High blood sugar often poses numerous health risks. Despite these dangers, people frequently overlook it due to subtle symptoms. Therefore, we should pay close attention to these signs to ensure early detection and treatment.So what are the symptoms of high blood sugar? Which foods can help lower blood sugar?
Symptoms of High Blood Sugar
1. Frequent nausea, dry heaving, general discomfort, persistent vomiting, occasional abdominal bloating and pain, and indigestion.
2. Rapid heartbeat and slow, deep breathing. Even without strenuous exercise, you may notice a significantly faster heart rate than before and experience shortness of breath.
3. Positive urine glucose test. This is a key indicator of elevated blood sugar.
4. Extreme thirst. Increased urination depletes bodily fluids. When total body water decreases by just 1-2%, the brain's thirst center becomes activated, triggering intense thirst.
5. Elevated blood glucose readings. This is the defining symptom of hyperglycemia.Normal fasting blood glucose is below 6.1 mmol/L, and normal two-hour postprandial glucose is below 7.8 mmol/L. Values exceeding these ranges indicate hyperglycemia.
6. Polyuria, dry skin, and dehydration. Polyuria refers not only to increased urination frequency but also to increased urine volume, potentially exceeding 20 times in 24 hours. In severe hyperglycemia, urine output may reach 2-3 liters or even up to 10 liters.Urine may appear foamy, with a whitish, sticky residue. Polyuria occurs when blood glucose exceeds the renal glucose threshold (8.9–10 mmol/L), leading to increased glucose excretion in urine and consequently higher frequency and volume of urination.
How to Control Postprandial Hyperglycemia
Maintain Post-Meal Exercise
Moderate exercise after meals helps burn calories and aids in lowering postprandial blood sugar. It is generally recommended to begin exercising 30 to 60 minutes after eating, with sessions lasting 30–45 minutes.
Maintain Appropriate Aerobic Exercise
Diabetes patients should also engage in consistent, reasonable exercise. Exercise should be progressive, starting with low intensity and gradually increasing. Begin each session with a 10-minute warm-up to prepare muscles and prevent strains. Moderate-intensity exercise should typically last 20–30 minutes per session.Beginners may start with 5–10 minutes of activity, gradually increasing duration. Based on individual fitness levels, extend sessions to 20–30 minutes over 1–2 months. Near the end of exercise, perform a 10-minute cool-down rather than stopping abruptly. For example, after a 20-minute jog, transition to brisk walking, then slow walking, gradually easing to a relaxed pace.Exercising 1–2 hours after meals effectively lowers postprandial blood sugar and prevents hypoglycemia during or after exercise. Prioritize monitoring postprandial blood sugar Patients with well-controlled blood sugar should monitor fasting and postprandial blood sugar levels 1–2 times weekly. Those with poorly controlled blood sugar should monitor daily. At least once monthly, monitor fasting blood sugar, blood sugar 2 hours after each meal, and pre-bedtime blood sugar.and check HbA1c every 3 months to assess recent blood glucose control.
Strictly control diet
Persist in eating rice as the main component of breakfast. If you are not accustomed to eating rice for breakfast, you can choose "Ten-Grain Rice" porridge, which is a mixture of brown rice, black glutinous rice, millet, buckwheat, euryale seed, oats, lotus seeds, cornflakes, oatmeal, and red adlay.If you prefer porridge, add vegetables to increase satiety and prolong digestion, minimizing postprandial blood sugar spikes. Prioritize whole grains and vegetables, chewing thoroughly during meals. Opt for steaming, boiling, or stir-frying over frying, deep-frying, or grilling.
Foods that help lower blood sugar
1. Figs
Though sweet, figs are high-fiber fruits rich in acids and enzymes beneficial for diabetes. They alleviate fatigue and boost immunity. For blood sugar control, simmer figs with winter melon and kelp to reduce dampness, alleviate swelling, lower blood sugar, and nourish the kidneys. Figs also aid digestion and stimulate appetite.
2. Astragalus (Huang Qian)
With a sweet and warm nature, it nourishes the five vital organs and replenishes essence and blood. Modern pharmacological research indicates that astragalosides A and B in astragalus help lower blood sugar.
3. Lentils
Rich in soluble fiber, lentils help lower blood sugar, triglycerides, and harmful cholesterol. Consuming 30–50 grams of cooked lentils once daily is effective for diabetes patients with dyslipidemia.
4. Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit offers high fiber, low sugar, and low calorie benefits, aiding in managing diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and hyperuricemia. For blood sugar control, blend dragon fruit with carrots into juice—particularly suitable for elderly diabetic patients. Its protein, dietary fiber, and B vitamins help prevent diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
5. Apples
The pectin in apples helps prevent elevated cholesterol. Dietary fiber regulates blood sugar levels, preventing sudden spikes or drops. Moderate apple consumption aids in diabetes prevention and management. For blood sugar control, blend apples with celery juice to lower blood pressure and soften blood vessel walls. The potassium in apples benefits hypertensive patients and reduces coronary heart disease risk.
6. Oranges
Low in sugar, oranges help prevent diabetes, boost immunity, and significantly alleviate thirst in diabetic patients. Consume freshly squeezed orange juice. Its hesperidin, citric acid, malic acid, and succinic acid enhance capillary elasticity, lower cholesterol, and prevent hypertension and arteriosclerosis.Vitamin P further protects blood vessels and prevents diabetes.
7. Pumpkin
Pumpkin is sweet, warm, and non-toxic, with properties that tonify the middle energizer and boost qi. It contains fructose that inhibits glucose absorption and binds to excess cholesterol in the body, preventing high cholesterol and atherosclerosis.Modern medical research indicates pumpkin also contains beneficial compounds like adenine, xylans, and mannitol, which promote insulin secretion. Diabetics who consume 100 grams of cooked pumpkin daily experience significant symptom improvement.
8. Cucumber
Sweet and cool in nature, cucumbers are crisp and refreshing, effectively clearing heat and quenching thirst.Modern pharmacological studies reveal cucumbers contain only 1.6% sugar, making them a common substitute food for diabetics. They provide vitamin C, carotene, fiber, and minerals. The malonic acid in cucumbers inhibits the conversion of carbohydrates into fat in the body. For obese diabetic patients with hypertension, consuming 100 grams of cucumber daily offers significant benefits.