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Ways to Lower Blood Sugar Levels

For diabetics, monitoring blood glucose levels can seem like a never-ending chore. Even if you're not diabetic, you may choose to watch your blood sugar to ensure that you do not become insulin resistant. Fortunately, there are a few simple lifestyle changes you can make that are effective at controlling glucose levels, such as diet and exercise. You may also choose to take an herbal supplement. If you are already diabetic, it's important to continue any medication your doctor has prescribed. Inform your doctor if you plan to add an herbal supplement as these may interact with medications.

  1. Exercise

    • Consistent, daily exercise is a healthy way to maintain lower blood sugar levels. When you exercise, your body uses any available glucose in your blood, causing your sugar levels to drop. However, if you are diabetic, you need to carefully monitor your blood sugar levels before, during and after your workout. Otherwise, you may experience hypoglycemia (too little blood sugar). And if your glucose levels are above 240 mg/dl, you may have ketones in your body, making exercise dangerous. You will probably need to wait until your ketone level decreases. Ketones are produced when you have insufficient insulin and your body cannot process carbohydrates, and instead burns fat for energy. Ask your doctor about an appropriate ketone level before exercising.

    Diet

    • Eating a well-balanced diet that is low in junk food such as candy is also essential for managing your blood sugar levels. If you are diabetic, work with a nutritionist to develop a nutrition plan that works for you. One plan that can help manage your blood sugar is the Glycemic Index (GI). The GI ranks foods according to how quickly the food's carbohydrates are absorbed into the blood stream. If carbohydrates are absorbed quickly, your blood sugar levels will spike. If they are absorbed more slowly, your levels remain more constant. Plus, you'll have a more steady source of energy to draw on throughout the day. Aim for foods with a low glycemix index ranking. This can also help you control your hunger.

    Herbs

    • Taking cinnamon may also help you reduce blood sugar fluctuations. As an added benefit, cinnamon may help reduce cholesterol as well. Take a cinnamon supplement daily, or sprinkle cinnamon on your morning cereal or coffee. Fenugreek, another spice, may also help. It is also high in fiber. Or you can take American ginseng before or with a meal to help control glucose levels.

      And although it isn't an herb, the mineral chromium may help to reduce insulin resistance. Chromium can help insulin in its role of transferring glucose from the bloodstream into your cells. A maximum dose of 200 mcg of chromium daily is considered safe.

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