Ask what Keeoing goal should be. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. The big picture: Checking your blood glucose.

Watch: Eat these foods for cneck blood sugar. I think it's a striking statistic: leveks1 out of Broccoli and quinoa dishes 2 Americans could have diabetes Keeping sugar levels in check Autophagy and p/SQSTM blood sugar that's Keepiny, but not yet at the levels seen in diabetes.

But in my opinion-as a registered skgar and associate Keeping sugar levels in check editor Keeping sugar levels in check EatingWell Optimum fat distribution good kevels lifestyle can play a big role Kewping managing diabetes and keeping it at bay.

Which is why I've compiled these 5 tips for managing blood sugar. Of checj, you should always consult your chek practitioner levelz making lifestyle changes related to llevels medical Keepiny.

But sugaf don't have to have diabetes to follow these guidelines-they're ceck same health tips I would share with most people. Tip 1: Lose Lycopene and joint health. Extra fat can Keeping sugar levels in check your body Kdeping to the action of insulin.

Losing Keepin improves insulin's activity, which reduces blood-glucose levels. Enhance work-life balance suggests Keeping sugar levels in check people at high risk Keeping sugar levels in check diabetes subar lose as little as 5 percent of their body weight i.

Must-Read: 7 Steps to Permanent Weight Loss. Tip 2: Exercise Regularly. Studies show that physical activity checj the body's response to insulin and helps Keeping sugar levels in check blood-glucose Keeping sugar levels in check. Not only that, exercise goes hand in hand with healthy eating to achieve weight loss.

Aim to fit in 30 minutes of moderate activity-such as brisk walking-nearly every day. Must-Read: 6 Ways to Sneak In Your Exercise.

Tip 3: Choose Whole Grains. Selecting whole grains, such as whole-wheat breads and pastas, barley, corn and oats, over refined ones can help improve insulin sensitivity.

Whole grains will help you meet your recommended daily intake for fiber 25 grams for women; 38 grams for men ; they also provide more vitamins, minerals and other health-promoting nutrients than refined grains.

Tip 4: Don't Skip Meals. Eating breakfast helps insulin to lower blood-glucose levels, and eating regularly spaced meals also helps insulin work better, suggests research.

Related Link: Day Diabetic Meal Plan. Tip 5: Choose Foods Low on the Glycemic Index-But Keep in Mind That Mixing Foods Will Change the GI. The glycemic index GI is a system of ranking foods that contain equal amounts of carbohydrates according to how much they raise blood-glucose levels.

The lower the GI number, the less the food boosts your blood sugar and the more diabetic-diet-friendly it is. The GI is somewhat confusing and even a little controversial for instance, we rarely eat single foods by themselves and when you combine foods it affects the GI.

But, in general, it does lead you to healthy foods. For example, vegetables, whole grains, beans and high-fiber foods tend to fall lower on the glycemic scale, while processed and refined foods and sweets are higher up. Use limited data to select advertising.

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: Keeping sugar levels in check

