High Blood Sugar Help
You’ve been diagnosed with high
blood sugar or prediabetes
– here’s some things you can do
Persistently high blood sugar levels are serious
Untreated, high blood sugar can cause arterial blockages, resulting in strokes or heart attacks. It is also responsible for the onset of Prediabetes and Type 2 Diabetes, and the complications that can follow.
As a certified Prediabetes Educator and Holistic Health Coach, I work with people who have learned from their doctor that they have high blood sugar or prediabetes. They are often scared and uncertain on what to do. But they soon learn there is hope! And the same is true for you. Your life does not need to be defined by this.
Other helpful pages:
- Understanding carbs, the Glycemic Index and what they mean to you
- Blood Glucose Monitoring
- Free Blood Sugar Levels Chart
Bookmark this page to return to it as needed
Let’s talk about high sugar levels, why they matter and what you can do.
What is high blood sugar?
Health experts, like those at the American Diabetes Association, have outlined blood glucose ranges that indicate normal or high measurements. The condition of high blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, occurs when excessive amounts of glucose in the blood cause the human body to stop functioning normally.
Why it matters
Hearing the above information may be all you need to know and now you are motivated to solve your situation. Still, other people choose to think about their diagnosis for months or even years before they take action.
I get it. Change is hard. Still, many people know they need help for 10 years before they take action. One reason for this is that the initial damage to their body is likely invisible. So, it’s easy to ignore. However, the consequences can begin to add up.
Here’s what’s happening to the body when it’s ignored:
- High blood sugar causes nerve damage. Burning leg pain eventually turns to leg numbness. When arterial blockages and nerve damage are combined, deformities and tissue damage can mean the loss of feet or toes.
- Tiny blood vessels in our eyes are damaged by untreated high blood glucose. It can lead to blindness over time.
- Kidneys can fail due to high blood glucose and it can require dialysis. Diabetes is the number one cause of kidney failure.
- High blood glucose impairs the white blood cell functions important to a healthy immune system. Most everyone started to think about the importance of a strong immune system during the Covid-19 pandemic. Diabetes is a risk factor for anyone suffering from Covid-19.
- Blood that is consistently high in sugar welcomes bacteria and fungus, and these critters love to create nasty infections.
What to do
If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood sugar or prediabetes, do not lose hope! There are steps you can take toward balancing blood glucose levels and managing prediabetes. Let’s start with some of those now…
Get educated
Starting to understand high blood sugar, the risks it poses and that you have options available to you are an important step to making positive changes.
The risk of ignoring it is real and can ultimately impact the human body from head to toe.
Stay aware of your numbers
Testing your blood sugar levels at home is something you can do, whether or not you have a doctor.
Check out these resources to support you:
Understand the sugar in foods you love to eat
Learn why balancing your blood sugar is more important than counting calories.
A Crash Course in Carbs teaches you how to use food choice, not medication right away, to balance blood sugar and avoid Type 2 Diabetes.
Get active
Giving up a sedentary lifestyle is extremely helpful for those who want to lower their blood sugar. Let’s get moving!
Relax and sleep
Did you know that stress and lack of sleep add to blood sugar imbalance? Practicing self-care and getting a good night’s sleep are not overindulgent. They are a vital part of good health! Consider these tips on sleep and self-care.
Make friends with friendly foods
Find go-to foods that really feed you. Focus on these 5 foods to balance your blood sugar around the kitchen table.
Identify your eating triggers
Blood glucose levels can often be tied to the foods we use to cope with challenges.
What role does emotional eating as a coping tool play in your path toward diabetes?
Communicate with your medical team
Do you know the questions you want to ask on your next doctor visit? It’s easy to forget, so a little preparation can go a long way.
I help clients organize their questions using my Starting Line Worksheet. Get one for your next doctor’s appointment.
Start a course for change
Whether your diagnosis is new or you’re part of an entire family struggling with a legacy of diabetes, this is the ideal time to get the professional help you deserve.
The online Solution StarterTM Prediabetes Program offers proven strategies that you can do at home to compliment your doctor’s guidance and help balance blood sugar levels.
Questions?
Not sure how to start?
Coach Georgianne Holland
Certified Holistic Health Coach, CHHC
Certified Diabetes Educator, CDE
Member of the American Association of Diabetes Educators
Member of the American Association of Drugless Practitioners
Member of the American Holistic Health Association
Food As Medicine and Mind-Body Medicine Practitioner
Creator of the Solution StarterTM Program for Prediabetes and the Homemade Health E-Newsletter.
Holland Health Coaching is located in Colorado. We welcome everyone to join us in our wellness practice. Please enjoy the free resources and expert tools you’ll find on our website.
Coach Georgianne does not replace your doctor; she helps you work with your medical team for your greater good health.