How to Manage Stress & High Blood Glucose

If you struggle with high blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, you may find that your blood sugar increases as your stress levels do. To help control blood sugar, consider implementing some basic home remedies. Though most bouts of high blood sugar can be controlled at home, it's also important to know when to call your doctor.

Instructions

• 1

  Implement simple changes to your diet. According to the "The Doctors' Book of Home Remedies for Women," adding fiber to your diet can help you control blood sugar, for both men and women. Fiber slows the absorption of the carbohydrates you eat. Fiber will also help you feel fuller, which can lead to weight loss. The more fiber you eat, the lower your blood sugar will be. To get more fiber in your diet, start your day with a whole grain cereal. Surprisingly, stirring one or two teaspoons of uncooked cornstarch into a glass of milk can lower blood sugar as well. Consume the cornstarch before bed to help control blood sugar levels at night. In addition, a chromium supplement could help control insulin levels. Aim for 50 to 200 mg of chromium a day.

• 2

  Move more. The Mayo Clinic says that exercise is an effective way to lower blood sugar. Exercised muscles are more sensitive to insulin, which can affect how well your body metabolizes sugar. Aim for 30 to 40 minutes of aerobic exercise, three times a week. However, if a urine test detects ketones, exercise could actually raise your blood sugar. Speak with your doctor if this is the case to determine what exercise is appropriate for your situation. Exercise also helps with stress, as it burns off stress-related chemicals and increases your endorphin levels, or your feel-good hormones.

• 3

  Shed some pounds. The Mayo Clinic recommends eating less and avoiding sugary beverages.

• 4

  Ease stress with mini-breaks to relax yourself. When you feel like you're getting stressed out, get up, stretch or go for a walk. Make sure to set aside some down time every day for relaxation. Cut yourself a break and look at your life objectively. Don't commit to more than you can realistically do.

• 5

  Take all medications as directed. If you're still experiencing bouts of hyperglycemia, your doctor can adjust the dosage or timing of your medication.