises and falls faster in your fingers than in your arms. That’s why they recommend that you test on your fingers, if you suspect your blood sugar is rising or falling rapidly.

This happens because there is a fresher blood supply in your fingers than in your arms. There are more capillaries in your hands, especially in the fingers. There are also more nerves.

Q: Can blood sugar levels change a lot in less than a minute?
I am type 2 and I try controlling my blood sugar level with diet and weight loss. I use a freestyle flash meter and I check it morning and night but last night I checked it and it was a whopping 234 so I thought that was just way out of range for me so I immediately checked it again and it was 115. Could my meter be bad or does sugar fluctuate that much in such a short time?

A: when you get readings like that within a minute of eachother use your control solution and check your strips/meter. if it is in range test again. three tests give you a more accurate idea. the meter will fluctuate some in readings but it should not be that much. If your first is 234 sencond 115 and third around the 234, then assume you are on the higher side. maybe wait an hour and test again, or even in 15 minutes. if you still get really off numbers like that call the meter company and ask them to send you a replacement because yours is off. they do this free of charge, as long as you mail yours to them.

Q: Quick Question how bad is my blood sugar levels and what should i do if they are?
i have had sleepiness, blurry vision and drinking excessive water. i take Roaccutane but i just had my blood sugar levels tested on my friends diabetic machine and it said mine was 13.9

should i be worried? what should it normally be? and what should i do?

A: Hey as has been said before Americans use a different measurement system to those of us in the UK and Eire. Normal blood sugar readings are between 5-7, that person who said 2.5 is totally wrong anything under 4.0 is considered a hypo (low blood sugar).

13.9 is high for someone who isn’t a diabetic, however if you didn’t wash and dry your hands before doing the test it can effect your blood sugar reading!

I was on Roaccutane aswell and was warned that it could cause my sugars to rise, however seeing how you haven’t been diagnosed with diabetes it shouldn’t cause yours to.

Also those symptoms you describe are the textbook examples of signs of diabetes.

If you are still worried go to your doctor, the test for diabetes is very simple and he/she will be able to put your mind at rest.

All the Best.

Q: My cat has low blood sugar levels. What can help him out?
I need a treatment for my cat who has a low blood sugar level. What can I do for him?

A: Has your vet discussed with you why he has low blood glucose? Often there is an underlying condition that causes this, and it can be serious. Possibilities include liver disease and cancer. Usually cats aren’t just hypoglycemic for no reason.

I really recommend you talk this over some more with your vet.

Q: Does sparkling water have an effect on blood sugar levels?
I’ve just learned that diet sodas have an effect on blood sugar levels. I believe that it is primarily the caffeine that causes the reaction, however am not sure.
Also, will sparkling water (let’s say with 1 carb per 8 ounce serving) work as the daily requirement for water intake?

Thanks in advance!
GeeGee, I wasn’t sure how to answer you. I meant 1 carb, not one serving. The water contains 1% fruit juice and splenda. I probably ought to have mentioned that earlier…

A: Diet soda, even with caffeine, does not effect everyone’s blood sugar- it can certainly, but it’s surely not a universal thing. I drink alot of diet pepsi each day, and it does not cause my blood sugar to increase. I’d say it’s more of an individual thing, but that being said, if someone is sensitive to caffeine, they may also be sensitive to whatever substances contribute to that one carb in the sparkling water- since even fruit juices can cause a spike. And do you mean one carb gram or one carb serving (which would be 15 grams?)

Q: how does one lower blood sugar levels and can insulin go bad?
my friend is diabetic and his blood sugar level has been between 430 and 515 for 3 days, he says he does not feel that bad but he is scared. he is wondering if maybe his insulin is not working because he left it in a warm car. does any one have any answers? he is drinking water and not eating any sugars and injecting insulin as directed.

A: Glucose levels this high are very serious. Your friend needs to see his physician tomorrow. Yes insulin can ‘go bad’. It generally retains potency at room temperature for up to one month but in a ‘hot’ car it may be destroyed. Again – I cannot emphasize enough – this is a medical emergency and your friend must seek prompt attention. No delay is acceptable. People become comatose at different glucose levels so I am not able to say that this is imminent but if I was his physician I would see him immediately. I hope that his physician feels the same way and I hope that your friend understands that this may become a life-threatening situation. Please tell him to seek medical attention immediately.

Q: Is blood sugar levels linked to metabolism?
Do blood sugar levels increase and decrease to speed up and slow down ones metabolism?
I know that when the body detects a change in temperature in the body, our metabolism either speeds up or slows down but does blood sugar levels have something to do with this?
Thanks a tun =)

A: BMR—basic metabolic rate is maintained by thyroid hormones(Thyroxine). I don’t think normal blood sugar level has to do any thing with BMR. However, abnormal levels of glucose in sugar definitely disturb the BMR.

