blood sugar Archives - Health BeatHealth Beat

Blood sugar, or blood glucose, is the main sugar found in the blood. It is our body’s primary source of energy and comes from the food we eat. When your blood glucose goes up, it signals your pancreas to release insulin. However, when things aren’t functioning properly, you can develop high blood sugar, which means there is too much sugar in your bloodstream. You may have high blood sugar due to:

Your body isn’t using insulin correctly
Your pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin

Elevated blood sugar levels can cause blood vessel damage, which can lead to serious complications, such as:

Heart attack
Stroke
Diabetes-related retinopathy, which can cause blindness
Diabetes-related nephropathy, which can lead to kidney failure
Nerve damage

Our blood sugar naturally rises when we eat and is highest about 30 to 90 minutes after eating. However, frequent or especially high spikes in blood sugar levels can increase the risk of or worsen diabetes.

Fortunately, there are several ways to lower blood sugar levels into a healthy range, such as eating healthy, getting regular exercise, and managing stress. Another way to manage blood sugar levels is to take a short walk after eating.

Research shows that a short walk after a meal can:

Prevent your blood sugar from spiking as high as it would if you ate and remained seated
Keep your insulin levels stable

Walking for ten minutes, or as little as two to five minutes, can lower your blood sugar.

When walking after a meal, it is important to stay safe. Some safety tips to keep in mind when walking include:

Go slow and gradually increase your physical activity
Avoid environmental triggers, such as high heat and humidity, environmental allergens, cold air, and safety hazards
Fall prevention for those who are 65 years of age and older

Jamaica Hospital’s Division of Endocrinology treats a wide variety of conditions. For more information about Jamaica Hospital’s endocrinology services, or to make an appointment, please call 718-206-7001.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

According to the most recent data from the American Diabetes Association, nearly 30 million Americans are living with diabetes, many of whom are undiagnosed. Diabetes is a serious condition that if not managed properly can lead to a variety of health problems and it is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.

For many diabetics, living with the disease means juggling medical appointments with various specialists to help them manage their condition. To help those living with diabetes in our community properly maintain their health, Jamaica Hospital has coordinated many services under one roof. The hospital’s MediSys Family Care Center in St Albans recently added ophthalmology, podiatry, and nutritional counseling to its list of services and a schedule was created so that each service would be available on the same day, allowing patients to easily go from one appointment to the next without leaving the building.

DIABETES AND OPTHALMOLOGY
Diabetes can lead to a variety of vision problems. One of the most common diabetic-related eye disorders is glaucoma. People with diabetes are 40% more likely to suffer from glaucoma than people without diabetes. In addition, diabetics are 60% more likely to develop cataracts. If left untreated, these issues can become serious and can even lead to blindness.

DIABETES AND PODIATRY
Uncontrolled diabetes can damage the nerves in your extremities, especially in your feet. This lack of feeling is called sensory diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes also affects the flow of blood. Without good blood flow, it takes longer for a sore or cut to heal. If you have an infection that will not heal because of poor blood flow, you are at risk for developing ulcers or gangrene. For people with diabetes common foot problems can possibly lead to infection and serious complications, including amputation.

DIABETES AND NUTRITION
Healthy eating habits can help keep blood glucose, also called blood sugar, within target range. A nutritionist can help diabetics by teaching them what to eat, how much to eat, and when to eat. For those with diabetes, a proper diet can improve their overall health and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and other conditions caused by diabetes.

“We are happy to provide all of these services to our diabetic patients under one roof, especially on the same day” stated Dr. Nicholas Pantaleo Medical Director of the site. “By creating this comprehensive range of services, we are helping those living with diabetes better maintain their health. Our goal is to improve the health of our community and we hope that this coordination of services helps us achieve that goal.”

For more information about the full range of diabetes services at Jamaica Hospital’s MediSys St Albans Family Care Center, including hours of operation, please call 718-206-9888.

Tag Archives: blood sugar

How Short Walks After Eating Help Regulate Blood Sugar Levels

Jamaica Hospital Offers Coordinated Care for Diabetics at St. Albans Center