Diabetes is a serious disorder that occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin or properly use available insulin. According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 24 million Americans are diabetic, which is about 8 percent of the population. Untreated or poorly treated diabetes can lead to other health conditions and may result in disability, coma or death. Learning how to control blood sugar levels is the most important aspect of managing diabetes and preventing association health risks.
Step 1
Schedule your meals on a regular schedule and eat a variety of healthy foods every day. While most diabetics can safely eat a full diet, the Mayo Clinic recommends moderate portions, an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and eating the same amount of carbohydrates each day.
Step 2
Lose weight if you are overweight, but do not begin any new diet or exercise program without first consulting your doctor. Losing weight can help control blood sugar levels and may improve your diabetes to the point of no longer needing medication.
Step 3
Test your blood sugar levels at set times throughout the day, even if you experience no blood sugar-related symptoms. The results of these tests will help you develop a baseline of your glucose levels and can help identify any times of day or activities that cause spikes or dips in your sugar levels.
Step 4
Take any prescribed medications as instructed by your doctor. Strict adherence to your medication schedule is very important in controlling blood sugar levels. Once you become familiar with the signs of unhealthy blood glucose levels, your doctor may give you permission to take your medications as needed.
Step 5
Adjust your medication doses based on physical activity and food intake. Exercise can lower blood glucose levels, while eating can cause blood sugar levels to rise rapidly. Your doctor may also recommend medication adjustments during times of illness.
Step 6
Keep a record of your meals, glucose levels, medications, and significant daily events. This information may be helpful when developing or modifying a treatment plan with your doctor.
Step 7
Pay attention to your body to recognize the signs of high blood sugar. High blood glucose levels, or hyperglycemia, can cause increased thirst, frequent urination and sugar excretion in the urine. You can purchase urine-testing strips to monitor the amount of sugar in your urine at most pharmacies.
Step 8
Treat hyperglycemia immediately to prevent serious complications, including a condition called ketoacidosis that occurs when your body begins breaking down fats to use for energy. Ketoacidosis can be present with shortness of breath, nausea, dry mouth and fruity-smelling breath. These symptoms require immediate medical attention and treatment.
Step 9
Watch for signs of low blood sugar, called hypoglycemia, such as shakiness, sweating, hunger pains, headache, dizziness and mood or behavior changes. Severe hypoglycemia can cause coordination problems, confusion, tingling around the mouth and seizures.
Step 10
Check your blood glucose levels as soon as you feel symptoms of hypoglycemia in order to treat the condition quickly and prevent serious complications. It is also important to periodically check glucose levels even when no hypoglycemic symptoms are present. Low blood sugar can develop rapidly, and some people may not develop symptoms until blood sugar levels are dangerously low.
Step 11
Treat low blood sugar immediately. The American Diabetes Association recommends treating low blood sugar as soon as possible with sugar in the form of fruit juice, hard candy, or glucose tablets. Check blood sugar levels again 20 minutes after eating to confirm that the treatment is helping. You can also treat hypoglycemia with an injectable medication called glucagon. This medication is only available by prescription.
