Maintaining proper blood glucose levels requires a delicate balance. Levels that are consistently high may indicate diabetes, while extremely low levels can lead to irritability, fainting or even death. There are many ways to obtain healthy blood glucose levels; keeping your blood sugar under control will result in better health and decrease your risk of developing chronic diseases.
Know the Numbers
In order to establish a healthy blood sugar, you must first know where you stand. You must know your current blood glucose levels, and you should also identify your ideal blood sugar level. According to the American Diabetes Association, adults should maintain blood sugar at less than 100 mg/dl. Fasting glucose levels above 126 mg/dl may indicate diabetes. However, you should seek guidance from a medical professional to identify the number that is right for you. Being armed with this basic information will give you a starting point for keeping your blood sugar in check.
Watch What You Eat
Making healthy diet choices is essential to controlling your blood sugar. You do not have to eliminate any foods from your diet, but try to fill your plate with low carbohydrate foods. A diet high in simple sugars, found in white bread, white rice and many snacks, can cause your blood sugar to rise quickly after eating. Instead, choose complex carbohydrates and lean proteins. These allow your blood glucose to rise slowly, keeping your sugar at healthy levels throughout the day. Eat lots of colorful vegetables, and have a piece of fruit for a bit of sweetness. Smart, clean eating goes a long way toward maintaining appropriate blood sugar levels.
Time Your Meals
The timing of your meals is an important aspect of keeping a healthy blood sugar level. Eat regular meals of healthy food such as lean protein, leafy greens, whole grains and berries to keep your blood glucose steady throughout the day. Going too long without eating causes your blood sugar to plummet, resulting in fatigue and irritability. Eat small amounts of food every few hours to keep yourself satisfied and to keep your blood sugar at an appropriate level.
Medication
For some individuals, dietary changes do not result in favorable blood sugar levels. If all else fails, you may require medication to control your blood sugar. Synthetic insulin is a form of the hormone that your body naturally makes to remove glucose from your blood. Several types of insulin are available that differ in dosage and duration of action. There are also oral medications that work by stimulating your pancreas to produce more insulin or helping your body's cells absorb glucose more easily. Consult your physician for recommendations involving medical intervention.
