6 Ways to Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check

Also known as blood glucose, blood sugar is obtained through the food that we eat and is the main source of energy for our body. While high blood sugar levels are detrimental for health, low blood sugar levels too have serious implications. The condition in which a person suffers from high blood sugar levels is called Hyperglycemia and low blood sugar levels is called Hypoglycemia.

The health condition Diabetes is characterized by too much sugar in the blood. Diabetes can be classified into Prediabetes, Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2  Diabetes and Gestational Diabetes which affects pregnant women. People suffering from Prediabetes are borderline Diaebetic but still do not have blood sugar levels high enough to be categorized as Type 2 Diabetes. In general, Type 1 Diabetes has more severe consequences than Type 2 Diabetes and is more difficult to keep under check.

In patients suffering from Diabetes, unstable blood sugar levels are commonly noticed and they may suffer from both Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia from time to time. Diabetes is a slow killer and if left untreated for too long it can affect your eyes, kidneys, nervous system and the body’s overall healing process very badly. Let us take a look at some ways of keeping your blood sugar in check.

1. Consuming a balanced diet

Consuming a balanced diet which includes proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals in the right quantities helps prevent many potential diseases. A balanced diet ensures that the body is getting adequate nutrition, thereby reducing the chances of it malfunctioning. People suffering from Diabetes should avoid consuming food containing starch, like potatoes and replace it with nutritious food items like broccoli, cucumber, berries, nuts and citric fruits like oranges.

2. Keeping stress under control

In today’s hectic schedule, it is very easy to overwork and put stress on the body. Stress may lead to overall disrupted schedule and binge eating. Stress activates the body’s fight or flight response

And increases the blood sugar level to ensure the body has adequate reserves for energy production. Stress is responsible for making your body more resistant to Insulin, which processes the sugar levels in the blood.

3. Not smoking or quitting smoking

Smoking introduces several toxins and chemicals like nicotine and tar into the body through the respiratory system. In individuals with Diabetes, smoking causes further complications and worsens the existing condition. It affects the kidneys, heart and may even lead to partial or complete loss of vision. Therefore, it is best to give up the habit of smoking or not start at all.

4. Keeping alcohol consumption under check

In patients suffering from Diabetes, alcohol consumption diverts the liver from processing the blood sugar levels to synthesizing the alcohol in the body instead. Certain blood medications for high blood sugar levels can dangerously lower the blood sugar levels when teamed with alcohol. Alcohol consumption also makes an individual less sensitive to insulin.

5. Documentation of blood sugar level fluctuations

Keeping track of your blood sugar level fluctuations in detail helps the doctor understand your pattern and prescribe medications that would best work for your condition. Note down any changes you notice in your body when your daily routine gets disrupted and also document the possible reason behind it. Proper documentation of one’s condition helps them become aware and thus effectively manage their blood sugar levels.

6. Regular physical exercise

Working out regularly reduces the body’s resistance to insulin thus, ensuring proper processing of the body’s blood sugar levels. Simple alternatives like taking the stairs instead of the lift and riding the bicycle to the market instead of taking the car can make a big difference in blood sugar level management.

Conclusion:
Blood sugar level management is essential for leading a healthy life. Including a workout regime, proper documentation of fluctuations, consuming a balanced diet and quitting smoking and alcohol are some ways of keeping Diabetes under control.

Reference:
www.medlineplus.gov/bloodsugar.html
www.webmd.com/diabetes/tips-diabetes-lifestyle
www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/manage-blood-sugar.html