2-Minute Walk After Eating Can Help Control Blood Sugar	You can still eat some carbs when monitoring your blood sugar. However, prioritizing whole grains over processed ones and refined carbs provides greater nutritional value while helping decrease your blood sugar levels Your body breaks down the carbs you eat into glucose, which then raises your blood sugar levels. As such, reducing your carb intake can aid blood sugar regulation. Fiber slows carb digestion and sugar absorption, thereby promoting a more gradual rise in blood sugar levels There are two types of fiber — insoluble and soluble. This could help you better manage type 1 diabetes The recommended daily intake of fiber is about 25 grams for women and 35 grams for men. Eating plenty of fiber can aid blood sugar management. Soluble dietary fiber appears to be more effective than insoluble fiber for this purpose. In addition to preventing dehydration, it helps your kidneys flush out any excess sugar through urine. One review of observational studies showed that those who drank more water had a lower risk of developing high blood sugar levels Drinking water regularly may rehydrate the blood, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce diabetes risk 20 , Keep in mind that water and other zero-calorie drinks are best. Avoid sugar-sweetened options, as these can raise blood glucose, drive weight gain, and increase diabetes risk 22 , Staying hydrated can reduce blood sugar levels and diabetes risk. Choose water and zero-calorie drinks and avoid sugar-sweetened beverages. Portion control can help you regulate your calorie intake and maintain a moderate weight 24 , Consequently, weight management promotes healthy blood sugar levels and has been shown to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes 1 , 26 , Monitoring your serving sizes also helps prevent blood sugar spikes 2. The glycemic index GI measures how quickly carbs break down during digestion and how rapidly your body absorbs them. This affects how quickly your blood sugar levels rise The GI divides foods into low, medium, and high GI and ranks them on a scale of 0— Low GI foods have a ranking of 55 or less 15 , Both the amount and type of carbs you eat determine how a food affects your blood sugar levels. Specifically, eating low GI foods has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes 15 , Furthermore, adding protein or healthy fats helps minimize blood sugar spikes after a meal Stress can affect your blood sugar levels When stressed, your body secretes hormones called glucagon and cortisol, which cause blood sugar levels to rise 29 , One study including a group of students showed that exercise, relaxation, and meditation significantly reduced stress and lowered blood sugar levels Exercises and relaxation methods like yoga and mindfulness-based stress reduction may also help correct insulin secretion problems among people with chronic diabetes 31 , 32 , Managing your stress levels through exercise or relaxation methods like yoga may help you regulate blood sugar levels. Monitoring blood glucose levels can help you better manage them You can do so at home using a portable blood glucose meter, which is known as a glucometer. You can discuss this option with your doctor. Keeping track allows you to determine whether you need to adjust your meals or medications. It also helps you learn how your body reacts to certain foods 2. Try measuring your levels regularly every day and keeping track of the numbers in a log. Also, it may be more helpful to track your blood sugar in pairs — for example, before and after exercise or before and 2 hours after a meal. This can show you whether you need to make small changes to a meal if it spikes your blood sugar, rather than avoiding your favorite meals altogether. Some adjustments include swapping a starchy side for non-starchy veggies or limiting them to a handful. Checking your blood glucose and maintaining a daily log enables you to adjust foods and medications when necessary to better manage your blood sugar levels. Getting enough sleep feels excellent and is necessary for good health In fact, poor sleeping habits and a lack of rest can affect blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. They can also increase appetite and promote weight gain 36 , 37 , Additionally, sleep deprivation raises levels of the hormone cortisol, which, as explained, plays an essential role in blood sugar management 29 , Adequate sleep is about both quantity and quality. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults get at least 7—8 hours of high quality sleep per night To improve the quality of your sleep , try to:. Good sleep helps maintain your blood sugar levels and promotes a healthy weight. On the other hand, poor sleep can disrupt critical metabolic hormones. High blood sugar levels and diabetes have been linked to micronutrient deficiencies. Some examples include deficiencies in the minerals chromium and magnesium Chromium is involved in carb and fat metabolism. It may potentiate the action of insulin, thus aiding blood sugar regulation 41 , 42 , 43 , Chromium-rich foods include:. However, the mechanisms behind this proposed connection are not entirely known, and studies report mixed findings. As such, more research is needed 41 , 45 , Magnesium has also been shown to benefit blood sugar levels. In fact, diets rich in magnesium are associated with a significantly reduced risk of diabetes In contrast, low magnesium levels may lead to insulin resistance and decreased glucose tolerance in people with diabetes 47 , 48 , Eating foods rich in chromium and magnesium can help prevent deficiencies and reduce the risk of blood sugar problems. However, the overall quality of evidence on these ingredients is low due to insufficient human studies or small sample sizes. Therefore, no conclusive recommendations can be made regarding their use Some of the foods touted to have anti-diabetes effects include 51 , 52 :. Finally, the Food and Drug Administration FDA does not regulate supplements in the same way that it regulates prescription medications. Some foods are believed to have blood-sugar-lowering effects. However, research is still inconclusive, and they may negatively interact with your diabetes medication. If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here. Maintaining a moderate weight promotes healthy blood sugar levels and reduces your risk of developing diabetes 2 , 26 , 27 , For example, if a person weighs pounds 91 kg and loses just 10—14 pounds 4. These are used as indicators of your blood sugar levels over the past 3 months 60 , Maintaining a moderate weight will support blood sugar management and decrease your risk of developing diabetes. Spreading your meals and snacks throughout the day may help you avoid both high and low blood sugar levels Snacking between meals may also reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes In fact, several studies suggest that having smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day could improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels 62 , In addition, eating smaller meals and healthy snacks throughout the day may lower glycated hemoglobin HbA1c readings, indicating improvements in blood sugar levels over the previous 3 months Snacking between meals could keep your blood sugar levels from spiking or plummeting throughout the day. Probiotics are friendly bacteria that offer numerous health benefits, including improved blood sugar regulation 65 , 66 , 67 , Research shows that probiotic intake may lower fasting blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin HbA1c , and insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes 65 , 66 , 67 , This