Q: What can you eat to control blood sugar levels? (no medicen)?
My mom is diabetic and shes having trouble controling her blood sugar lately. Its hard for her to excersice because she has a fibroid that makes her bleed a lot. She also has knee problems so from time to time, if she walks or stands to much, it starts to hurt and the bones click together. We don’t have medical insurance so we’re trying to avoid the doctor as long as we can. So, what can she eat to control her blood sugar levels? (no medicen). And if you have any other suggestions towrds what we can do, it would be greatly appreciated.(: thankyou.

A: Eating several smaller meals over the course of the day rather than the traditional “3 squares a day” is one way to help maintain a more steady blood glucose level without having big fluctuations; like falling below 80 or going above 180.

There is some research showing that one to six grams of cinnamon daily can lower cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar levels (Diabetes Care, Dec. 2003 & http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes/AN00939 ). Investigators at Arizona State University reported that two tablespoons of vinegar before a starchy meal can significantly reduce the rise in blood glucose (Diabetes Care, Jan. 2004). A Swedish and a Japanese study showed similar results. A healthy diet for diabetics/pre-diabetics doesn’t have to mean cutting out certain foods; all kinds of foods can be eaten, just in moderation. There has been some discussion of limiting certain high glycemic foods to better control blood glucose see these sites for more information (http://www.diabetes.ca/Section_About/glycemic.asp , http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes/AN00754 & http://diabetes.webmd.com/glycemic-index-good-versus-bad-carbs ,)

It is important to get some kind of exercise as this not only helps maintain a healthy weight, it really helps to control the blood sugar levels. If she has access to a swimming pool, she can do exercises that are non-weight bearing. Exercise can be done while sitting too! Most PBS stations air an exercise show that is designed for those with limited mobility called Sit and Be Fit (http://www.sitandbefit.com/ ). Plus, your local library probably has some similar exercise videos.

I know you said without health insurance, she’s trying to avoid going to the doctor, but if she is having trouble keeping her blood sugar in check, she is running the risk of permanently damaging her health. Does the area where you live have a low-cost health clinic or a university hospital? She can be seen there for little to no cost according to your need. There are also programs to get lower cost prescriptions; Wal Mart now offers $4 prescriptions for generic drugs (http://www.walmartfacts.com/articles/4464.aspx) & Partnership For Prescription Assistance (https://www.pparx.org/Intro.php or 1-800-4PPA-NOW) is a program designed to help people find low cost prescription plans in their area.

Like some other answerers have said, if she doesn’t have one already, she does need to have some sort of blood glucose meter. The generic blood glucose monitors can be cheaper in the long run because the test strips aren’t as expensive as some of the more well-known ones. Ask your local pharmacist which ones are the best/cheapest and they will be able to help find one for her.

Here are some more helpful resources online:

National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) – Diabetic Food Pyramid
http://www.ndep.nih.gov/diabetes/MealPlanner/pyramid.htm
Great information on meal planning, serving sizes and recipes

American Diabetes Association
http://www.diabetes.org/home.jsp
Not only do they have LOTS of helpful information on Diabetes, they also have meal plans/recipes.

Diabetes.com – “What The Blood Glucose Numbers Mean”
http://www.bddiabetes.com/us/main.aspx?cat=1&id=237
This has a chart that gives information on what may be causing certain blood glucose readings.

Q: I am a diabetic. Has anyone ever heard of blood sugar levels increasing with exercise instead of decreasing?
I have noticed when i am very active my blood sugar gets high. I always thought with activity blood sugar levels should go down. Has anyone else experience this?

A: yeah, i’ve had the same thing happen to me. i was putting a sidewalk around my house this past summer—working my butt off in the heat toting 80 pound bags of concrete, mixing it, pouring it, etc. i figured my blood sugar would be low so i tested it and it was sky high. i told my doc about it and she said that intense physical activity can cause the blood sugar to go up.

i just say that measuring blood sugar sometimes is more voodoo than science.

Q: Grandma always has a Type I insulin dependant child’s blood sugar levels get too high. What should we do?
I am a step parent to an ADHD, learning disabled child with diabetes. I work VERY hard to keep blood sugars under control for weight purposes and mental health purposes (to control his impulsiveness in talking). Grandma sends sugar level over 200 most times (even over 400). We have tried to talk to her about this. She is diabetic too and can’t say no to the child because of her own issues. The child manipulates til he gets his way knowing grandma can’t say no or listen to him keep begging. Needless to say when he comes home he is always hungry because his body is adjusting to l. She doesn’t have to explain to doctors why it’s out of control. We do, we are responsible. Being diabetic herself we were hoping she would learn better habits cuz she does not keep herself regulated. No matter how many times we tell her that levels above 150 aren’t good, she does not want to deprive him and say no. What do we do? I need the weekend breaks. He is not an easy child to take care of.

