Blood Glucose Regulation And Management

You and your team of caregivers should determine based on the factors that are specific to you particular case what your routine should be for treating your diabetes.

Some people will find that control of blood glucose levels may be accomplished by merely adhering to the regimen of medications that have been prescribed by your physician. However, others will find that only with a strict diet and exercise routine in combination with medications can they control their blood glucose.

Foods That Help Regulate Blood Sugar

Certain foods will facilitate a reduction in blood sugar levels such as Garlic, onions, cumin, and fenugreek seeds most of which can be added easily to your diet. Other foods include high-fiber food comprised of whole-grain cereals, vegetables and legumes in which 60 percent of the calories are in the form of carbohydrates and not more than 25% of the calories come from fat, with at least 50 grams of fiber. Not only will these types of food help you feel full faster (resulting in you eating less and therefore typically losing weight) but they are good ways to help keep blood sugars level.

Healthy eating is a cornerstone of any diabetes management plan. But it's not just what you eat that affects your blood sugar level. How much you eat and when you eat matters, too.

Time Management And Blood Glucose Regulation

You should keep in mind that blood sugar levels are at their highest one to two hours after eating and once this happens they then tend to begin decreasing. If you eat about the same amounts of food at approximately the same times daily, you will be able to control your blood sugar levels much easier. When including carbohydrates in your diet you should keep about the same amount at each meal, (they have a higher impact on blood sugar levels than proteins or fats) which allows your blood sugar levels to remain about the same through the day. Work with your health care team to determine when in comparison to meals you should be taking your medications since too much food comparable to medication can create high blood sugar levels while too little food can create low blood sugar levels. Both of these conditions can cause serious repercussions.

Blood Glucose And Exercise

Keep in mind when you are planning your exercise program that exercise (even being on your feet for too long) lowers your blood glucose levels. Be certain to discuss your current (or planned) exercise regimen with your caregiver to determine if your diabetes medications need to be altered to maintain your blood glucose levels. Drink plenty of fluids while you work out and, stop exercising if you experience any warning signs, such as severe shortness of breath, dizziness or chest pain. You should check sugar levels before and after exercising.

Common Ailments And Glucose Regulation

Colds, flu and other common ailments can also affect your blood sugar levels since your body produces normal hormones to fight them off. Be sure to discuss with your doctor before you get sick what changes you might need to make in your current medication program should you come down with a cold or flu. Most over the counter cold medications contain some amounts of sugar and will affect how your body processes your diabetes medications.

Factors such as alcohol consumption, stress and others will also affect your blood glucose levels. Speak with your caregiver about how to handle these situations prior to having a problem. Preplanning will allow you to maintain a healthy blood glucose level in all types of situations and allow you to continue living a healthy life with diabetes.