Diabetes Management: Tips for Lowering Blood Sugar

In the high blood sugar condition of diabetes, glucose from digested food cannot be moved into cells due to insulin deficiency of the body. This increases the sugar level in the bloodstream, which can be lowered by various methods, depending upon the gravity of the condition.

Diet

Eat tasty and enjoyable foods, but be attentive to the kinds of food you should avoid. To lower blood sugar levels, you must restrict the amount of sugar you consume. Eat more protein and fewer carbohydrates that convert quickly into blood sugar. Foods convert into sugar at different rates, and this is where the concept of ‘glycemic index’ comes into play. Foods that are high on the glycemic index convert more quickly into sugar in the body. Foods that are lower on the glycemic index convert more slowly, and allow the body to metabolize it more fully. There are a number of glycemic index tables online. Another idea for good eating is the ‘exchange list,’ in which you can exchange one food for another, say, an apple for a small serving of pasta. Variety in your diet makes dietary changes easier. Eating the right foods to maintain low blood sugar levels becomes a part of life once you get into the habit.

Eat more fiber to maintain lower blood sugar levels. You can get more fiber by adding more vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, whole wheat breads and bran to your daily diet.

Drink plenty of water each day. It’s an easy way to help maintain low blood sugar levels. Avoid dehydration, which makes blood sugar levels rise. Make sure your water is not in the form of sugary soft drinks.

Try cinnamon pills or vinegar. Studies show that both these components help to reduce blood sugar levels. You can buy cinnamon pills at your local health food store. Two tablespoons of vinegar can make a difference in your blood sugar level.

Lifestyle

Exercise daily. Exercise helps you to metabolize the food you eat and burn the blood sugar in your bloodstream. Maintaining an exercise schedule on a daily basis can be very helpful in controlling blood sugar levels so that prescription medication can be avoided. A schedule of 30 to 45 minutes of exercise every day, with one day off per week to rest is a healthy habit to follow. You can build slowly into more strenuous exercise as you go on. Swimming, dancing, aerobics, Pilates, Tai Chi and other forms of exercise are enjoyable and help to maintain blood sugar levels.

Get your illnesses treated. Do not let infections and illnesses fester, as this increases blood sugar levels. See your doctor to treat these conditions and your overall health and blood sugar levels will be better.

Manage stress. Stress management also can lower blood sugar levels, so learn to meditate or take a yoga class. Listen to music or affirmation CDs.

Medical Treatment

Though some cases of diabetes might be effectively healed with lifestyle and dietary changes without any medication, your physician might sometimes find it necessary for you to take drugs like insulin for battling Type 2 diabetes. In that case, remember to take your prescription drugs regularly. If you already have diabetes and the blood sugar level has shot up suddenly, make sure to consult your doctor. You might be told to take medicines for the first time for diabetes, or to change the strength or delivery process of your existing medication or prescribed new drugs altogether to better treat your condition. You might be asked to shift from oral insulin to injected insulin. Once you are on medication, take care that you maintain the timing of your drugs before or after meals or during the day, according to your doctor’s prescription. Sometimes, peaking of blood sugar level might be because of another illness or infection. Health professionals need to be consulted just in case, and proper medical care and attention need to be brought about.

Herbal Remedies

The spice cinnamon is known to be beneficial for lowering blood sugar levels and maintain normalcy. Figs and fenugreek are known to aid in digestion and slow the absorption of sugar. Bitter gourd, bitter melon, curry leaves, onion and garlic are known to aid in reduction of blood sugar levels, too.

General Measures

Try to remain motivated to stick to your lifestyle and dietary alterations. Get hold of information about management of diabetes and become part of support groups. Be proactive in reporting and taking measures as soon as you become aware of a peaking in your blood sugar level. Taking diabetic vitamins will help keep other diseases at bay. Try to handle stress efficiently and sleep well.