High serum glucose, or blood sugar, is associated with diabetes, states Medline Plus of the National Institutes of Health. Uncontrolled high levels of serum glucose can damage small blood vessels and nerves in the body. This can cause a patient to feel fatigued, thirsty and have increased urination, nausea, vomiting and weight loss. Left untreated, high serum glucose can lead to serious nerve damage. Therefore, you should know how to lower serum glucose.
Choose the Proper Foods
Step 1
Read nutritional labels. When grocery shopping, you should always look at the nutrition labels of foods and beverages that you are purchasing to determine the amount of carbohydrates and sugar in certain foods. Always look at the associated percentage of carbohydrates or sugar that are recommended for the daily diet. If the percentage exceeds the associated percentage of daily calories provided by this food or beverage, it is likely too high.
Step 2
Choose health carbohydrates. Avoid simple carbohydrates and starches because they quickly break down into blood glucose. The body quickly uses blood glucose, which can cause an immediate spike in serum glucose. Choose healthy carbohydrates such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and low fat dairy products, states MayoClinic.com.
Step 3
Eat fiber-rich foods. High levels of fiber in the digestive tract helps to control blood sugar levels, states MayoClinic.com. Foods high in fiber include fruits and vegetables, nuts, legumes and whole grains.
Step 4
Eat the proper portions. Large portions of food contain larger numbers of carbohydrates, which results in higher levels of serum glucose. Therefore, reducing portion size can lower serum glucose. If you are still hungry after eating a smaller portion, space your meals so you're not eating too much at one time.
Step 5
Participate in regular physical activity. Physical activity lowers serum glucose during and after the activity. Choose to perform a brisk walk for 30 minutes five days a week to help keep serum glucose levels low. Resistance training three days a week can further lower serum glucose.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are diabetic, you should always carry a glucose tablet or a piece of candy to eat in case your blood sugar drops too low.
- Stop exercise if you feel dizzy or lightheaded. Seek emergency medical treatment if you lose consciousness.
