How to Lower Glucose Values

Glucose is a simple sugar in the blood that living cells use as a source of chemical energy. The body normally controls the level of sugar in the blood without any special help. In the case of diabetics, however, the body doesn't have enough insulin to metabolize blood sugar. These people must take active measures to keep their blood sugar from getting too high.

Things You'll Need

• Insulin
• Blood sugar monitor
• Ketone test strips

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Instructions

• 1

  Determine your blood glucose level. Your blood glucose should be between 90 and 130 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dl) before a meal. The blood sugar level shouldn't exceed 180 mg/dl after a meal and a level higher than this is generally defined as high blood sugar (hyperglycemia.)

• 2

  Eat less sugar. This is typically the most common method for diabetics to lower their blood sugar and it may be necessary to cut out sugar entirely in severe cases. Simple sugars in food are especially hazardous to diabetics because they break down into glucose very quickly.

• 3

  Increase your daily consumption of fiber. Fruits and vegetables are the best sources of dietary fiber and the minimum recommended amount of fiber for diabetics is 50 grams per day.

• 4

  Engage in aerobic exercise regularly. Activities such as running, cycling and brisk walking elevate your heart rate for a prolonged period and require glucose to perform. Diabetics with a blood glucose level above 240 mg/dl need to ensure that their urine doesn't contain ketones (the acid-like compounds that show up when the body is breaking down fat) before exercising.

• 5

  Inject insulin according to your doctor's instructions. Insulin injections should lower the blood glucose level very quickly and diabetics may need to self-inject insulin on a regular basis. Medical personnel also may administer insulin to a diabetic in an emergency.