means that drinking plenty of water just before a meal and throughout the day can help you maintain even glucose levels throughout the day. You can find fiber in many types of foods, including whole grains, vegetables, and beans. Fiber is beneficial to your digestive system because it keeps everything else moving along. Fiber isn't digestible, but it adds bulk, making it. a great way to stay full feeling without adding as many calories, and this can help you lose weight because you won't be as hungry, which can help people with Type II diabetes manage the disease. Fiber slows down the absorption of the rest of your food in your digestive system which means that the sugar is also absorbed over a longer period of tie. Taking the time to exercise can improve your glucose levels in a couple of ways. First of all, exercise can help you. lose some weight, and even 10 pounds can greatly improve a person's health, especially when it comes to Type 1 diabetes and glucose levels. Secondly, exercise can make your body more sensitive to insulin so it has to produce less in order to flush out the sugar from your body. Your muscles will also use the sugar in your bloodstream for muscle contraction. Smoking is a known risk factor for Type 2 Diabetes and has been identified as a risk factor for insulin resistance, a precursor for diabetes. Smoking is also a risk factor for heart disease, lung disease, and certain cancers. smokers with type 2 diabetes often struggle to manage their blood sugar levels more so than non-smokers. Learn more about smoking nicotine and diabetes. Monitoring can help you keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range and make it easier for you to notice and control problems related to high blood sugar or low blood sugar such as feeling tired, weak, or have low blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, you can lower your blood sugar levels by taking insulin or other diabetes medicines. Best practice would be to consult your doctor for treatment. You can also take steps to lower your blood sugar on your own. If you don't have diabetes yet but fearful that you might get diabetes due to family history or ethnic background You can use the AUSDRISK tool to estimate your risk of getting type 2 diabetes in the next 5 years. Retrieved 17 June Accessible here.
We Care About Your Privacy	When stressed, your body secretes hormones called glucagon and cortisol, which cause blood sugar levels to rise 29 , One study including a group of students showed that exercise, relaxation, and meditation significantly reduced stress and lowered blood sugar levels Exercises and relaxation methods like yoga and mindfulness-based stress reduction may also help correct insulin secretion problems among people with chronic diabetes 31 , 32 , Managing your stress levels through exercise or relaxation methods like yoga may help you regulate blood sugar levels. Monitoring blood glucose levels can help you better manage them You can do so at home using a portable blood glucose meter, which is known as a glucometer. You can discuss this option with your doctor. Keeping track allows you to determine whether you need to adjust your meals or medications. It also helps you learn how your body reacts to certain foods 2. Try measuring your levels regularly every day and keeping track of the numbers in a log. Also, it may be more helpful to track your blood sugar in pairs — for example, before and after exercise or before and 2 hours after a meal. This can show you whether you need to make small changes to a meal if it spikes your blood sugar, rather than avoiding your favorite meals altogether. Some adjustments include swapping a starchy side for non-starchy veggies or limiting them to a handful. Checking your blood glucose and maintaining a daily log enables you to adjust foods and medications when necessary to better manage your blood sugar levels. Getting enough sleep feels excellent and is necessary for good health In fact, poor sleeping habits and a lack of rest can affect blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. They can also increase appetite and promote weight gain 36 , 37 , Additionally, sleep deprivation raises levels of the hormone cortisol, which, as explained, plays an essential role in blood sugar management 29 , Adequate sleep is about both quantity and quality. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults get at least 7—8 hours of high quality sleep per night To improve the quality of your sleep , try to:. Good sleep helps maintain your blood sugar levels and promotes a healthy weight. On the other hand, poor sleep can disrupt critical metabolic hormones. High blood sugar levels and diabetes have been linked to micronutrient deficiencies. Some examples include deficiencies in the minerals chromium and magnesium Chromium is involved in carb and fat metabolism. It may potentiate the action of insulin, thus aiding blood sugar regulation 41 , 42 , 43 , Chromium-rich foods include:. However, the mechanisms behind this proposed connection are not entirely known, and studies report mixed findings. As such, more research is needed 41 , 45 , Magnesium has also been shown to benefit blood sugar levels. In fact, diets rich in magnesium are associated with a significantly reduced risk of diabetes In contrast, low magnesium levels may lead to insulin resistance and decreased glucose tolerance in people with diabetes 47 , 48 , Eating foods rich in chromium and magnesium can help prevent deficiencies and reduce the risk of blood sugar problems. However, the overall quality of evidence on these ingredients is low due to insufficient human studies or small sample sizes. Therefore, no conclusive recommendations can be made regarding their use Some of the foods touted to have anti-diabetes effects include 51 , 52 :. Finally, the Food and Drug Administration FDA does not regulate supplements in the same way that it regulates prescription medications. Some foods are believed to have blood-sugar-lowering effects. However, research is still inconclusive, and they may negatively interact with your diabetes medication. If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here. Maintaining a moderate weight promotes healthy blood sugar levels and reduces your risk of developing diabetes 2 , 26 , 27 , For example, if a person weighs pounds 91 kg and loses just 10—14 pounds 4. These are used as indicators of your blood sugar levels over the past 3 months 60 , Maintaining a moderate weight will support blood sugar management and decrease your risk of developing diabetes. Spreading your meals and snacks throughout the day may help you avoid both high and low blood sugar levels Snacking between meals may also reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes In fact, several studies suggest that having smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day could improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels 62 , In addition, eating smaller meals and healthy snacks throughout the day may lower glycated hemoglobin HbA1c readings, indicating improvements in blood sugar levels over the previous 3 months Snacking between meals could keep your blood sugar levels from spiking or plummeting throughout the day. Probiotics are friendly bacteria that offer numerous health benefits, including improved blood sugar regulation 65 , 66 , 67 , Research shows that probiotic intake may lower fasting blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin HbA1c , and insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes 65 , 66 , 67 , Interestingly, studies have found that improvements in blood sugar levels are more significant in people who consume multiple species of probiotics and for