High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, results when glucose from food is not removed from the blood properly. Insulin is the chemical responsible for removing sugar from the blood so that it can enter into cells to provide nourishment and energy. High blood sugar occurs when the body either fails to make enough insulin or the body fails to respond to the insulin that the body makes. Hyperglycemia can be dangerous, or even fatal, if not treated. Fortunately, there are many methods available to keep blood sugar in check.
Step 1
Monitor blood sugar levels daily. If you are at risk for high blood sugar, it is important to monitor glucose levels each day, particularly the fasting glucose level. Recording sugar levels provides a record so that you can track changes over time. Lab Tests Online says that the range for normal fasting blood glucose is 70 to 99 mg/dL. By using the glucose monitor daily, you will know if you will need to seek intervention from your physician.
Step 2
Start an exercise regimen. Exercise not only aids in reducing blood sugar, but it aids overall health. Exercising with moderate exertion lowers blood sugar levels by causing the muscles to use the glucose that is already in the blood for energy. The Centers for Disease Control recommends 30 minutes of moderate activity five days per week to see benefits. The Mayo Clinic says that you should test your blood sugar before, during and after exercise. This allows you to make sure you are exercising safely.
Step 3
Adopt a healthy diet. A healthy diet goes hand in hand with controlling blood sugar. A balanced diet of leafy green vegetables, fruits and whole grains can go a long way toward lowering blood glucose. Monitor the amount of carbohydrates consumed, particularly the simple carbohydrates found in sweets. It is also important to eat regularly. This will not only keep glucose levels at proper levels, but it will also prevent the blood sugar from dropping dangerously low.
Step 4
Lose weight. Losing moderate amounts of weight can help to control blood sugar. The University of Maryland says that overweight patients should lose at least 7 percent of their current body weight to reduce risk factors. Weight loss can be difficult to achieve when dealing with high blood sugar, so it is best to seek the help of a nutritionist or physician if weight loss remains stagnant.
Step 5
See your physician. In some cases, blood sugar levels cannot be controlled through diet and exercise alone. A physician may prescribe medications that will work with exercise and healthy eating to lower the blood sugar. There are six classes of drugs used to treat hyperglycemia. While the classes function in different ways, they all work toward the same end of achieving healthy levels of blood glucose.
Tips and Warnings
- Involve your physician in your attempts to lower your blood sugar even if you do not require medication.
- Avoid lowering blood sugar too much. Hypoglycemia can be just as dangerous as hyperglycemia.
Things You'll Need
- Glucose meter
- Exercise regimen
- Healthy food
- Medications
