Managing your blood sugar levels is incredibly important if you have diabetes or prediabetes. Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, can even put you in a life-threatening state, so knowing what to do when your blood reading doesn’t look great is paramount. Read on to learn how to manage your blood sugar levels.
How Do I Lower My Blood Sugar?
Among diabetics, simple things like eating too many carbs or not moving enough can result in high blood sugar. However, stress and medication side effects can cause hyperglycemia, too. Failing to bring down very high blood sugar levels can cause serious complications, like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
The fastest way to bring down your blood sugar levels in an emergency is by administering fast-acting insulin. However, there are also natural ways to manage your blood sugar levels:
Exercise
A good workout will use up plenty of glucose in your blood, lowering your blood sugar levels. It will also improve your insulin sensitivity for at least the next 24 hours. In addition, a regular exercise routine can help those with prediabetes lower their chances of developing type 2 diabetes.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is essential for general health, as well as for managing your blood sugar. If you forget to drink water all day, your blood sugar may get more concentrated, worsening your condition.
Stress Management
As stress hormones raise your heart rate, they potentially increase your blood sugar as well. It’s often easier said than done, but reducing your stress levels can thus help you manage your blood sugar levels.
Diet
Finally, being more mindful of your diet is key. Both the food you eat and the amount plays a role here. Healthy foods packed with vitamins can improve insulin sensitivity, while smaller portion sizes will prevent excess blood sugar after eating.
These four habits are crucial for managing your blood sugar levels. However, in an emergency, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor for the best course of action.
