How to Improve Blood Sugar Levels

Whether you have issues with your blood sugar levels or are just interested in monitoring your own health, there are many ways to do so; hopefully without the use of medication. It all comes down to committing to good lifestyle choices. From your food choices to your activities, in most cases you can prevent the onset of diabetes.

Instructions

• 1

  See your doctor regularly, especially if you have a history of diabetes in your family and feel you may be at risk.

• 2

  Monitor your own changes in health if your family is prone to diabetes. Pay attention to an increased level of thirst and hunger, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision and weight change, particularly if you gain in your waistline. The weight change often is a red flag indicator of diabetes, especially if you are having other medical issues listed.

• 3

  Eat three reasonably sized meals and two to three healthy snacks each day to keep blood sugar regulated. Try to eat at roughly the same time each day, further helping to regulate blood sugar.

• 4

  Strive to eat whole foods and complex carbohydrates as much as possible. Whole grains, fruits and vegetables are good choices for maintaining good blood sugar levels. Use moderation in eating foods high in simple carbohydrates, such as white bread and packaged snacks. Eat foods high in fiber for slow absorption into the bloodstream.

• 5

  Keep track of your carbohydrates, especially simple carbohydrates. According to University of Illinois Extension, making this a part of your daily regimen can help with your success. If you want to indulge in a sweet dessert or snack loaded with carbohydrates, just make sure to count that item and make it part of your daily carbohydrate allowance. Moderation is the key; eat only enough to satisfy the craving. If you eat a dessert, it is better to eat it with a meal to slow absorption.

• 6

  Drink alcohol with caution, if you choose to drink at all. Depending on your health and a discussion with your physician, you may still be able to drink alcohol, but as with sweets, it will most likely need to be done with great monitoring and moderation. It must be included in your carbohydrate counting.

• 7

  Find a fitness routine. Exercise is good for every aspect of your well-being, but all the more so in controlling your blood sugar. It can be as simple as taking a 30- to 60-minute walk or bike ride. It helps control your weight, which is crucial in controlling blood sugar levels. Consistent activity helps strengthen your heart, which is important, especially with diabetes, as cardiovascular disease often develops as a result of the disease.

• 8

  Take your medication as directed by your physician. Sometimes diabetes or blood sugar fluctuations cannot be controlled by diet and exercise alone, and you may need to begin taking medication through pills or injections.