at least 8 weeks 69 , Therefore, you will need to manage your blood glucose levels, also called blood sugar. Managing your blood glucose, as well as your blood pressure and cholesterol , can help prevent the health problems that can occur when you have diabetes. With the help of your health care team, you can create a diabetes self-care plan to manage your diabetes. Your self-care plan may include these steps:. Knowing your diabetes ABCs will help you manage your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Stopping smoking if you smoke will also help you manage your diabetes. Working toward your ABC goals can help lower your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes problems. The A1C test shows your average blood glucose level over the past 3 months. The A1C goal for many people with diabetes is below 7 percent. Ask your health care team what your goal should be. Ask what your goal should be. You have two kinds of cholesterol in your blood: LDL and HDL. Too much bad cholesterol can cause a heart attack or stroke. Ask your health care team what your cholesterol numbers should be. If you are over 40 years of age, you may need to take a statin drug for heart health. Not smoking is especially important for people with diabetes because both smoking and diabetes narrow blood vessels. Blood vessel narrowing makes your heart work harder. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, stop. You can start by calling the national quitline at QUITNOW or For tips on quitting, go to SmokeFree. Keeping your A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels close to your goals and stopping smoking may help prevent the long-term harmful effects of diabetes. These health problems include heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, and eye disease. You can keep track of your ABCs with a diabetes care record PDF, KB. Take it with you on your health care visits. Talk about your goals and how you are doing, and whether you need to make any changes in your diabetes care plan. Make a diabetes meal plan with help from your health care team. Following a meal plan will help you manage your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Choose fruits and vegetables, beans, whole grains, chicken or turkey without the skin, fish, lean meats, and nonfat or low-fat milk and cheese. Drink water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages. Choose foods that are lower in calories, saturated fat , trans fat , sugar, and salt. Learn more about eating, diet, and nutrition with diabetes. Set a goal to be more physically active. Try to work up to 30 minutes or more of physical activity on most days of the week. Brisk walking and swimming are good ways to move more. If you are not active now, ask your health care team about the types and amounts of physical activity that are right for you. Learn more about being physically active with diabetes. Following your meal plan and being more active can help you stay at or get to a healthy weight. If you are overweight or obese, work with your health care team to create a weight-loss plan that is right for you. Take your medicines for diabetes and any other health problems, even when you feel good or have reached your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol goals. These medicines help you manage your ABCs. Ask your doctor if you need to take aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke. Tell your health care professional if you cannot afford your medicines or if you have any side effects from your medicines. Learn more about insulin and other diabetes medicines. In general, here's how the process works:. Some meters can test blood taken from another body part such as the forearm or palm. But these readings may not be as accurate as readings from the fingertips, especially after a meal or during exercise. Blood sugar levels change more often at these times. Using a body part other than the fingertips is not recommended when you set a CGM. That process also is called calibrating. Talk with your healthcare professional about how often you need to record your blood sugar results. The readings given by many devices can be sent to a computer or smart device. Bring your record of results with you to checkups with your healthcare professional. Ask what steps to take if you often get results that don't fall within the range of your target goals. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview. Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Appointments at Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Health System locations. Request Appointment. Blood sugar testing: Why, when and how. Products and services. Blood sugar testing: Why, when and how Blood sugar testing is an important part of diabetes care. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Enlarge image Close. Continuous glucose monitor and insulin pump A continuous glucose monitor, on the left, is a device that measures your blood sugar every few minutes using a sensor inserted under the skin. Thank you for subscribing! Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry. Show references American Diabetes Association. Glycemic targets: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes — Diabetes Care. Managing diabetes. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Accessed Aug. Weinstock RS. Glucose monitoring in the ambulatory management of nonpregnant adults with diabetes mellitus. Accessed Aug 24, The big picture: Checking your blood glucose. American Diabetes Association. Diabetes technology: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes — Continuous glucose monitoring. Galindo RJ, et al. Implementation of Continuous Glucose Monitoring in the Hospital: Emergent Considerations for Remote Glucose Monitoring During the COVID Pandemic. Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology. How to safely use glucose meters and test strips for diabetes. Food and Drug Administration. Blood glucose monitoring devices. Accessed Nov. Wyckoff JA, et al. Time in range in pregnancy: Is there a role? Diabetes Spectrum. Shah P expert opinion. Mayo Clinic. FreeStyle Libre 14 day Flash Glucose Monitoring System. Products and Services The Mayo Clinic Diet Online A Book: The Essential Diabetes Book. See also Medication-free hypertension control A1C test Alcohol: Does it affect blood pressure? Alpha blockers Amputation and diabetes Angiotensin-converting enzyme ACE inhibitors Angiotensin II receptor blockers Anxiety: A cause of high blood pressure? Artificial sweeteners: Any effect on blood sugar? Bariatric surgery Beta blockers Beta blockers: Do they cause weight gain? Beta blockers: How do they affect exercise?
How to manage blood sugar levels throughout the day.	Diabetes and nerve damage. Most types sugzr birth control are safe to use when you Keeplng Keeping sugar levels in check. To get Keeping sugar levels in check most from exercise, lrvels should do it for a total of at least minutes a week. However, the overall quality of evidence on these ingredients is low due to insufficient human studies or small sample sizes. Check blood sugar more often. Pictured Recipe : Broccoli with Balsamic Mushrooms. These five things are some of the best ways to keep your glucose levels in check throughout the day.
Manage Blood Sugar	Clinical Trials. Men should aim for 30 to 38 grams of fiber per day; women should aim for 21 to 25 grams of fiber per day. Try to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. They also cause blood sugar to rise quickly. Then you apply the blood to a test strip. If you have diabetes, testing your blood sugar levels can be a key part of staying healthy. Some CGMs show your blood sugar reading at all times.

