How Do I Stop Glucose Spikes?

How Do I Stop Glucose Spikes?
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Blood glucose increases after eating food, and it provides cells with the fuel needed for energy. Individuals with diabetes have to be particularly careful of blood sugar spikes, or rapid increases in blood sugar levels, because their bodies aren't able to control the amount of glucose in the blood. Even if you don't have diabetes, eliminating blood glucose spikes can help maintain a constant level of energy without sudden energy spikes followed by rapid crashing.

Step 1

Make changes to your diet. Eat a diet filled with foods with a low glycemic index. These foods contain carbohydrates that take longer to digest, thereby raising the blood glucose more slowly. Examples of foods that have a low glycemic index include whole wheat spaghetti, apples, dates, carrots, milk, legumes and raw oranges. The glycemic index of almost any food can be found online or by consulting a dietician for assistance.

Step 2

Cut out refined sugar. Avoid foods containing refined sugar such as sodas and processed snack foods. Regular table sugar has a high glycemic index and will cause the blood sugar to spike quickly. Substitute sugar with a natural sweetener such as stevia, which has a glycemic index of zero. Consult your physician regarding the safety of any sugar substitute in your diet.

Step 3

Get moving. Exercise immediately after eating to allow the body to utilize the glucose that was consumed, pulling it into the cells for energy. An activity as simple as walking for 10 to 15 minutes is all that is needed. If you have an underlying medical condition such as heart disease, get your doctor's approval before exercising immediately after meals.

Step 4

Take your medicine. Administer insulin or oral medications as directed by your physician if you are diabetic. Insulin will help lower your blood sugar, and some types have long-lasting effects. Checking your blood sugar and administering prescribed insulin or other medications will help your body lower your blood glucose levels throughout the day.

References

Article reviewed by Christine Brncik Last updated on: Oct 19, 2010

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