Tips for Managing High Blood Glucose Levels

Why Is It Important to Maintain Blood Glucose Levels?

People who learn they have high blood sugar will often ask, “Why is it important to maintain blood glucose levels in the normal range?”. The answer is that there are many reasons that managing blood sugar is important. Not only does it help a person feel well, but managing blood glucose levels can also help prevent a number of long-term consequences of elevated levels, including blindness, kidney failure, nervous system damage, heart attacks, and strokes.

Signs of High Blood Sugar

People with elevated blood glucose levels should be aware of the signs of high blood sugar. They include:

• Intense thirst or hunger
• Difficulty concentrating
• Blurred vision
• Low energy or sleepiness
• Frequent urination
• Slow wound healing
• Bloating
• Dry mouth

Ways to Lower High Blood Sugar

Fortunately, there are many natural ways to lower high blood sugar, including that you can:

• Manage your carbohydrate consumption. Carbs break down into sugar, most of which is glucose. So, reducing the amount of carbs you consume can help keep your glucose level in the normal range.
• Exercise regularly. Getting plenty of physical activity can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, which affects your blood glucose level. It also increases insulin sensitivity, making your cells better at using the sugar that’s in your bloodstream.
• Stay properly hydrated. Having plenty of water in your system helps your kidneys eliminate excess blood sugar through your urine. It also prevents dehydration, which causes a number of problems in the body.
• Eat foods with a low glycemic index. Both the amount and type of carbs you eat affect your blood sugar level. The glycemic index is a measure of how different carbs affect your blood glucose. Foods like meat, eggs, beans, sweet potatoes, corn, most fruits, and non-starchy vegetables have a low glycemic index, and therefore are better for you if you’re wondering how to lower your blood sugar level.
• Manage your stress level. Certain hormones released by the body when you’re stressed elevate blood sugar levels. Using stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness meditation and yoga can help you minimize your stress.
• Get the necessary amount of high-quality sleep. Not getting enough hours of quality sleep can increase your appetite and lead to weight gain, which has a negative impact on your blood glucose level.
• Eat foods that lower your blood glucose level. Certain foods like fenugreek seeds, cinnamon, and apple cider vinegar can help lower blood sugar levels. Be sure to talk with your doctor before making any significant changes to your diet, as you can get “too much of a good thing.”
• Practice portion control. What you eat is important when it comes to how to lower your glucose levels, but so is how much you eat. Things, like using smaller plates or measuring and weighing your portions, can help you be more aware of and adjust your serving sizes.
• Increase your fiber intake. Fiber helps control blood glucose levels by slowing carb digestion and sugar absorption, which results in a healthier, more gradual rise in blood sugar. Vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fruits are excellent sources of fiber.
• Monitor your blood sugar. The more you know about how your body responds to certain foods, the better you’re able to modify your diet to maintain proper blood sugar levels.

Manage Your Blood Sugar & Take Control of Your Health

For many people, lifestyle changes can be an important part of managing blood glucose levels. And managing blood sugar is essential to good health. Experiment with the recommendations above to find out how they affect your overall wellness.

Learn More About Blood Sugar Management with Baptist Health

If you’re interested in making changes to your diet in order to lower blood glucose levels, learn about what makes up a proper diabetic diet.