Nutrition Tips for COPD: Blood Sugar Management
“Blood sugar” refers to glucose, a type of sugar that circulates in the bloodstream. Glucose comes from food and is the body’s main source of energy. Blood sugar levels rise and fall throughout the day in response to normal activities such as eating, exercising, doing chores, or simply resting.
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Maintaining Healthy Blood Sugar
Blood sugar control can sometimes be a challenge for people with COPD. This may be due to steroid therapy, such as Prednisone, or other health conditions such as diabetes. Blood sugar levels that are too high or too low can pose serious health risks. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels has many benefits:
- Provides energy for daily tasks and physical activity
- Protects the circulatory system so oxygen can travel throughout the body
- Reduces risk of heart disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage
Tips for Healthy Blood Sugar
To support healthy blood sugar levels, follow these tips:
Stick to a schedule
Eating a light meal or snack every few hours throughout the day can provide steady energy and keep blood sugar levels consistent.
Do not skip meals
Skipping a meal may increase your risk of low blood sugar which can lead to fatigue, blurred vision, confusion, and fainting.
Choose complex carbohydrates
Complex carbohydrates digest slowly, releasing glucose into the bloodstream at a steady rate. This can help you avoid high blood sugar levels. At meal times, try whole grain breads and cereals, oats, brown or wild rice, barley, and quinoa in place of white bread, white rice, pastries, and sweets.
Increase fruits and vegetables
Folks who eat plenty of fiber from whole fruits and vegetables tend to have improved blood sugar control and a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Balance your plate
Add a source of protein to your meals, such as poultry, seafood, lean meats, beans, eggs, or dairy products. A bit of healthy fat from nuts, seeds, avocados, and vegetable oils will round out the meal.
Limit sugary drinks
Sugar-sweetened beverages such as regular soda, sweet tea, lemonade, and sweetened fruit juice are a leading cause of high blood sugar levels.
Changes in Diet or Exercise
Changes in diet and exercise can significantly influence blood sugar levels. If you take medications to help control your blood sugar, talk with your doctor about your new diet and exercise regimen to ensure your levels remain within target ranges.