How to Control Glucose Levels

Glucose, or blood sugar, is moderated by the pancreas, which produces insulin. Insulin is released upon the body detecting sugar intake. Causes of diabetes are uncertain, but when the disease is present, the pancreas has trouble keeping up with insulin production. Other diseases associated with blood sugar include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperinsulinemia (high blood insulin levels).

Instructions

• 1

  Watch how many carbohydrates you eat throughout the day. If you're already diabetic, this is something you should be doing to calculate how much insulin you need to give yourself. Stick with complex carbs, like whole grains which take longer to break down, and stay away from simple sugars, like candy, fruit juices and sweet drinks.

• 2

  Read food labels. Oftentimes, foods that aren't necessarily sweet will have loads of sugar in them. Examples include cereals, sauces and low-fat foods. This will help you make informed decisions about what you're eating.

• 3

  Eat more fiber. While fiber is a carbohydrate, it is one of the healthy ones, as it regulates digestion and absorption in the large intestine. This helps keep glucose levels from fluctuating rapidly. As of September 2009, the recommended daily amount of fiber is 35 grams, with 50 grams being preferable. Fiber is found in whole grains, nuts and vegetables.

• 4

  Figure out an eating schedule that will allow you to eat several small meals throughout the day. When you eat only three large meals per day, sugar is introduced to the body in larger amounts at a faster pace, which puts a strain on the pancreas. By eating smaller meals at regular intervals, you allow your body to keep up with what you're eating.

• 5

  Increase your intake of healthy fats. Oils and nuts are good sources of this, and they will allow you to feel fuller, thus giving you time to think about if you really need that chocolate cake for dessert.

• 6

  Take a multivitamin each day. Getting the proper vitamins and minerals will help your body control your glucose levels more adequately.