The Hidden Dangers of Sugar: How It Affects Your Red Blood Cells
Sugar is often thought of as just a cause of weight gain, but its negative effects go far beyond that. In fact, sugar can have a major impact on the health of your red blood cells.
Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout your body. When they are healthy, they are flexible and able to flow freely through the blood vessels, delivering oxygen to all the cells and tissues in the body. However, when sugar is present, it can stick to the surface of red blood cells and make them stiff and sticky. This can lead to a number of serious problems.
One issue is that the sticky and stiff red blood cells can clump together, forming clots that can cut off blood flow to certain tissues. This can cause necrosis, which is the death of cells or tissues due to a lack of blood supply. In severe cases, necrosis can lead to gangrene, which is the death of body tissue due to a lack of oxygen. Gangrene can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition, especially if it affects a large area of the body or if it occurs in vital organs.
Another problem with sugar sticking to red blood cells is that it can make it more difficult for the cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. This can lead to a lack of oxygen in the tissues, which can cause fatigue and other symptoms. In addition, the sticky red blood cells can also cause problems with circulation, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Sugar can also have negative effects on other areas of the body. For example, it can cause issues with the eyes, including diabetic retinopathy, which is a condition that can lead to blindness. Other areas of the body that are affected by sugar include the gums, kidneys, and arteries.
One way to check for sugar's impact on your red blood cells is through an A1C test. This test measures the amount of sugar that is stuck to your red blood cells. An A1C of 5.7% or less is considered normal, while an A1C between 5.7% and 6.4% is considered prediabetes, and 6.4% or higher is considered diabetes.
An A1C test is a better indicator of sugar's impact on your body than a blood sugar test, because it gives a more long-term view of your glucose levels. A blood sugar test only measures your glucose levels at a single point in time, while an A1C test looks at your glucose levels over a period of several weeks or months. In addition, an A1C test can be done at home using a home testing kit, so it is convenient and easy to use.
It's important to remember that it doesn't take much sugar to raise your glucose levels and have a negative impact on your body. Even a small amount of sugar can cause your A1C to rise, so it's important to be mindful of your sugar intake. Instead of just treating the symptoms of this issue, it's important to focus on improving your diet. Cutting out sugar and switching to a healthy keto diet can make a big difference in how you feel. By reducing your sugar intake and taking control of your glucose levels, you can improve your overall health and reduce your risk of serious health problems. Don't wait, start making positive changes to your diet today!
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