Why is the Blood Glucose Level Often High in People with Untreated Diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease that makes it difficult for your body to use glucose or sugar. The glucose needs to enter the body's cells to provide energy. Insulin is needed to move the glucose into the cells. If the diabetes is untreated, the blood glucose level is high because the body becomes insulin resistant.

Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance occurs when the body's cells do not respond to insulin effectively. Eventually, blood glucose levels increase and become consistently high.

Diet

By matching your carbohydrate intake to your energy level, your body begins to stabilize the glucose levels. Consuming less fat and sugar helps maintain weight, which helps the cells become receptive to insulin.

Exercise

Exercise uses glucose or sugar for energy helping the body control the blood glucose levels and fight insulin resistance.

Monitor

When diabetics monitor the blood glucose, they are more likely to control what they eat and how much to exercise in order to help maintain stable glucose levels.

Medication

Medication includes pills and insulin. Depending upon the diabetic's glucose levels, medication can help stabilize or lower levels.

Resources

• WebMD on diabetes