In 2007, there were over 23 million people in the United States with diabetes, according to the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (NDIC). When it comes to controlling diabetes, learning how to manage your blood glucose, or blood sugar, levels is key; it can reduce your risk of developing complications due to diabetes. The NDIC states that 65 percent of people diagnosed with diabetes die of heart disease or stroke.
Step 1
Check your blood sugar levels frequently, especially after meals. Spikes in blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, has been linked to heart disease, which can lead to heart attack, stroke, kidney failure and other severe conditions.
Step 2
Take all medicine as prescribed, including insulin if your blood sugar gets too high. Medicines other than insulin may also be prescribed to help your body process sugar. Be sure to pay attention to any other illnesses you may have, such as hypertension or high cholesterol levels, as these may make it harder for your body to control glucose levels.
Step 3
Weigh yourself daily to manage your weight. Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes and losing weight can decrease the effects of diabetes, including swings in your glucose levels.
Step 4
Weigh your food to be sure that you are calculating the calories per portion size correctly. Check the nutrition label on all packaged foods to help you calculate carbohydrates and fats as well as calories.
Step 5
Eat a healthy diet designed for those with diabetes. Don't skip meals or snacks. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can have adverse consequences. Additionally, you may be tempted to eat unhealthy foods if you are very hungry, causing your blood sugar to swing widely.
Step 6
Exercise on a regular basis. Experts recommend getting two and a half hours of moderate exercise a week, according to MayoClinic.com. Monitor your blood sugar before, during and after exercising to be sure it stays within normal levels while you exercise.
Step 7
Ask your doctor to order an A1C blood test. An A1C measures your blood sugar levels averaged over the previous three months. This test will give you a broad picture of how well your blood sugar is being managed.
Step 8
Use an insulin pump if you do not want to inject insulin on a daily basis. This device is worn outside the body and delivers insulin through a small catheter inserted just under the skin. This catheter can remain in place for up to three days, reducing the number of individual insulin injections. You may experience less pain and, therefore, be more comfortable giving yourself insulin to lower glucose levels if you don't have to jab yourself with a needle each time.
Things You'll Need
- Glucometer
- Bathroom scale
- Kitchen scale
