The American Heart Association created a series of Hard Hats with Heart Toolbox Talks with cardiovascular health tips and resources specifically for the construction industry to keep the workforce healthy. This weeks Toolbox Talk discusses how to manage your blood sugar.
Why is managing blood sugar important?
When you eat carbs and sugars they turn into glucose, or sugar, that enters your bloodstream. Insulin in your body helps lower blood sugar, but if blood sugar builds up in your body then it becomes a problem. If blood sugar levels get too high you can be at risk for heart disease, stroke or diabetes. It is important to know your blood sugar levels by visiting your doctor or health care professional.
How to Maintain a Healthy Blood Sugar
- Eating a healthy diet of vegetables, fruit, whole grains and lean protein. Limit your sugar and processed foods
- Moving more is important for lowering diabetes risk
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid smoking, vaping and tobacco use, which can all increase the risk of diabetes
Controlling your sugar is an important element of the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 – the key measures for improving cardiovascular health.
