Reduce blood sugar naturally

Seven Ways to Reduce High Blood Sugar Naturally

Everyone is aware of the alarming increase in diabetes. High blood sugar levels can be dangerous and can put you at a higher risk for conditions such as heart disease or stroke if left untreated. Fortunately, there are ways to naturally reduce high blood sugar levels.

Taking small, simple steps such as implementing regular exercise, and following a healthy diet can significantly improve blood sugar levels without relying on medication or insulin shots.

This article will focus on seven things you can do to reduce blood sugar levels naturally.

Armed with this knowledge, you can decrease the likelihood of developing serious complications from diabetes.

Causes of high blood sugar

What causes high blood sugar?

High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, is caused by too much glucose in the bloodstream. Often linked to a lack of or inefficient production of insulin by the pancreas, this condition can adversely affect overall health if not managed properly.

Other causes of elevated blood glucose levels include infrequent exercise, eating too much sugary and processed food, stress, alcohol consumption, and certain medications that can interfere with the effectiveness of insulin.

Blood sugar levels can be monitored with regular at-home tests and doctors can help treat the condition by prescribing medications or recommending lifestyle changes. Regular monitoring of blood sugar and preventive measures are critical for reducing the risk of serious health problems associated with high blood glucose levels.

What is a normal blood glucose level?

Keeping blood sugar levels within a healthy range is one of the basics of good health, and it’s important to be aware of what your own normal blood sugar level is.

Generally, normal blood glucose levels are below 100 milligrams per deciliter after a fasting period of 8 hours or more, while anything between 100 and 125 will usually indicate the presence of prediabetes. Post-meal numbers should also stay lower than 140 milligrams per deciliter.

Factors that affect normal blood sugar levels:

  • Dietary and physical activity selections.
  • Dehydration.
  • Certain medications, especially those that contain steroids.
  • Neglecting to take the prescribed dose of medication to lower blood sugar levels.
  • Failing to follow prescribed medication instructions.
  • Illness, infection, injury or surgery.
  • Stress.
  • Hormonal changes.

From my own experience, food selection is the thing that will affect blood sugar levels the most.

Blood sugar monitoring

Blood glucose monitoring

Measuring your blood sugar is easy and painless and can be done quickly at home with a glucometer. This device measures the amount of glucose in a drop of blood taken from a fingertip to generate a number reflecting one’s current blood sugar levels.

The result, usually measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), will help you understand if your blood glucose levels are within a healthy range. With this knowledge, you can better understand how different foods and activities affect your health.

Your doctor can also order a fasting blood sugar test which will give the readings on a number of blood-related factors including your blood glucose level and your A1C, which is your average blood sugar level over the past three months.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic medical condition in which the body either cannot make enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it produces effectively.

The result of this disruption in glucose regulation is a buildup of sugar in the bloodstream, creating all kinds of uncomfortable symptoms and putting patients at risk of serious health complications.

Living with diabetes involves careful meal planning, regular exercise, frequent monitoring, and the routine testing of blood sugar levels.

Many healthcare providers consider diabetes to be manageable but not curable, and it requires consistent effort from both patient and provider to ensure overall health and well-being.

Additional details can be found at the American Diabetes Association. Visit their site at https://diabetes.org.

What are the types of diabetes?

There are two main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks the beta cells that produce insulin, making it impossible for the body to produce its own insulin.

Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body’s cells become resistant to the effects of insulin, or when the pancreas does not make enough insulin to meet the body’s needs.

Treatment for both types of diabetes involves closely monitoring blood sugar levels and managing diet, exercise, medications, and other therapies as needed by your healthcare team. It is important to seek medical assistance if you have any symptoms of diabetes so that treatment can begin right away.

Diabetes symptoms

What are the symptoms of diabetes?

Diabetes is a serious health condition that can lead to serious complications if not managed properly. To ward off these potential problems, knowing the symptoms of diabetes is important so they can be addressed promptly.

Common signs of diabetes include increased thirst, fatigue, frequent urination, blurry vision, weight loss, slow wound healing and numbness in the hands or feet.

If you observe any combination of these symptoms, it is recommended to schedule an appointment with your doctor right away for testing and diagnosis. With prompt attention, those living with diabetes can maintain their health for many years to come.

What are the bad effects of diabetes?

Diabetes is a serious medical condition that has far-reaching effects, making proper monitoring and management of this chronic condition especially important.

Left untreated, diabetes can lead to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke, renal failure, nerve damage, eye problems, foot problems, and skin issues. Patients may experience complications such as slow wound healing and increased infections due to weakened immunity and poor circulation. Unfortunately, diabetes may also lead to blindness or other vision problems if left untreated.

Most alarmingly, statistics show that diabetes can shorten life expectancy by up to 15 years. For these reasons, it is imperative that individuals diagnosed with diabetes take proactive steps to manage their condition.

How is Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes treated?

Diabetes is an often serious and chronic condition that can have devastating consequences if not managed properly.

