According to the American Heart Association (AHA), adult women should consume no more than 25 g of added sugar daily, and men no more than 36 g.

Consuming too much sugar can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, particularly in people with diabetes. The Diabetes Association advises that individuals with this condition manage their sugar and carbohydrate intake in meals, aligning with their health status, blood sugar targets, and doctor's recommendations. High blood sugar can cause thirst and frequent urination. In severe cases, there is a risk of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Eating a lot of sugar can easily raise blood sugar. Photo: Anh Chi.

If you accidentally consume too much sugar, you can take some actions:

**Check blood sugar regularly**

While a slight increase in blood sugar may not significantly impact health, severe hyperglycemia can lead to dangerous consequences. Therefore, people with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar levels to make timely adjustments and maintain stability.

**Engage in physical activity**

According to Eating Well, people with diabetes should exercise according to their health condition to activate muscles and help deplete excess blood sugar. It is advisable not to remain sedentary when experiencing high blood sugar.

Always check your blood sugar before exercising. If levels are above 250 mg/dL, avoid physical activity. Conversely, if the reading is below 250 mg/dL, gentle activities like walking, cycling, yoga poses, or light dancing can naturally help lower blood sugar. During this period, avoid over-exertion, as it can cause stress and further elevate blood sugar.

**Hydrate and incorporate protein and green vegetables**

High blood sugar can lead to frequent urination, resulting in dehydration. People with diabetes should drink enough water, prioritizing plain water over sugary beverages or fruit juices.

For your next meal, consider adding protein sources such as eggs and nuts, along with green vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and bean sprouts. These choices provide nutrition and help limit post-meal blood sugar spikes. Yogurt and probiotic-rich foods can also be included in your diet to support gut health.

**Use insulin as prescribed**

People with diabetes who are on insulin may require dose adjustments when blood sugar levels are high, but this must be done under a doctor's guidance. According to Verywell Health, the type of insulin, dosage, and timing of use vary for each individual. Patients should not arbitrarily increase, decrease, or add insulin after consuming a lot of sugar.

Anh Chi (Compiled)