Elevated blood glucose, or sugar, levels can be a sign of diabetes, according to "Foundations of Nursing." Typically, a fasting blood glucose level of 126mg/dL or greater is a positive indicator of diabetes, according to "Diabetes for Dummies," while a fasting blood glucose level of 100mg/dL to 125mg/dL may be a sign of pre-diabetes. In many cases, elevated blood glucose levels falling into the pre-diabetes range can be lowered with diet and lifestyle changes, notes the "Mayo Clinic Essential Diabetes Handbook." Consult your physician if you have trouble regulating your blood glucose levels at home.
Step 1
Eat less simple sugars. According to "Contemporary Nutrition," simple sugars include fruits, corn syrup and white flour. These types of sugars cause a spike in blood glucose levels and can elevate a fasting blood glucose result, according to "Diabetes for Dummies."
Step 2
Eat more fiber. "Diabetes for Dummies" suggests filling half your plate each meal with non-starchy vegetables, such as lettuce, broccoli or green beans, to increase your fiber intake. Additionally, "Contemporary Nutrition" mentions that choosing whole grains over refined grains can increase your fiber intake. According to the "Mayo Clinic Essential Diabetes Handbook," eating foods high in fiber can assist your body in regulating its blood glucose levels, resulting in a lower fasting blood glucose reading.
Step 3
Perform cardiovascular exercise at least 30 minutes per day three days per week. According to the "Mayo Clinic Essential Diabetes Handbook," cardiovascular exercise improves the ability of cells' insulin receptor sites to work properly, which improves glucose absorption and reduces blood glucose.
References
- "Foundations of Nursing"; Lois White, Gena Duncan and Wendy Baumle; 2010
- "Diabetes for Dummies"; Alan L. Rubin M.D.; 2008
- "Mayo Clinic Essential Diabetes Book"; Mayo Clinic; 2009
- "Contemporary Nutrition"; Gordon Wardlaw and Anne Smith; 2008
