High blood sugar, clinically known as hyperglycemia, is a prevalent concern, especially for individuals managing diabetes. This condition arises when the pancreas doesn’t produce sufficient insulin or when the body develops insulin resistance. Understanding how to effectively lower sugar levels is crucial for overall health and well-being.
To shed light on this important topic, we consulted Sonya Khan, M.D., a distinguished specialist in endocrine disorders. Dr. Khan provided valuable insights and practical tips on managing blood sugar levels effectively. Here’s what you need to know.
Understand Your Type of Diabetes
For individuals diagnosed with diabetes experiencing elevated blood sugar, identifying the specific type of diabetes is the first critical step.
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the pancreas’s inability to produce insulin. The management of Type 1 diabetes necessitates insulin administration, either through injections or an insulin pump. Insufficient insulin can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a severe and potentially life-threatening condition.
Type 2 diabetes management often involves a combination of dietary adjustments, regular exercise, and medication to control high blood sugar.
“Elevated blood sugar can be triggered by dietary choices, but it can also be influenced by medications, infections, stress, or pain,” explains Dr. Khan. “If your blood sugar consistently exceeds 200 mg/dL, it’s essential to consult your healthcare provider to investigate potential underlying issues and consider medication adjustments.”
Increase Your Water Intake
Staying adequately hydrated by drinking plenty of water is vital for managing blood sugar, also known as blood glucose.
“Water plays a key role in helping your kidneys filter out excess sugar through urine,” Dr. Khan clarifies. “Therefore, increased hydration leads to greater urine production, which aids in flushing out excess sugar from the body.”
Prioritize water over sugary beverages like sodas and juices to support healthy blood sugar levels.
Monitor Your Carbohydrate Consumption
While Dr. Khan notes the absence of definitive scientific evidence pinpointing specific foods to lower blood sugar, she underscores the importance of a balanced diet. This includes incorporating adequate carbohydrates, healthy unsaturated fats, and lean protein to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
“It’s advisable to fulfill your daily carbohydrate needs with complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, lentils, and legumes,” Dr. Khan recommends. “The fiber content in these foods promotes slower digestion. Conversely, try to limit your intake of simple carbohydrates found in white bread, potatoes, and pasta.”
Be mindful of your carbohydrate choices, as the body converts them into sugar. Minimize consumption of simple sugars found in soda, desserts, and candy to help manage blood sugar effectively.
Engage in Regular Physical Activity
Exercise offers numerous health benefits, including its effectiveness in lowering blood sugar levels.
Health guidelines recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. This can be distributed throughout the week in shorter sessions. Incorporating a full-body strength training routine twice a week is also beneficial.
“During exercise, your muscles actively absorb glucose from the bloodstream and utilize it as energy,” explains Dr. Khan. This process helps reduce the amount of sugar circulating in your blood.
When asked about rapid methods to lower blood sugar, Dr. Khan suggests that a combination of adequate hydration, physical activity, and reduced intake of sugars and simple carbohydrates can contribute to lowering blood sugar levels.
Focus on Prevention Strategies
According to Dr. Khan, proactive prevention is a cornerstone of managing blood sugar. Adopting preventive measures is one of the most effective ways to avoid hyperglycemia.
“By consistently making healthy food choices and engaging in regular exercise, you are more likely to maintain optimal blood sugar control,” she states. “Certain medications, like steroids, can elevate blood sugar levels. If you are prescribed such medication, consult your healthcare team to determine if blood sugar monitoring and potential management strategies are necessary.”
Regularly Check Your Blood Sugar
Consistent blood sugar monitoring is essential. Consult your doctor to establish an appropriate frequency for blood sugar checks based on your individual needs.
“Regular blood sugar monitoring enables early detection of hyperglycemia, facilitating timely and appropriate management,” Dr. Khan emphasizes. “It is an invaluable practice for patients. The data gathered from regular monitoring provides significant insights, allowing us to observe trends over time and tailor therapy effectively.”
For further consultation or to schedule an appointment, you can conveniently request an appointment at MD Anderson online or contact them by phone at 1-877-632-6789.
Lowering sugar levels is a crucial aspect of managing diabetes and maintaining overall health. By understanding the type of diabetes, staying hydrated, monitoring carbohydrate intake, exercising regularly, focusing on prevention, and consistently checking blood sugar, individuals can effectively manage their blood sugar levels and improve their well-being.
