Symptoms that appear a few hours after eating and are alleviated by the consumption of food are suggestive of blood sugar imbalance.

These may include:
Fatigue Cravings for sweet foods (e.g. sugar, chocolate) or carbohydrates (e.g. bread, pasta, potatoes)	Headaches Inability to concentrate ('fuzzy head') Mood swings, irritability, depression

Symptoms that may be indicative of diabetes, and require medical investigation include:
Excessive thirst Increased urination Fatigue and lethargy Insatiable hunger	Poor healing of cuts and wounds Dizziness, headaches, blurred vision Muscle cramps, especially in the legs

• Risk factors for blood sugar problems include having a family history of diabetes, weight problems (especially abdominal obesity), having high blood pressure, a history of gestational diabetes or polycystic ovarian syndrome and getting older.
• People of certain nationalities are also at increased risk, including those from Aboriginal, Torres Strait islander, Pacific islander, Indian sub-continent or Asian backgrounds.
• Ongoing consumption of large quantities of foods with a high glycaemic index (GI) can also lead to blood sugar problems. These include sugary foods, alcohol, and starchy carbohydrates (e.g. bread, cakes, potatoes).
• Skipping meals and eating irregularly may lead to unstable blood sugar levels and slumps in energy levels.
• Deficiencies of nutrients involved in the breakdown and utilisation of glucose, and the production and utilisation of insulin may also contribute to the problem. These include the minerals chromium, zinc, magnesium and manganese and several of the B-complex group of vitamins.
• For people with diabetes and pre-diabetic conditions, failure to adhere to prescribed medicines and/or dietary advice may cause or exacerbate symptoms and complications of the condition.

• If you have diabetes, do not take any nutritional or herbal supplements without prior consultation with your healthcare professional, as to do so may interfere with the actions of your prescribed medication or diet.
• Chromium - is essential for the breakdown and utilisation of carbohydrates and sugars and for maintaining blood sugar balance. It is used to reduce sugar and carbohydrate cravings and may also aid in the management of weight problems.
• Green coffee - contains a compound called chlorogenic acid, which supports weight loss efforts by inhibiting the absorption and breakdown of glucose and moderating the amount of glucose that's released into the blood stream.
• Zinc, magnesium, manganese & nicotinamide (vitamin B3) - are involved in the metabolism and utilisation of sugars.
• Alpha-Lipoic Acid - is an antioxidant that provides extra support, helping to prevent complications such as circulatory problems caused by increased free radical damage to the blood vessels.
• Hydroxycitric Acid (HCA) is the active component of the herb Garcinia (also known as brindleberry). Hydroxycitric acid has been clinically proven to reduce appetite and decrease food consumption and its use may lead to up to three times more weight loss than diet and exercise alone. It works by supporting your body's ability to burn fat and convert it into energy and is best taken in conjunction with a sensible diet and exercise plan. In research studies, hydroxycitric acid has also helped to reduce cholesterol and triglycerides and been shown to promote a positive mood in people who were dieting.

• Gymnema & Goat's rue - reduce sugar and carbohydrate cravings, support the body's utilisation of sugars and assist with the maintenance of blood sugar balance and normal blood glucose levels.
• Ginkgo biloba, Grape seed & Bilberry - are traditionally regarded as circulatory stimulants and provide extra antioxidants.

• Symptoms of blood sugar imbalance may be indicative of underlying disease and require medical investigation. If you are concerned that you or your child may have diabetes, seek medical attention urgently.
• Diabetes and other problems of blood sugar imbalance require professional healthcare. Always follow your doctor's recommendations with regards to diet, exercise, supplement and medication use. Failure to do so may exacerbate your symptoms and increase your risk of complications.
• Talk to your healthcare professional about an appropriate dietary regime for your personal circumstances. In many cases they will recommend you follow a low glycaemic index (GI) diet
  
  

  LOW GI 1-55		MED GI 56-59	HI GI 70-100
  LOW GL 1-10	All-bran cereal (8,42) Apples (6,38) Carrots (3,47) Chick peas (8,28) Grapes (8,46) Kidney beans (7,28) Oranges (5,42) Peaches (5,42) Peanuts (1,14) Pears (4,38) Pinto beans (10,39) Red lentils (5,26) Strawberries (1,40) Sweet corn (9,54)	Beets (5,64) Rock Melon (4,65) Pineapple (7,59) Sucrose (table sugar) (7,68)	Popcorn (8,72) Watermelon (4,72) Whole wheat flour bread (9,71) White wheat flour bread (10,70)
  MED GL 11-19	Apple juice (11,40) Bananas (12,52) Buckwheat (16,54) Fettucine (18,40) Navy beans (12,38) Orange juice (12,50) Parboiled rice (17,47) Pearled barley (11,25) Sourdough wheat bread (15,54)	New potatoes (12,57) Sweet potatoes (17,61) Wild rice (18,57)	Shredded wheat (15,75)
  HIGH GL 20+	Linguine (23,52) Macaroni (23,47) Spaghetti (20,42)	Couscous (23,65) White rice (23,64)	Baked Russet potatoes (26,85) Cornflakes (21,81)

• Slow-burning carbohydrates (such as oats and legumes) to help you maintain better blood glucose control and have a low GI.
• Avoid carbohydrates such as sugars, wheat products (e.g. bread) and potatoes, which are metabolised quickly, leading to blood sugar fluctuations. They have a high GI.
• Eating several small meals throughout the day may also help stabilise blood sugar levels. Include a small serve of protein at each meal.
• Decrease your consumption of saturated fats (from animal products) and increase your consumption of omega-3 fats (from fish, nuts and seeds).
• Drink two litres of water every day and avoid soft drinks, cordial, alcohol and caffeine, all of which can interfere with your blood sugar levels.

• Regular exercise is important for maintaining blood sugar balance and managing weight problems, but may be unsuitable for some people with diabetes - consult your healthcare professional before starting or changing your exercise regime.
• Don't smoke - it significantly increases the likelihood that you'll experience circulatory problems, poor heart health and other complications.

If symptoms persist consult your healthcare professional. Information provided is of a general nature and should not replace that of your healthcare professional.