High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, is a common concern, especially for individuals managing diabetes. It occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to it. Understanding how to manage and quickly lower blood sugar is crucial for overall health and well-being.
To provide expert guidance, we consulted Sonya Khan, M.D., an endocrinology specialist. Dr. Khan shared valuable insights on effective strategies to lower blood sugar and emphasized the importance of consistent blood sugar management. Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding High Blood Sugar and Diabetes Types
If you are experiencing elevated blood sugar levels, especially as someone diagnosed with diabetes, recognizing the type of diabetes you have is the first critical step.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the pancreas’s inability to produce insulin. This type necessitates insulin treatment, administered via injections or insulin pumps, to prevent diabetic ketoacidosis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Type 2 diabetes often allows for blood sugar management through lifestyle adjustments, including diet, exercise, and medication.
“Elevated blood sugar can be triggered by dietary choices, but it can also stem from medications, infections, stress, or pain,” Dr. Khan explains. “If your blood sugar consistently exceeds 200 mg/dL, it’s important to investigate potential underlying causes with your healthcare provider, as medication adjustments may be necessary.”
Proven Ways to Lower Blood Sugar Quickly
While long-term management strategies are vital, there are several methods to help lower blood sugar rapidly when needed.
Hydrate Adequately with Water
Drinking sufficient water is essential for managing blood glucose levels effectively.
“Water plays a key role in helping your kidneys filter out excess sugar through urine,” says Dr. Khan. “Increased hydration leads to more urine production, which in turn helps flush out excess sugar from your body.”
Choosing water over sugary drinks like sodas and juices is always recommended to avoid further blood sugar spikes.
Monitor and Manage Carbohydrate Intake
While no specific food can magically lower blood sugar, a balanced diet is crucial. Dr. Khan emphasizes the importance of incorporating appropriate carbohydrates, healthy unsaturated fats, and lean protein to stabilize blood sugar levels.
“It’s advisable to fulfill your daily carbohydrate needs with complex carbohydrates found in whole grains, lentils, and legumes,” Dr. Khan advises. “The fiber content in these complex carbs aids in slowing down digestion. Limiting simple carbohydrates like white bread, potatoes, and pasta is beneficial.”
Being mindful of carbohydrate consumption is important because the body converts carbohydrates into sugar. Opting for complex carbohydrates over simple sugars found in desserts, candy, and sugary beverages is a significant step in managing blood sugar.
Engage in Regular Physical Activity
Exercise is not only beneficial for overall health but also an effective way to lower blood sugar levels.
Health guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week, distributed throughout the week. Incorporating strength training routines twice a week can further enhance glucose utilization.
“During exercise, your muscles actively absorb glucose and utilize it as energy,” Dr. Khan explains.
When asked about quick methods to lower blood sugar, Dr. Khan suggests that combining hydration, physical activity, and reducing sugar and simple carbohydrate intake can be effective strategies.
The Importance of Prevention and Consistent Monitoring
Preventing high blood sugar is as crucial as managing it when it occurs. Adopting a proactive approach to health can significantly impact blood sugar control.
“Choosing nutritious foods and engaging in regular exercise are fundamental to maintaining healthy blood sugar levels,” states Dr. Khan. “Certain medications, such as steroids, can elevate blood sugar. If you are prescribed such medications, consult your healthcare team to determine if blood sugar monitoring and management adjustments are needed.”
Regular blood sugar monitoring is a cornerstone of effective diabetes management. Consulting your doctor to establish an appropriate monitoring frequency is essential.
“Regular blood sugar checks enable early detection of hyperglycemia, facilitating timely and appropriate management,” Dr. Khan emphasizes. “Consistent monitoring provides valuable data, allowing healthcare providers to identify trends and tailor effective treatment plans.”
To gain further insights or to schedule a consultation, you can request an appointment at MD Anderson online or contact them at 1-877-632-6789.