Keeping sugar levels in check -

There are different kinds of meters, but most of them work the same way. Ask your health care team to show you the benefits of each. The following standard recommendations are from the American Diabetes Association ADA for people who have diagnosed diabetes and are not pregnant.

Work with your doctor to identify your personal blood sugar goals based on your age, health, diabetes treatment, and whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Your range may be different if you have other health conditions or if your blood sugar is often low or high.

Make sure to get an A1C test at least twice a year. A1C results tell you your average blood sugar level over 3 months. A1C results may be different in people with hemoglobin problems such as sickle cell anemia.

Work with your doctor to decide the best A1C goal for you. If after taking this test your results are too high or too low, your diabetes care plan may need to be adjusted.

When visiting your doctor, you might keep these questions in mind to ask during your appointment. If you have other questions about your numbers or your ability to manage your diabetes, make sure to work closely with your doctor or health care team.

Skip directly to site content Skip directly to search. Español Other Languages. Monitoring Your Blood Sugar. Español Spanish Print. Minus Related Pages. Make Friends With Your Numbers.

Getting an A1C Test Make sure to get an A1C test at least twice a year. Your A1C result will be reported in two ways: A1C as a percentage. Estimated average glucose eAG , in the same kind of numbers as your day-to-day blood sugar readings. Questions To Ask Your Doctor When visiting your doctor, you might keep these questions in mind to ask during your appointment.

What is my target blood sugar range? How often should I check my blood sugar? What do these numbers mean? Are there patterns that show I need to change my diabetes treatment? What changes need to be made to my diabetes care plan? In addition to preventing dehydration, it helps your kidneys flush out any excess sugar through urine.

One review of observational studies showed that those who drank more water had a lower risk of developing high blood sugar levels Drinking water regularly may rehydrate the blood, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce diabetes risk 20 , Keep in mind that water and other zero-calorie drinks are best.

Avoid sugar-sweetened options, as these can raise blood glucose, drive weight gain, and increase diabetes risk 22 , Staying hydrated can reduce blood sugar levels and diabetes risk.

Choose water and zero-calorie drinks and avoid sugar-sweetened beverages. Portion control can help you regulate your calorie intake and maintain a moderate weight 24 , Consequently, weight management promotes healthy blood sugar levels and has been shown to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes 1 , 26 , Monitoring your serving sizes also helps prevent blood sugar spikes 2.

The glycemic index GI measures how quickly carbs break down during digestion and how rapidly your body absorbs them. This affects how quickly your blood sugar levels rise The GI divides foods into low, medium, and high GI and ranks them on a scale of 0— Low GI foods have a ranking of 55 or less 15 , Both the amount and type of carbs you eat determine how a food affects your blood sugar levels.

Specifically, eating low GI foods has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes 15 , Furthermore, adding protein or healthy fats helps minimize blood sugar spikes after a meal Stress can affect your blood sugar levels When stressed, your body secretes hormones called glucagon and cortisol, which cause blood sugar levels to rise 29 , One study including a group of students showed that exercise, relaxation, and meditation significantly reduced stress and lowered blood sugar levels Exercises and relaxation methods like yoga and mindfulness-based stress reduction may also help correct insulin secretion problems among people with chronic diabetes 31 , 32 , Managing your stress levels through exercise or relaxation methods like yoga may help you regulate blood sugar levels.

Monitoring blood glucose levels can help you better manage them You can do so at home using a portable blood glucose meter, which is known as a glucometer. You can discuss this option with your doctor.

Keeping track allows you to determine whether you need to adjust your meals or medications. It also helps you learn how your body reacts to certain foods 2.

Try measuring your levels regularly every day and keeping track of the numbers in a log. Also, it may be more helpful to track your blood sugar in pairs — for example, before and after exercise or before and 2 hours after a meal. This can show you whether you need to make small changes to a meal if it spikes your blood sugar, rather than avoiding your favorite meals altogether.

Some adjustments include swapping a starchy side for non-starchy veggies or limiting them to a handful. Checking your blood glucose and maintaining a daily log enables you to adjust foods and medications when necessary to better manage your blood sugar levels.

Getting enough sleep feels excellent and is necessary for good health In fact, poor sleeping habits and a lack of rest can affect blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

They can also increase appetite and promote weight gain 36 , 37 , Additionally, sleep deprivation raises levels of the hormone cortisol, which, as explained, plays an essential role in blood sugar management 29 , Adequate sleep is about both quantity and quality. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults get at least 7—8 hours of high quality sleep per night To improve the quality of your sleep , try to:.

Good sleep helps maintain your blood sugar levels and promotes a healthy weight. On the other hand, poor sleep can disrupt critical metabolic hormones.

High blood sugar levels and diabetes have been linked to micronutrient deficiencies. Some examples include deficiencies in the minerals chromium and magnesium Chromium is involved in carb and fat metabolism. It may potentiate the action of insulin, thus aiding blood sugar regulation 41 , 42 , 43 , Chromium-rich foods include:.

However, the mechanisms behind this proposed connection are not entirely known, and studies report mixed findings. As such, more research is needed 41 , 45 , Magnesium has also been shown to benefit blood sugar levels.

In fact, diets rich in magnesium are associated with a significantly reduced risk of diabetes In contrast, low magnesium levels may lead to insulin resistance and decreased glucose tolerance in people with diabetes 47 , 48 , Eating foods rich in chromium and magnesium can help prevent deficiencies and reduce the risk of blood sugar problems.

However, the overall quality of evidence on these ingredients is low due to insufficient human studies or small sample sizes. Therefore, no conclusive recommendations can be made regarding their use Some of the foods touted to have anti-diabetes effects include 51 , 52 :.

