How to Reduce Blood Sugar Levels Without Prescription Medications

For those with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, monitoring blood sugar can make the difference between enjoying life or facing debilitative medical problems like kidney disease, blindness, stroke and heart disease. Patients with diabetes should be under a doctor's care and be scrupulous in taking the necessary medications and dietary restrictions to keep their condition under control. Those with only borderline issues regarding blood sugar can take a number of steps to keep their numbers within normal range so they do not have to resort to prescription medications.

Things You'll Need

• glycemic index table
• cinnamon pills
• vinegar

Show More

Instructions

How to Reduce Blood Sugar Levels Without Prescription Medications

• 1

  Eat tasty and enjoyable foods, but be attentive to the kinds of food you should avoid. To lower blood sugar levels, you must restrict the amount of sugar you consume. Eat more protein and fewer carbohydrates that convert quickly into blood sugar. Foods convert into sugar at different rates, and this is where the concept of 'glycemic index' comes into play. Foods that are high on the glycemic index convert more quickly into sugar in the body. Foods that are lower on the glycemic index convert more slowly, and allow the body to metabolize it more fully. There are a number of glycemic index tables online. Another idea for good eating is the 'exchange list,' in which you can exchange one food for another, say, an apple for a small serving of pasta. Variety in your diet makes dietary changes easier. Eating the right foods to maintain low blood sugar levels becomes a part of life once you get into the habit.

• 2

  Exercise daily. Exercise helps you to metabolize the food you eat and burn the blood sugar in your bloodstream. Maintaining an exercise schedule on a daily basis can be very helpful in controlling blood sugar levels so that prescription medication can be avoided. A schedule of 30 to 45 minutes of exercise every day, with one day off per week to rest is a healthy habit to follow. You can build slowly into more strenuous exercise as you go on. Swimming, dancing, aerobics, Pilates, Tai Chi and other forms of exercise are enjoyable and help to maintain blood sugar levels

• 3

  Eat more fiber to maintain lower blood sugar levels. You can get more fiber by adding more vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, whole wheat breads and bran to your daily diet.

• 4

  Drink plenty of water each day. It's an easy way to help maintain low blood sugar levels. Avoid dehydration, which makes blood sugar levels rise. Make sure your water is not in the form of sugary soft drinks.

• 5

  Get your illnesses treated. Do not let infections and illnesses fester, as this increases blood sugar levels. See your doctor to treat these conditions and your overall health and blood sugar levels will be better.

• 6

  Manage stress. Stress management also can lower blood sugar levels, so learn to meditate or take a yoga class. Listen to music or affirmation CDs.

• 7

  Try cinnamon pills or vinegar. Studies show that both these components help to reduce blood sugar levels. You can buy cinnamon pills at your local health food store. Two tablespoons of vinegar can make a difference in your blood sugar level.