How to Decrease Fasting Blood Glucose Levels

Glucose is an important source of chemical energy for living cells and an essential component of blood plasma. Your "fasting glucose level" is taken after you have fasted for at least eight hours and should be the lowest glucose level recorded during the day. Diabetics frequently have high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) and need to reduce their blood glucose level.

Things You'll Need

• Blood-sugar monitor
• Ketone test strips (optional)
• Insulin (optional)

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Instructions

• 1

  Determine your "target" fasting blood glucose level. A normal fasting blood glucose level is in the range of 90 to 130mg of glucose per deciliter of blood (mg/dl). Fasting hyperglycemia is generally defined as a fasting blood glucose level above 130 mg/dl.

• 2

  Eat less sugar. Simple sugars such as cane or fruit sugars break down into glucose very quickly and can significantly raise your blood glucose level. You may need to avoid sugar completely if you have a strong tendency toward hyperglycemia.

• 3

  Engage in regular aerobic exercise. Vigorous activities such as running, bicycling and brisk walking require large amounts of energy and can significantly reduce your blood glucose level. Ensure that your urine doesn't contain ketones, using ketone test strips, if your blood sugar is higher than 240 mg/dl before exercising.

• 4

  Increase your fiber intake. Ensure that you eat a minimum of 50g of dietary fiber per day to reduce your fasting blood glucose. The best sources of fiber are fruits, vegetables, whole grains and high-fiber cereals.

• 5

  If you are diabetic, inject insulin to reduce your blood glucose level quickly. Insulin lowers the blood glucose by causing the cells in the body to absorb glucose. Diabetics should be able to inject themselves with insulin and, in other cases, it may be necessary for medical personnel to do so in an emergency.