What to do about high blood sugar

Aug 06, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
In general, high blood sugar may be caused by factors such as improper diet, stress, impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes, and type 1 diabetes. It can be improved through general treatment, medication, and other approaches. It is advisable to develop good lifestyle habits in daily life and avoid consuming spicy and irritating foods, such as pepper, chili peppers, and garlic, as they may hinder recovery.

Generally, high blood sugar may be caused by factors such as improper diet, stress conditions, impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes, and type 1 diabetes. Improvement can be achieved through general treatment, medication, and other methods. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Improper Diet

Consuming large amounts of high-sugar and high-fat foods, such as desserts and fried foods, or excessive carbohydrate intake in a single meal within a short period can accelerate intestinal absorption of glucose, exceeding the immediate regulatory capacity of insulin and causing temporary elevation of blood sugar. It is recommended to adjust the dietary structure, reduce intake of refined sugars and high carbohydrates, increase dietary fiber such as vegetables and whole grains, control caloric intake per meal, and avoid overeating.

2. Stress Conditions

During stressful situations such as intense physical activity, emotional excitement, trauma, or surgery, the body secretes hyperglycemic hormones like adrenaline and glucocorticoids, which counteract insulin's effects, leading to transient elevation of blood sugar. Typically, blood sugar levels can return to normal after removal of the stressor, such as calming emotions and adequate rest, without requiring special intervention.

3. Impaired Glucose Tolerance

When the body's ability to metabolize glucose declines, postprandial blood sugar may rise but not reach the diagnostic criteria for diabetes; this serves as an early warning sign of diabetes. It is recommended to engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly, such as brisk walking or swimming, and reduce intake of refined sugars and saturated fats to help control blood sugar levels.

4. Type 2 Diabetes

Caused by insulin resistance or insufficient insulin secretion, this condition commonly occurs in middle-aged and elderly individuals and obese populations. The onset is usually insidious. Besides elevated blood sugar, symptoms such as fatigue, polydipsia (excessive thirst), and polyuria (frequent urination) may also be present. Patients may take medications such as metformin hydrochloride tablets or semaglutide injection under a physician's guidance for treatment.

5. Type 1 Diabetes

This condition results from autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells, leading to absolute insulin deficiency and subsequent elevation of blood sugar. It commonly occurs in adolescents, has an acute onset, and is often accompanied by a risk of ketoacidosis. Patients must follow medical advice to rely on lifelong insulin replacement therapy, while also maintaining dietary regularity and preventing infections or other factors that may trigger ketoacidosis.

In daily life, it is important to develop good lifestyle habits and avoid consuming spicy and irritating foods such as pepper, chili, and garlic, which may hinder recovery.

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