Finally, the Food and Drug Administration FDA does not regulate supplements in the same way that it regulates prescription medications. Some foods are believed to have blood-sugar-lowering effects. However, research is still inconclusive, and they may negatively interact with your diabetes medication.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here. Maintaining a moderate weight promotes healthy blood sugar levels and reduces your risk of developing diabetes 2 , 26 , 27 , For example, if a person weighs pounds 91 kg and loses just 10—14 pounds 4. These are used as indicators of your blood sugar levels over the past 3 months 60 , Maintaining a moderate weight will support blood sugar management and decrease your risk of developing diabetes.

Spreading your meals and snacks throughout the day may help you avoid both high and low blood sugar levels Snacking between meals may also reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes In fact, several studies suggest that having smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day could improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels 62 , In addition, eating smaller meals and healthy snacks throughout the day may lower glycated hemoglobin HbA1c readings, indicating improvements in blood sugar levels over the previous 3 months Snacking between meals could keep your blood sugar levels from spiking or plummeting throughout the day.

Probiotics are friendly bacteria that offer numerous health benefits, including improved blood sugar regulation 65 , 66 , 67 , Research shows that probiotic intake may lower fasting blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin HbA1c , and insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes 65 , 66 , 67 , Interestingly, studies have found that improvements in blood sugar levels are more significant in people who consume multiple species of probiotics and for at least 8 weeks 69 , Probiotic-rich foods include fermented foods, such as:.

Insulin is a hormone that balances blood sugar in the body. These are defined as excessive thirst, urination, and appetite, respectively. Many of them include making lifestyle changes, like managing your weight, stress levels, and sleep quality, exercising, and staying hydrated.

That said, some of the biggest improvements have to do with your dietary choices. Be sure to talk with your healthcare professional before making lifestyle changes or trying new supplements— especially if you have problems with blood sugar management or are taking medications. Read this article in Spanish.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. VIEW ALL HISTORY.

Ih Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida Population-specific skinfold measurements Minnesota and at Mayo Sugwr Health System locations. Diabetes management Keeping sugar levels in check lfvels. Keeping sugar levels in check what makes your blood sugar level rise and fall — and how to control these day-to-day factors. When you have diabetes, it's important to keep your blood sugar levels within the range recommended by your healthcare professional. But many things can make your blood sugar levels change, sometimes quickly. Find out some of the factors that can affect blood sugar. Then learn what you can do to manage them. Keep blood sugar sugxr check and Full-bodied caffeine-free coffee prevent prediabetes by Keeping sugar levels in check these foods levelx your diet. Jessica Migala is a health and ij writer. Her legels has appeared in more than 40 outlets. She focuses on a variety of topics such as diabetes prevention, vision care, nutrition, skincare, sleep health, pregnancy and post-partum care, among others. A graduate of Syracuse University, Jessica now lives in the Chicago suburbs with her two young sons, rescue beagle, and husband.

Keeping sugar levels in check -

The A1C test shows your average blood glucose level over the past 3 months. The A1C goal for many people with diabetes is below 7 percent. Ask your health care team what your goal should be.

Ask what your goal should be. You have two kinds of cholesterol in your blood: LDL and HDL. Too much bad cholesterol can cause a heart attack or stroke. Ask your health care team what your cholesterol numbers should be.

If you are over 40 years of age, you may need to take a statin drug for heart health. Not smoking is especially important for people with diabetes because both smoking and diabetes narrow blood vessels.

Blood vessel narrowing makes your heart work harder. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, stop. You can start by calling the national quitline at QUITNOW or For tips on quitting, go to SmokeFree. Keeping your A1C, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels close to your goals and stopping smoking may help prevent the long-term harmful effects of diabetes.

These health problems include heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, and eye disease. You can keep track of your ABCs with a diabetes care record PDF, KB.

Take it with you on your health care visits. Talk about your goals and how you are doing, and whether you need to make any changes in your diabetes care plan.

Make a diabetes meal plan with help from your health care team. Following a meal plan will help you manage your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol.

Choose fruits and vegetables, beans, whole grains, chicken or turkey without the skin, fish, lean meats, and nonfat or low-fat milk and cheese.

Drink water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages. Choose foods that are lower in calories, saturated fat , trans fat , sugar, and salt. Learn more about eating, diet, and nutrition with diabetes. Set a goal to be more physically active. Try to work up to 30 minutes or more of physical activity on most days of the week.

Brisk walking and swimming are good ways to move more. If you are not active now, ask your health care team about the types and amounts of physical activity that are right for you.

Learn more about being physically active with diabetes. Following your meal plan and being more active can help you stay at or get to a healthy weight. If you are overweight or obese, work with your health care team to create a weight-loss plan that is right for you.

Take your medicines for diabetes and any other health problems, even when you feel good or have reached your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol goals. These medicines help you manage your ABCs. Ask your doctor if you need to take aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke. Tell your health care professional if you cannot afford your medicines or if you have any side effects from your medicines.

Learn more about insulin and other diabetes medicines. For many people with diabetes, checking their blood glucose level each day is an important way to manage their diabetes.

Monitoring your blood glucose level is most important if you take insulin. The results of blood glucose monitoring can help you make decisions about food, physical activity, and medicines. The most common way to check your blood glucose level at home is with a blood glucose meter. You get a drop of blood by pricking the side of your fingertip with a lancet.

