How to Reduce Blood Glucose

You can reduce your blood sugar levels

How can you as a diabetic reduce your blood sugar levels? 

First, take a look at some statistics.

The American Diabetes Association suggests that ninety percent of new Type 2 diabetics are overweight. (1)

Weight loss and weight management are major factors to consider when you make a serous attempt to reduce your blood sugar levels. Begin by seeking medical advice from your physician, regarding your proper weight or your need for weight loss and weight management.

Your ideal body weight is based on your body mass index or BMI. A BMI over 25 is overweight, while at 30, you would be considered to be obese. (2)

Here is another important statistic.

People with diabetes are more likely to be overweight and tend to have high blood pressure, as well as high cholesterol levels. Twenty percent of diabetics have other metabolic problems also, which means that they are a cardio-metabolic risk. Having high blood pressure puts them at risk for heart disease, strokes and kidney disease. (3)

Have a complete physical assessment by your physician, including your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

There is an old saying. "A step in time saves nine."

By acting immediately, you may be able to prevent more serious medical problems, in the future.

Now that you have taken these two major steps, follow through with proper dietary management and exercise.

With respect to dietary management, consider speaking with a dietician about your diet. He or she will be able to work closely with you, in order to set up an appropriate dietary regime that will allow you to reduce and control your blood sugar levels. You will be guided to eat more nutritious foods that will benefit you with respect to your general health. You will learn what foods to avoid and which ones you can eat and still maintain appropriate blood sugar levels. Remember that dietary changes will take time, patience and persistence on your part.

Consider joining a weight loss program, if you are still struggling with weight loss or weight management.

Having exercise on a regular basis is important, as exercise burns the excess sugar in your body. For someone not accustomed to regular exercise, it may take realistic planning and goal setting to organize your activities in a way that is beneficial to your, your health and the proper management of your blood sugar levels. Short term and long term goal planning is not sufficient in itself. You need to follow through and carry out your exercise regime, on a daily basis.

Reward yourself when you succeed in meeting your goals, but make certain that your reward is something that will not elevate your blood sugar levels. For example, rather than having a chocolate ice cream cone, buy a new scarf. Better still, purchase a new pair of running shoes.

You know the kinds of exercise that you enjoy. It may be just a matter of increasing the amount of exercise. 

Try new types of exercise. Make certain that you have at least thirty minutes of physical exercise per day. You might discuss your exercise regime with your physician if you have other health concerns, like a disability or other health problems. You may also be able to find an exercise buddy or a group of people, who exercise regularly.

There are many kinds of fitness programs that may be of interest. If you speak with a trainer, he or she may be able to help you get on track, in more ways than one.

Think of yourself as being active and healthy and then, begin to work seriously towards that goal. Stay positive. Remember that every day starts fresh. Even if you have not succeeded the previous day, you can start again with respect to your diet and exercise regime.

Learn about diabetes and be aware that you are not the only one who is struggling with blood sugar levels. 

There are numerous diabetic support groups you can actively participate in. Many of these will offer professional counseling for diabetics, at little or no cost. Do some serious research about diabetes, as an epidemic and teach others about diabetes. 

Monitor your blood sugar levels closely. 

Follow the guidance of your physician in this regard. Keep an accurate record of your blood sugar levels and take it with you, when you go to the doctor. You may find that there are certain patterns that are occurring. For instance, your blood sugar may be extremely high at a certain time of day and low at another time of day. If you find foods that cause your blood sugar to sky rocket, avoid them like the plague.

Watch your blood sugar levels first thing in the morning, as they may be too low. You may need to have a bedtime snack. Avoid overeating. Cut down your portion size at meals, if your blood sugar levels are exceedingly elevated. 

If you are eating in a restaurant, advise them you are a diabetic and they will be willing and able to assist you with controlling your blood sugar levels. Most restaurants do make special allowances for diabetics.

If you are prescribed medication for Type 2 diabetes, take it properly. What you may find is that you do not need to take any medication for Type 2 diabetes, if you are successful in reducing and managing your weight.

If you are a Type 1 diabetic, you need to have insulin. Discuss this with your doctor and follow his professional advice, with respect to monitoring your blood sugar levels properly. You can still reduce your blood sugar levels, but it does take more effort.

(1) http://www.diabetes.org/weightloss-and-exercise/weightloss.jsp

(2) http://www.diabetes.org/weightloss-and-exercise/diabetes-metabolic-health.jsp

(3) Ibid.