How to Control High Blood Sugar

Diabetes and hyperglycemia are commonly associated with elevated blood sugar. It is the result of the pancreas not sufficiently releasing insulin. High blood sugar can be very tough to deal with at times, and it can also cause very negative side effects to the body. Some of these include nerve problems, vision problems, stroke and heart disease. That is why it is of paramount interest to keep blood sugar levels under control.

Instructions

• 1

  Watch your simple carbs. Simple carbs are those that cause blood sugar levels to elevate at a rapid pace. Anything that is refined falls into this category. Some examples would be candy, doughnuts, cupcakes or anything that has refined sugar or white flour in it.

• 2

  Eat balanced meals. Eat meals that have a balance of protein, carbs and fat in them. These types of meals are digested slower and they don't cause a spike in blood sugars. An example would be a salad with a chicken breast and a whole-grain bun.

• 3

  Eat multiple meals. Eating a small balanced meal every few hours will do a number of things. It will give you sustained energy, it will keep your hunger under control and it will help stabilize blood sugar. Aim for three meals and two snacks throughout the day.

• 4

  Get some exercise. When you are exercising, your muscles are using glycogen, which is the stored form of carbohydrate, for energy. This helps keep blood sugar stabilized and it can also increase your body's reaction to insulin release. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise per day. Some examples would be fast-paced walking, weight training, swimming or cycling.

• 5

  Choose good carbohydrates. Regardless if you are eating them with meals or with snacks, eat complex carbohydrates. Complex carbs are high in fiber and they digest at a slower rate. Some examples would be whole grains, oat bran, fruits, vegetables and beans. The Mayo Clinic recommends getting 25g to 30g of fiber per day.