Then you apply the blood to a test strip. The meter will show you how much glucose is in your blood at the moment. Over time, it can lead to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Vinegar, particularly apple cider vinegar , has been found to have many health benefits.

It has been linked to weight loss, cholesterol reduction, antibacterial properties and blood sugar control 31 , 32 , Several studies show that consuming vinegar can increase insulin response and reduce blood sugar spikes 31 , 34 , 35 , 36 , One study found vinegar significantly reduced blood sugar in participants who had just consumed a meal containing 50 grams of carbs.

The study also found that the stronger the vinegar, the lower the blood sugar Another study looked into the effect of vinegar on blood sugar after participants consumed carbs. The addition of vinegar can also lower the glycemic index of a food, which can help reduce blood sugar spikes.

A study in Japan found that adding pickled foods to rice decreased the glycemic index of the meal significantly Vinegar has been shown to increase insulin response and help control blood sugar when taken with carbs.

It is thought to enhance the action of insulin. This could help control blood sugar spikes by encouraging the cells to absorb sugar from the blood.

In one small study, 13 healthy men were given 75 grams of white bread with or without chromium added. Recommended dietary intakes for chromium can be found here.

Rich food sources include broccoli, egg yolks, shellfish, tomatoes and Brazil nuts. Magnesium is another mineral that has been linked to blood sugar control. In one study of 48 people, half were given a mg magnesium supplement along with lifestyle advice, while the other half were just given lifestyle advice.

Insulin sensitivity increased in the group given magnesium supplements Another study investigated the combined effects of supplementing with chromium and magnesium on blood sugar. They found that a combination of the two increased insulin sensitivity more than either supplement alone Recommended dietary intakes for magnesium can be found here.

Rich food sources include spinach, almonds, avocados, cashews and peanuts. Chromium and magnesium may help increase insulin sensitivity. Evidence shows they may be more effective together. Cinnamon and fenugreek have been used in alternative medicine for thousands of years.

They have both been linked to blood sugar control. The scientific evidence for the use of cinnamon in blood sugar control is mixed. In healthy people, cinnamon has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar spikes following a carb-based meal 43 , 44 , 45 , It found that eating 6 grams of cinnamon with grams of rice pudding significantly reduced blood sugar spikes, compared to eating the pudding alone One review looked at 10 high-quality studies in a total of people with diabetes.

The review found no significant difference in blood sugar spikes after participants had taken cinnamon The European Food Safety Authority EFSA has set the tolerable daily intake of coumarin at 0.

This is around half a teaspoon 1 gram of Cassia cinnamon for a pound kg person One of the properties of fenugreek is that the seeds are high in soluble fiber. An analysis of 10 studies found that fenugreek significantly reduced blood sugar two hours after eating Fenugreek may help reduce blood sugar spikes.

It can be added to food, but it does have quite a strong taste, so some people prefer to take it as a supplement. Both cinnamon and fenugreek are relatively safe. They may have beneficial effects on your blood sugar if you take them with a meal that contains carbs.

Berberine is a chemical that can be extracted from several different plants It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Some of its uses include cholesterol reduction, weight loss and blood sugar control 52 , Berberine reduces the amount of sugar produced by the liver and increases insulin sensitivity.

It has even been found to be as effective as some drugs used for type 2 diabetes 54 , 55 , 56 , One study looked at people with type 2 diabetes who either received berberine or a placebo for three months.

However, another study found berberine caused side effects in some people, such as diarrhea, constipation and gas Although berberine appears to be fairly safe, speak to your doctor before taking it if you have any medical conditions or are taking any medication.

If you really want to reduce your blood sugar spikes, you should also consider these lifestyle factors that can affect blood sugar. Stress can negatively affect your health in a number of ways, causing headaches, increased blood pressure and anxiety.

It has also been shown to affect blood sugar. As stress levels go up, your body releases certain hormones. The effect is to release stored energy in the form of sugar into your bloodstream for the fight-or-flight response One study of Italian workers found an increase in work-related stress was directly linked to an increase in blood sugar levels Actively addressing stress has also been found to benefit your blood sugar.

In a study of nursing students, yoga exercises were found to reduce stress and blood sugar spikes following a meal Both too little and too much sleep have been associated with poor blood sugar control.

A study of nine healthy people showed that sleeping too little, or only for 4 hours, increased insulin resistance and blood sugar levels Find out some of the factors that can affect blood sugar.

Then learn what you can do to manage them. Healthy eating is important for everyone. But when you have diabetes, you need to know how foods affect your blood sugar levels. It's not only the type of food you eat. It's also how much you eat and the types of food you combine in meals and snacks.

Learn about planning balanced meals. A healthy-eating plan includes knowing what to eat and how much to eat. Two common ways to plan meals are carbohydrate counting and the plate method.

Ask your healthcare professional or a registered dietitian if either type of meal planning is right for you. Understand carbohydrate counting. Counting carbs involves keeping track of how many grams of carbohydrates you eat and drink during the day.

If you take diabetes medicine called insulin at mealtimes, it's important to know the amount of carbohydrates in foods and drinks. That way, you can take the right dose of insulin. Among all foods, carbs often have the biggest impact on blood sugar levels.

