How to Lower Blood Sugar

High blood sugar levels can cause complications with your organ systems. High blood sugar can lead to neuropathy, blindness, kidney disease, and heart disease. Type 1 diabetics must take insulin to help control blood sugar. Type 2 diabetics and pre diabetics, however, have more options to help lower blood sugar.

Things You'll Need

• Glucometer
• Daily log
• Meal plan
• Exercise plan

Instructions

1. Monitor your blood sugar. If you have high blood sugar, you need to purchase a glucometer or blood glucose meter. Use the meter two to four times a day to check your blood sugar levels. Vary the times, so you can analyze what is making the sugar rise.

2. Keep a log. If you monitor your blood sugar, it is important to keep a log of your blood sugar levels. Share this with your health care provider. Together, you can discover if certain foods, time of day, or activities are causing increases.

3. Create a meal plan and count your carbohydrates. Your dietitian will calculate how many carbohydrates you need a day. Stick to the diet. Space your carbohydrates throughout the day, so you do not overload your bloodstream with too much sugar.

4. Exercise daily. Exercise helps lower blood glucose levels. Doctors usually recommend thirty minutes a day. Walking is always a good choice and can lower blood sugar levels within twenty minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid taking your blood sugar every morning. You want to try different times a day to get true results.

• If your blood sugar is high, try walking around the house for 20 minutes.

Resources

• American Diabetes Association