Glucose levels should stay within a certain range for good health. Should your blood glucose fall too low or go too high, it can cause serious health consequences, especially if your blood glucose stays out of the normal range for a long time. People with diabetes need to take particular care with their blood glucose levels, since their bodies do not efficiently use insulin to control them.
Diet
Using strategies such as carbohydrate counting, meal exchange lists and the glycemic index can help you to keep your blood glucose levels more consistent throughout the day. Eating a diet that contains fiber-rich foods, healthy carbohydrates, unsaturated fats and heart-healthy fish and that is low in saturated and trans fats, sodium, and cholesterol can help you lose weight and lower your risk for diabetes complications.
Exercise
Exercise helps you control blood glucose, since it causes your body to move glucose out of the cells and use it for energy. Aerobic exercise is best for this. Speak to your doctor to determine what type of exercise is best for you and how much to exercise, as well as the symptoms to watch out for, since exercising too much can sometimes bring on low blood sugar.
Medication
If lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise do not control your blood glucose levels enough, you may need to take insulin or other diabetes medications to get your blood sugar under control. Insulin is injected, and other medications may be either injected or in pill form. These medications may have side effects, including an upset stomach or nausea.
Weight Loss
Weight loss also helps to bring your blood glucose levels under control, according to the American Diabetes Association, in some cases allowing you to lower your dosage for diabetes medications or stop taking them. Even a small amount of weight loss can help lower your blood glucose, improve your triglyceride levels and lower your blood pressure.
