=============================== **The importance of blood sugar control in public health** Blood sugar, or glucose Blood is one of the most important factors in the general health of the body. This substance is the main source of energy for the cells of the body, especially the brain, muscles and other organs. Blood glucose levels are affected by the foods we eat, physical activity, stress, hormonal status, and the functioning of the body's metabolic system. Maintaining blood sugar balance plays a vital role in preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity and kidney problems. ### Why is blood sugar regulation important? - **Prevention of diabetes:** Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic diseases caused by insulin regulation disorder. People with high blood sugar are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. - Maintaining cardiovascular health: Over time, increased blood sugar can damage the walls of blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. - **Kidney health:** High blood sugar damages the blood vessels of the kidneys and leads to kidney failure in the long run. - **Brain function:** The brain needs glucose for its optimal function. Extreme fluctuations in blood sugar levels can cause decreased concentration, mental fatigue, and even mood changes. - **Decreasing the cellular aging process:** Abnormal blood sugar fluctuations increase oxidative stress in the body and accelerate the cellular aging process. For this reason, regular measurement and control of blood sugar levels is one of the key strategies for living a healthy life and preventing chronic diseases. **Is it possible to measure blood sugar without a device?** One of the common questions that many people ask, especially those who have or are at risk of diabetes, is whether it is possible to measure blood glucose levels without using a blood glucose meter. The answer to this question depends on several factors, including the expected accuracy, the individual's condition, and the purpose of the blood glucose measurement. While there are alternatives to glucometers, they are much less accurate and are usually only recommended for initial assessments and not for accurate diabetes management. In the following, we will examine some indirect methods for estimating blood sugar levels. **Natural and home tests to evaluate blood sugar** Some people, based on personal experience, notice changes in their body that may indicate blood sugar fluctuations. Some of these signs are: - **Change in energy level**: Some people report that after consuming sugary foods, they experience a sudden increase in energy and then quickly feel tired, which can indicate fluctuations in blood sugar. - **Change in the taste of the mouth**: Some people feel a sweet or fruity taste in their mouth when their blood sugar increases, which can be caused by diabetic ketoacidosis. - **Changes in mood**: Low blood sugar can lead to irritability, anger or feeling anxious. Although these methods are interesting, they do not replace scientific and accurate methods in any way. **Estimation of blood sugar level based on the glycemic index of foods** The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of the effect of foods on blood sugar levels. Knowing which foods raise blood sugar quickly can help people control their blood glucose levels. ### Foods with a high glycemic index (rapid increase in blood sugar) - White bread - White rice - Sweets and sweet drinks - Baked or fried potatoes ### Foods with low glycemic index (gradual increase in blood sugar) - Whole grains (oats, whole grain bread) - Legumes (lentils, beans) - Nuts and seeds - Non-starchy vegetables People with unstable blood sugar can indirectly monitor their blood sugar levels by controlling their diet and choosing low-glycemic foods. **use of urine test strips** As science progressed, urine test strips replaced the traditional methods of urine glucose testing. These strips have chemical reagents that change color if there is glucose in the urine. ### How to use a urine test strip 1. Urine sample collection: Morning urine should be collected in a clean container. 2. **Putting the strip in the urine:** Keep the special strip in the urine sample for a few seconds. 3. **Checking the color change:** The color of the strip is compared with the color table on the package and the approximate amount of glucose is determined. Advantages and disadvantages of urine test strips **Advantages:** - Easy and fast method - No need for blood sampling - Suitable for the initial examination of diabetes **Disadvantages:** - Low accuracy compared to blood sugar testing devices - Detection only in cases of high blood sugar (more than 180 mg/dL) - The effect of drinking water and diet on the test result Traditional methods of diagnosing blood sugar without a device, such as examining clinical symptoms, urine tests, and using urine test strips, can be used as auxiliary tools for monitoring blood sugar status. However, these methods are not accurate enough and you may notice an increase in blood sugar when its level has reached a dangerous level. **Comparison of home methods with blood sugar measuring devices** Although traditional methods such as examining physical symptoms and urine tests can be useful for initial investigation, these methods are not a good substitute for a glucometer in terms of accuracy and the ability to detect minor changes in blood sugar. ### Why are home methods not a suitable alternative? - **Low accuracy:** Home methods cannot determine the exact amount of blood sugar and only show general changes. - **Not recognizing small fluctuations:** In order to manage diabetes and prevent its complications, it is necessary to be aware of small fluctuations in blood sugar, which is not possible with home methods. - **Risk of delay in diagnosing problems:** You may notice an increase in blood sugar when the situation has become dangerous, while the glucometer provides early warnings. ### In what cases can traditional methods be used? - For general health monitoring in people who do not have diabetes but are concerned about blood sugar fluctuations. - In situations where you do not have access to the device, you can take basic measures according to physical symptoms. ### In what cases is it necessary to use a glucometer? - In diabetic patients who must constantly control their blood sugar. - When adjusting the dose of insulin or diabetes medications. - When a person has severe fluctuations in blood sugar and needs careful management. Considering the comparison of home and traditional methods with glucometer devices, it is clear that traditional methods can be used as an auxiliary tool, but they can never replace accurate blood sugar measurement devices. For diabetics, using a glucometer is essential because accurate control of blood sugar levels can prevent serious complications. Home methods can only be useful in the initial diagnosis of blood sugar fluctuations, but they are not accurate enough to manage the disease. Therefore, it is recommended that people who are at risk of diabetes, in addition to using traditional methods to increase awareness of their body condition, use glucometer devices for accurate monitoring and prevention of health problems. **To receive a visit (online or in person) with Dr. Yazdan Panah, fill out the form below**