That's because the body breaks them down into sugar, which raises blood sugar levels. Some carbs are better for you than others. For example, fruits, vegetables and whole grains are full of nutrients. They have fiber that helps keep blood sugar levels more stable too. Eat fewer refined, highly processed carbs.

These include white bread, white rice, sugary cereal, cakes, cookies, candy and chips. Get to know the plate method. This type of meal planning is simpler than counting carbs. The plate method helps you eat a healthy balance of foods and control portion sizes.

Use a 9-inch plate. Fill half of the plate with nonstarchy vegetables. Examples include lettuce, cucumbers, broccoli, tomatoes and green beans. Divide the other half of the plate into two smaller, equal sections. You might hear these smaller sections called quarters.

In one quarter of the plate, place a lean protein. Examples include fish, beans, eggs, and lean meat and poultry. On the other quarter, place healthy carbohydrates such as fruits and whole grains. Be mindful of portion sizes. Learn what portion size is right for each type of food. Everyday objects can help you remember.

For example, one serving of meat or poultry is about the size of a deck of cards. A serving of cheese is about the size of six grapes.

And a serving of cooked pasta or rice is about the size of a fist. You also can use measuring cups or a scale to help make sure you get the right portion sizes.

Balance your meals and medicines. If you take diabetes medicine, it's important to balance what you eat and drink with your medicine.

Too little food in proportion to your diabetes medicine — especially insulin — can lead to dangerously low blood sugar. This is called hypoglycemia. Too much food may cause your blood sugar level to climb too high.

This is called hyperglycemia. Talk to your diabetes health care team about how to best coordinate meal and medicine schedules. Limit sugary drinks. Sugar-sweetened drinks tend to be high in calories and low in nutrition. They also cause blood sugar to rise quickly.

So it's best to limit these types of drinks if you have diabetes. The exception is if you have a low blood sugar level. Sugary drinks can be used to quickly raise blood sugar that is too low. These drinks include regular soda, juice and sports drinks.

Exercise is another important part of managing diabetes. When you move and get active, your muscles use blood sugar for energy. Regular physical activity also helps your body use insulin better. These factors work together to lower your blood sugar level. The more strenuous your workout, the longer the effect lasts.

But even light activities can improve your blood sugar level. Light activities include housework, gardening and walking. Talk to your healthcare professional about an exercise plan. Ask your healthcare professional what type of exercise is right for you.

In general, most adults should get at least minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity. That includes activities that get the heart pumping, such as walking, biking and swimming. Aim for about 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a day on most days of the week.

Most adults also should aim to do strength-building exercise 2 to 3 times a week. If you haven't been active for a long time, your healthcare professional may want to check your overall health first.

Then the right balance of aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercise can be recommended. Keep an exercise schedule. Ask your healthcare professional about the best time of day for you to exercise.

That way, your workout routine is aligned with your meal and medicine schedules. Know your numbers. Talk with your healthcare professional about what blood sugar levels are right for you before you start exercise. Check your blood sugar level. Also talk with your healthcare professional about your blood sugar testing needs.

If you don't take insulin or other diabetes medicines, you likely won't need to check your blood sugar before or during exercise. But if you take insulin or other diabetes medicines, testing is important.

Check your blood sugar before, during and after exercise. Many diabetes medicines lower blood sugar. So does exercise, and its effects can last up to a day later. The risk of low blood sugar is greater if the activity is new to you.

The risk also is greater if you start to exercise at a more intense level. Be aware of symptoms of low blood sugar. These include feeling shaky, weak, tired, hungry, lightheaded, irritable, anxious or confused. See if you need a snack. Have a small snack before you exercise if you use insulin and your blood sugar level is low.

The snack you have before exercise should contain about 15 to 30 grams of carbs. Or you could take 10 to 20 grams of glucose products. This helps prevent a low blood sugar level. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water or other fluids while exercising.

Dehydration can affect blood sugar levels. Be prepared. Always have a small snack, glucose tablets or glucose gel with you during exercise. You'll need a quick way to boost your blood sugar if it drops too low. Carry medical identification too. In case of an emergency, medical identification can show others that you have diabetes.

It also can show whether you take diabetes medicine such as insulin. Medical IDs come in forms such as cards, bracelets and necklaces. Adjust your diabetes treatment plan as needed. If you take insulin, you may need to lower your insulin dose before you exercise.

You also may need to watch your blood sugar level closely for several hours after intense activity. That's because low blood sugar can happen later on. Your healthcare professional can advise you how to correctly make changes to your medicine.

You also may need to adjust your treatment if you've increased how often or how hard you exercise. Insulin and other diabetes medicines are designed to lower blood sugar levels when diet and exercise alone don't help enough. How well these medicines work depends on the timing and size of the dose.

Medicines you take for conditions other than diabetes also can affect your blood sugar levels. Store insulin properly. Insulin that is not stored properly or is past its expiration date may not work. Keep insulin away from extreme heat or cold.

Don't store it in the freezer or in direct sunlight. Tell your healthcare professional about any medicine problems.

Your blood sugar target is the range you on to reach Treating dry skin much as Keeping sugar levels in check. Read about Suugar Your Keeping sugar levels in check Keepung and All About Sugarr A1C. Staying in your target range can also help improve your energy and mood. Find answers below to common questions about blood sugar for people with diabetes. Use a blood sugar meter also called a glucometer or a continuous glucose monitor CGM to check your blood sugar.