A: Unfortunately, you already know what you will most likely have to do- which is arrange for alternate child care. You might make some arrangements and let grandma know that if the situation doesn’t rapidly improve then she will not be watching the grandchild anymore. Then of course, you will have to be prepared to follow through with that. Sometimes you do have to put things bluntly. I’d explain to her that she has had a life and can therefore chose the complications that uncontrolled diabetes brings. She doesn’t have the right to endanger the grandchild by indulging him in the treats that she knows are not good for him. And that is what she is doing, endangering him. If this were drugs instead of sugar, would you be hesistating? This is in much the same line. Chances are not good she is going to change her habits, nor become more responsible though. And if she will not do it for herself, she’s not any more likely to do it for him either. What an adult chooses to risk is one thing, what they choose to risk with a child is a whole other subject. So, you must choose to protect the child from himself and grandma if it comes to that. It is ultimately your responsibility, actually it is the parent’s responsibility- but I assume you are taking on the role of parent here. And sometimes as parents, we are faced with making the tough choices out of love. Perhaps when she realizes her behavior is limiting her time with the grandchild, she may change her ways. I wouldn’t count on it, but it is still possible. Sometimes we need the boot in the rear to get our heads on straight.

Q: Does dietary fiber cause a rise in blood sugar levels?
I’m a type 1 diabetic and I inject insulin before every meal depending on the amount of carbs I am eating. I have heard that I should only look at the net carbs (total carbs – dietary fiber) but I have noticed that certain things like ground flax seed which is all fiber do increase my blood sugar levels.

A: No, fiber by itself does not increase glucose levels because it is too complex for the body to digest (remember grandma telling you that plenty of fiber keeps you “regular”). Now when you “ground” something you are taking the fiber out of that item because you’re destroying the solidity and the body will absorb it as quickly as regular glucose. If you want to keep the glucoses under control by eating high fiber foods, don’t change the texture! If you eat apple sauce (without sugar added) as opposed to eating a whole apple, wouldn’t you think that the “sauce” will raise your glucose levels more AND faster because you’re releasing more of the “fructose”?

Q: Does the rate of food consumption have impact on blood sugar levels?
Example: The slower/faster I eat does/does not have impact on blood sugar levels…

A: If it is the amount of time to eat one meal, then the only way it makes a difference is if it takes you longer than an hour to eat your meal. Otherwise if it takes 5 minutes or 30 minutes there isnt much difference. But there will be some, the longer it takes you i beleive the higher you will be because it spreads out your digestion. if you eat your meal in a regular/normal amount of time then you shouldn’t notice too much of a change between normal eating and super fast.

Q: i have high blood sugar levels i understand which foods to avoid but what are good foods to eat?
which are good foods to eat which will help to reduce my blood sugar levels and is the herb salacia oblonga good for reducing blood sugar levels

A: A diet low in saturated fat with well controlled blood glucose levels that incorporates weight control, exercise and fewer refined sugars is recommended. Controlling blood glucose levels with diet, and in some cases medication, is the key. To keep blood sugar levels under control, a diabetic diet strikes a balance among the carbohydrates, fats, and protein you take in. In addition, a 1,500-calorie diabetic diet restricts calories and fat. These fruits helps to control blood sugar, levels. Due to their law glycaemic index, they promote a gradual increase in the blood sugar level which is highly beneficial to diabetics.The two most important pieces of information on food labels for a carbohydrate-controlled diet is the serving size and grams of total carbohydrate in each serving.

Increasing the number of low glycemic index foods such as legumes, barley, pasta and whole grains (e.g., cracked wheat) in your meal plan may have real benefit in controlling blood glucose levels. Most low glycemic index foods offer more fibre and are low in fat, both of which are recommended in Health Canada’s Guidelines for Healthy Eating, as well as the Canadian Diabetes Association’s nutrition guidelines. The best types are wholegrain versions as they help with your diabetes control and can make you feel full for a longer period of time. Chose to spread your bread with a low fat spread or one that is based on monounsaturated fats. The brown bread or salad slows down absorption, so the body can cope with the release of glucose from the digested food.

Among the several home remedies that have proved beneficial in controlling diabetes, perhaps the most important is the use of bitter gourd. It has lately been established that bitter gourd contains a hypoglycaemic or insulin-like principle, designated as ‘plantinsulin’, which has been found valuable in lowering the blood and urine sugar levels.

