What Are Ways to Lower Glucose Levels?

High glucose levels or high blood sugar levels are the result of diabetes, a chronic disease that afflicts over 23 million people in the U.S., according to the American Diabetes Association. Diabetes makes it difficult for your body to turn food into energy. Blood sugar or glucose stays in the bloodstream where it travels to the body's organs causing damage. You can lower glucose levels with a controlled diet, regular exercise, daily monitoring of glucose levels and possible medication.

Process

• Food breaks down into sugar or glucose when it enters the intestine. The sugar enters the bloodstream through the blood vessels. The pancreas makes insulin once sugar enters the bloodstream. The insulin lets the sugar move from the bloodstream into the body's cells where it is used for energy. Type 1 diabetics do not make insulin, so the blood sugar stays in the bloodstream. Type 2 diabetics do not use insulin effectively.

Diet

• Because carbohydrates turn to sugar within two hours of ingestion, counting carbohydrates helps stabilize blood glucose. Eating meals at regular times and eating the same amount of carbohydrates at meals will benefit the blood sugar levels. According to the American Diabetes Association, most diabetics need between 45 and 60 g of carbohydrates for each meal. This varies depending upon the level of activity.

  Diabetics also need protein, non-starchy vegetables, dairy, and fats for healthy eating and weight control. Weight control helps keep blood sugar levels low. The diabetes food pyramid can help diabetics plan meals.

Exercise

• Exercise helps burn glucose and therefore helps lower blood sugar levels. According to the American Diabetes Association, "Activity makes your body more sensitive to the insulin you make." Exercise can lower weight and improve blood pressure. Diabetics who exercise regularly may lower their insulin intake and even avoid diabetes pills. Health experts recommend 30 minutes of exercise each day.

Monitoring

• Monitoring glucose levels will help you manage your blood sugar levels. By checking your blood sugar at various times during the day, you are able to analyze what spikes your blood sugar. Glucometers are easy to use. Simply prick your finger, draw the blood into the meter strip and the glucometer will read the blood sugar level within five seconds.

  Most doctors recommend that diabetics have an A1C reading every three months. The lab technician will draw your blood. The readings give doctors blood sugar averages over the three-month period. The doctor can then discuss your eating habits, exercise level, and medications.

Medications

• Type 1 diabetics must take insulin. However, with a balanced diet and regular activity, the insulin may be lowered. Insulin is essential, so the glucose can move into the blood cells and therefore keep blood sugar levels stable. Type 2 diabetics are usually prescribed Metformin, if diet and exercise does not lower blood sugar levels or if blood sugar levels are high once an A1C is performed. Metformin is a pill that decreases the sugar you absorb from food and increases your body's response to insulin. It comes in regular tablets and time-released capsules.

Warning

• High blood sugar levels can lead to heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, loss of limbs due to nerve damage, and blindness. Because the sugar or glucose is traveling to all the organs in the body, damage to the body will occur if blood sugar levels are not lowered. A doctor's care is essential for anyone suffering from high glucose levels.