Five easy tips for maintaining blood sugar levels naturally
For individuals with diabetes, maintaining strict control of blood sugar levels is the key to living a healthy, full life. Whether you have type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes, learning how to keep your blood sugar levels balanced will make your diabetes easier to manage and will help you feel better on a daily basis. Making a few changes to your diet, adding exercise, and incorporating some other simple lifestyle adjustments can help you control your blood sugar naturally and keep your diabetes more firmly in check. Maintaining blood sugar levels without dangerous spikes and dips can also help you avoid some of the health complications that can accompany diabetes. Incorporating these tips on controlling and managing blood sugar levels will help you live a healthier life with diabetes.
Check your blood glucose levels
Strict blood glucose monitoring is the best tool you have for controlling blood sugar levels. Blood glucose target levels are individualized for each person, but most people with diabetes should be maintaining blood sugar levels between 90 and 30 mg/dl before meals, and less than 180mg/dl one to two hours after a meal. You should check your blood glucose levels before and after eating, before exercising, and at other points in the day as determined by your health care provider. Keep a log of your blood glucose levels and the food you eat so your provider can adjust your insulin as needed for better control.
Keep your eating habits consistent
Because you have diabetes, your body cannot adjust to changes in the amount of food you eat. Eating large meals can cause dangerous increases in blood sugar levels that your body cannot manage, and going without food for long stretches of time can cause your blood sugar levels to drop precipitously. You need to keep your portion sizes consistent, and eat several small meals throughout the day at regular intervals. Prepare healthy snacks ahead of time so you can grab a quick pick me up anytime you need help keeping your glucose levels steady.
Avoid foods that raise blood sugar
Certain foods cause a spike in blood sugar that is dangerous for anyone with diabetes. While some of these foods may have a prized position in your ingredient lists, there are tasty substitutes that can actually help you control your blood sugar better. Some of the foods to avoid with high blood sugar are:
- Stop eating candy and other sweets made with processed sugar that cause sharp spikes in blood sugar
- Switch from starchy carbs such as white bread and potatoes to complex whole grain breads, cereals, and quinoa
- Cut out fried foods and foods high in trans-fat including butter, replacing them with healthy fats found in olive oil and nuts
- Give up canned and dried fruits, which have concentrated levels of sugar, and reach for fresh berries and apples, both good sources of fiber that will satisfy your sweet tooth
Add physical exercise to your daily routine
If you are wondering how to control blood sugar naturally, adding exercise to your daily routine is highly effective. Moderate exercise lowers blood sugar levels and helps your body use glucose more efficiently, with effects that remain working for hours after you have stopped exercising. Experts recommend getting 30 minutes of moderately strenuous exercise five times a week. If you are not accustomed to exercising, start out by adding just 5 or 10 minutes of walking to your daily routine. If you take insulin, you should check your blood sugar levels immediately before exercising, and monitor it for the next 24 hours when first adding exercise to your routine.
Pay attention to how you feel
If your blood sugar levels get too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia), you will start experiencing health symptoms that range from annoying to life threatening. Hyperglycemia is accompanied by frequent urination and excessive thirst. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include feeling dizzy, anxious, or out of control, shaking, sweating, headache, or weakness. If you start feeling any of these symptoms, check your blood glucose levels at once.
Once you have grown accustomed to managing your blood glucose levels, you will find you have more energy and stamina. Keeping blood sugar levels steady can also help your body need less insulin over time. For more tips on managing diabetes, go to www.BetterHealthKare.com. You will find tons of healthy living advice, diabetic-friendly recipes, snack suggestions, and lifestyle tips for preventing and managing diabetes on that will help you enjoy a healthier future.