Regularly monitoring blood sugar levels is a vital aspect of diabetes treatment. Diet, physical activity level, and family history can all affect blood sugar levels.
Blood glucose levels fluctuate depending on a person’s health and whether they have recently eaten food. In individuals without diabetes, these levels typically range from 72 to 140 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) of blood.In contrast, people with diabetes generally have higher levels, ranging from 80 to 180 mg/dL.
There are foods that, due to their nutritional properties, help control blood sugar levels. | Foto: Getty Images
Monitoring glucose
Glucose ranges in the body
Blood sugar levels vary throughout the day. They are generally lowest in the morning or after periods of fasting, and rise during and after meals due to the digestion of food.
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): 70 mg/dL or less.
- Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar): More than 180 mg/dL.
Health organizations in Colombia and around the world recommend regularly monitoring blood glucose levels to help people stay within their target ranges. | Foto: Getty Images/iStockphoto
These are the common foods that spike blood sugar
One of these is the rice used for sushi, a dish of Japanese origin that is becoming increasingly common around the world. However, its frequent consumption could be harmful, as there are several factors that can cause it to raise blood sugar levels.
First, It should be noted that sushi is prepared with short-grain white rice, which has a high glycemic index.
- Although salads are great allies for a balanced diet, it is key to avoid adding certain ingredients. Commercial dressings, for example, can have a negative effect on blood glucose levels. These dressings often contain added sugar, high fructose corn syrup, which can quickly raise blood glucose levels. Some of the ones that should be avoided due to their sugar content are French dressing, honey mustard salad dressing, and Asian sesame dressing.
- Packaged juices, like other artificial drinks, contain high amounts of sugar. During the juicing process, the natural fructose in fruits is concentrated, which can result in a high sugar content in the final product, even if the label is marked as 100% juice.
- In other cases, these drinks also have added sugar, which increases the risk of raising blood sugar. In addition, packaged juices do not contain fiber, so experts recommend preparing homemade juices, mixing vegetables and fruits, to create low-sugar combinations.
Packaged juices raise blood sugar. | Foto: Getty Images
