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How To

How to Control Blood Sugar Levels

Contributor
By Gayle Rodcay
eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

Diabetes mellitus (also known as hyperglycemia) is a serious, life-threatening disease that occurs because the body doesn't produce insulin (type 1) or use it properly (type 2). Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that converts sugars and starches into energy required to function. Both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes require that you maintain proper control of blood sugar or blood glucose levels. It's important to closely monitor blood sugar and try to achieve target levels, whether you do this in conjunction with insulin or not.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Glucometer
  • Urine strips
  • Record book or journal
  1. Step 1

    With the help of your doctor, learn when and how to monitor your blood glucose (with a glucometer) and urine (using test strips).

  2. Step 2

    Keep a record of your glucose and urine test readings. It will show you patterns regarding eating, exercising and blood glucose levels.

  3. Step 3

    Eat foods that are low in carbohydrates and contain high amounts of fiber. Eat green, leafy vegetables, plenty of fruit, and whole grain cereals, bread, pasta and rice.

  4. Step 4

    Avoid beverages high in sugar such as soda and fruit drinks, as they cause a quick rise in blood sugar.

  5. Step 5

    Eat the same amounts of food each day and at approximately the same times each day.

  6. Step 6

    Eat four or five smaller meals a day rather than one or two large meals. This prevents blood glucose spikes. Also, never skip meals, especially breakfast, as your body needs to refuel after not eating all night.

  7. Step 7

    Exercise regularly. Not only does it help with weight loss (which in itself can help keep your blood sugar levels under control), it lowers blood pressure and helps cells burn glucose, thus lowering blood glucose levels.

Tips & Warnings
  • Education is self-empowering. Find out as much information as you can about diabetes and its possible effects on your bodily systems. With some research and close collaboration with your doctor, maintaining healthy blood glucose levels is not as daunting as it seems at first.
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