Your blood glucose levels may become too high on a consistent basis if you have diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not produce any insulin to regulate blood glucose levels. If you have type 2 diabetes, your pancreas either doesn't produce enough insulin, or the body does not respond to it, explains the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. Home and lifestyle remedies are an essential part of controlling diabetes and protecting your overall health.
Complications
When your blood glucose levels are high, you may experience symptoms such as fatigue, increased thirst and hunger, frequent urination and increased infections. Over time, high blood glucose levels can cause complications such as nerve damage, vision loss and limb amputation.
Weight Loss
Getting rid of excess pounds can help lower blood glucose levels, according to the American Diabetes Association. But you don't need to go on a crash diet or begin training for a marathon to reap the benefits. Just a 5 to 10 percent reduction in your body weight can cause blood glucose levels to fall. Start your path to weight loss by eating at least 100 to 200 fewer calories each day, and walking for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.
More Frequent Meals
One of the best ways to stabilize blood glucose levels during the day is to eat smaller meals --- about five or six --- throughout the day instead of three large meals, according to "Diabetes Forecast." This approach requires that you downsize breakfast, lunch and dinner, and include healthy snacks in between. Also, you should stop eating at least three hours before going to bed.
Healthier Food Choices
Foods such as whole grains, fruit, vegetables and lean protein provide several benefits for diabetics. Lean protein reduces your intake of fat, which impairs your body's ability to use insulin and helps you lose weight, according to Maggie Greenwood Robinson, author of "Control Diabetes in 6 Easy Steps." High-fiber foods, such as whole grains, fruit and vegetables, slow down the release of glucose into your bloodstream.
Natural Sweeteners
Refined carbohydrates such as sugar cause blood glucose levels to spike, which in turn elevates insulin levels. Persistently high insulin levels increase fat storage, blood lipid levels and high blood pressure, explains Greenwood Robinson. One of the quickest ways you can control blood glucose levels is to consume less sugar. Stevia and xylitol are two natural sweeteners you can substitute for sugar in beverages or baking, according to "Prescription for Drug Alternatives." You can find them in supermarkets or natural health stores.
References
- National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse: Diabetes Overview
- American Diabetes Association: Setting Realistic Weight Loss Goals
- "Control Diabetes in 6 Easy Steps"; Maggie Greenwood Robinson; 2002
- "Prescription for Drug Alternatives"; James Balch et al; 2008
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