Specifically, there are two types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. The definitive difference between the two is that Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood, while Type 2 tends to be diagnosed in adulthood.

Although they have different causes, both types of diabetes require management to ensure their effects do not become overly severe; the treatments for each are markedly different.

Treatment for Type 1 diabetes consists mainly of taking insulin to control blood sugar; however, managing Type 2 diabetes involves a much more comprehensive approach such as changes to diet and exercise along with the utilization of medication specific to the patient’s condition.

Therefore, it goes without saying that anyone suffering from either type of diabetes must ensure they receive proper care from a medical professional in order to get the most suitable treatment plan for them.

7 things that can reduce blood sugar

Seven things that can reduce and control blood sugar levels

Even in the face of all this bad news, there are ways to maintain a healthy blood sugar level or lower high readings. Here are seven lifestyle habits you can implement.

1. Exercise regularly

Exercising regularly has many positive effects on our bodies, and one of the most beneficial to those with diabetes is the effect it can have on blood sugar levels.

Engaging in light exercise for 30 minutes a day can help regulate insulin sensitivity by moving glucose from the bloodstream into your cells, where it can be used for energy and preventing spikes or falls that could be harmful. 

2. Follow a healthy diet

Taking proper care of your blood sugar levels is essential to staying healthy, and one of the best ways to do so is through maintaining a nutritious diet. Eating according to nutritional guidelines can help reduce high blood sugar, as having an excessive intake of simple carbohydrates or sugary foods can cause them to spike up.

Eating nutritious meals that include a variety of healthy grains, low-fat proteins and dairy products, along with fruits and vegetables rich in fiber can help you regulate your blood sugar because complex carbs release sugars more slowly into the bloodstream. 

I am a Type II diabetic and I have found the foods I eat have the greatest effect on my blood sugar readings. Eliminating sugar and limiting carbohydrates is the key. This results in a somewhat boring diet, but meals can be found that are healthy and tasty.

3. Reduce stress

Stress can cause your body to produce hormones that raise your blood sugar levels. We now know that there are psychological elements of diabetes, so managing emotions and mindfulness can go a long way in regulating blood sugar levels. 

To reduce stress, try yoga or deep-breathing exercises. Personally, I have found meditation to be the most calming. Plus, when you learn to move to lower levels of meditation, you are also able to gain insights and solve problems. Meditation takes consistent practice. For me, it took about six months before I could clear my mind from all the clutter and realize the benefits of achieving a super relaxed state. Give it a whirl, but don’t give up too soon.

4. Monitor your blood sugar levels

Monitoring your blood sugar levels can be a great way to keep track of any possible health issues before they become major ones. By checking your blood sugar periodically and closely watching for any spikes or drops, you can quickly identify problems with your diet or lifestyle that might lead inexorably to diabetes.

Not only can monitoring assist in identifying present problems, but it can also help in forecasting future issues and eliminating potential risks by making healthy decisions. 

5. Take supplements

Taking supplements is a great way to lower blood sugar levels and increase overall wellness. Many herbs, vitamins and minerals can help regulate insulin production, reduce inflammation and increase insulin sensitivity in the body.

For example, chromium is an essential mineral that helps the body metabolize glucose and can also assist with weight management. Other natural supplements, like cinnamon, bitter melon extract and fenugreek, have been known to reduce fasting blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.

Always consult with your physician before taking any supplement to ensure it won’t cause adverse reactions or interact with any medication you may be taking.

6. Avoid refined carbohydrates

Eating a healthy diet that is low in refined carbohydrates is an important way to maintain good blood sugar levels.

Research suggests that avoiding sugary foods, processed grains and starchy vegetables can help keep blood sugar within normal ranges. This type of diet often includes more nutritious, high-fiber whole grains such as brown rice and quinoa. Eating these instead of white bread and pasta can help reduce spikes in blood sugar levels caused by refined carbs like white flour.

Additionally, reducing the intake of sweet treats can also lead to better-regulated blood sugar levels. Ultimately, choosing the right carbs and cutting out those that are highly processed is a crucial step for anyone looking to maintain stable blood sugar levels.

7. Get enough sleep

Getting enough sleep is an important part of managing blood sugar levels. When you don’t get enough rest, your body releases stress hormones, which can cause blood sugar to spike and prevent insulin from helping glucose enter the cells. In addition, lack of sleep can make it more difficult for the body to respond to changes in sugar levels.

It’s recommended that adults get seven hours or more of sleep each night. Not only will getting enough shut-eye help with regulating your blood sugar, but it’ll boost your metabolism and immune system too!

Summary

Summary

This article provides a list of 7 ways to regulate blood sugar levels naturally, such as monitoring your blood sugar levels, taking supplements, avoiding refined carbohydrates, and getting enough sleep. It also explains the importance of stress management and mindfulness in managing blood sugar levels. Each suggestion provided is simple yet effective and has the potential to improve overall health outcomes.

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