Person suffering with diabetes should not be afraid of fresh fruits and vegetables that contain sugar and starch. Fresh fruits contain sugar fructose, which does not need insulin for its metabolism and is well tolerated by diabetics.One special health benefit of dragon fruit which has been verified by the authors of this web site is the special dragon fruit health benefit that dragon fruit helps to control of glucose blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes (and type 1 diabetes by some reports), in addition to pitaya fruit nutrient profile being full of dietary fiber and Vitamin C. Fresh dragon fruit or dried dragon fruit both are great additions to a healthy diet.

Eat only whole foods cooked in your home – plain vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, eggs and rice. These foods are naturally gluten free and
use the same process times as for conventionally canned foods. There should be three to five servings of vegetables, two to three servings of milk, and two to four servings of fruits in your daily diet. You can take meat, poultry, and nuts two times in a day. It is recommended that a small amount of vegetable fat be used on bread, in cooking or in salad dressing. Food should be prepared using methods that are as low in fat as possible.

Phenols and polyphenols are found in a wide variety of plants; they give red wine and tea their heart-healthy boosts and are especially prominent in dark-colored fruits and vegetables.

There are no magic cures, no magic pills, natural or synthetic, just a simple remedy; control what you eat before you experience the complications associated with diabetes! By sticking to your diet, doing regular exercise and taking your medication (oral tablets or insulin injections), you will be able to control your blood glucose levels, and your weight. A well balanced diabetic diet which is tuned to your needs, will ensure that you feel well and stay healthy.

Following diabetic restrictions does not mean boring and mundane diet. Knowing what to eat and how much is the key to a healthy diabetic diet.
Visit http://diabetes-abc.blogspot.com to get free recipes for diabetic diet, meal plans, diabetic food grocery list as well as diabetic diet tips.

Q: Doctors and Nurses: How high is too high for blood sugar levels?
A year ago, I was hospitalized for several days in intensive care with a blood sugar level of 699. Prior to that, my doctor had been monitoring my levels because of family history, but it came on like lightning. I survived, and have been successfully maintaining my Type 2 diabetes since. My question: With that high level, how close was I to death? I need to know to pass this dire information on to my children and others who may be likely candidates. Please be frank, for my sake and theirs.
Thank you for the answers received so far. Just to add my current info, I’ve adjusted my diet and I exercise more. I have NEVER maintained a diet of “garbage”. My family’s history predestined this condition, which is why my doctor and I have been monitoring my levels for several years. My normal levels now are between 105 and 115. I just would like to know what levels are life-threatening in a crisis, as happened to me.

A: I am not a nurse or doctor,however,I have been diabetic (type 1) for 36 years. A normal blood sugar reading is between 80 and 120, At 190 sugar spills into your urine. That’s when you become thirsty, beyond belief, and start to dehydrate. You will know every washroom in the city because of constant urination. I have been hospilized w/ a reading of about 1200. That was with taking insulin. I had dental work done, and the infection got the best of me. Your reading shows you that your sugar is high, but it is the way the sugar affects your organs that can be fatal. When I had my episode, my potassium levels were screaming high,my kidneys had shut down,I lost the vision in one eye from such a low blood pressure. I was in a coma for a day before anyone found me. I remained so for an additional five days. During that time I suffered a heart attack. Diabetes can be hard to control, even with insulin. Sometimes it becomes more complicated because of the insulin. If you can manage it without..DO IT! Get on a diet recommended by a dietition, get yourself a glucometer to check your sugar at home frequently. Exercise. Show your family the way to deal with it should they eventually have it. Your circulation is compromised, affecting your legs and feet, eyes, and kidneys, skin. High sugar means you will have a harder time fighting infections. Your teeth and gums will need extra care-and you are the only one that can do it. Don’t become blind or on dialysis because you can’t pass up a candy bar or a chunk of cake. your family needs you, and when you look at their smiling faces, you’ll be grateful to be with them. I know I am telling you scary things. I wish someone had really explained to me HOW these things could come to pass. It’s because it affects the smallest,tiniest blood vessels in your body. You don’t always “just die” from diabetes. You could live a long time with what it can do to you. Good luck to you. I would be so proud of you if you could turn this thing around to become incredibley healthy. This would be the time to do that. If you see that your sugar is rising,for no apparent reason, such as large meal,eating fruit,etc.,call your doctor. It may be from a sinus infection, earache,cut that won’t heal. The infection raises your sugar, your sugar makes it difficult to get rid of the infection. And so it goes..round and round. Don’t wait for a huge spike in your numbers.

Q: how does bittergourd lower blood sugar levels?
how is this possible?

wouldn’t the body’s natural regulatory mechanism of homeostasis just cause the blood sugar levels to increase again?

A: because its bitter? but I dont think its a one time thing its like ongoing, you know you can boil the seeds and then drink the water, but will it help you get pregnant? b/c thats what I was doing with bitter gourd, then I got pregnant and I thought I couldnt get pregnant till that happened, dam you bitter gourd

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