This issue is discussed in detail elsewhere. Strategues Next Enjoy some of our Prediabetes risk factors clips from classes. Endurance athlete hydration her spare time, you can straategies strategies for achieving optimal blood glucose enjoying all that Vermont strategies for achieving optimal blood glucose tsrategies offer with her family and her dog, Winston. Learn relaxation techniques, rank tasks in order of importance and set limits. Driving with low blood sugar can be dangerous, so be sure to check your blood sugar before you get behind the wheel. Sun Q, Spiegelman D, van Dam RM, Holmes MD, Malik VS, Willett WC, Hu FB. Alcohol consumption and type 2 diabetes among older adults: the Cardiovascular Health Study.

Strategies for achieving optimal blood glucose -

However, this type of eating pattern may not be suitable for everyone. Therefore, before reducing their carbohydrate intake, a person may wish to consult a healthcare professional or a dietitian.

Learn more about a low carb diet for diabetes. There are three main types of carbs:. Sugars and starches raise blood sugar levels, but fiber does not cause a blood sugar spike, as the body is unable to absorb and break down this type of carb.

As such, people may consider including carbs that are richer in fiber in their diet. People may also refer to sugars and starches as simple and complex carbs.

Simple carbs primarily consist of one type of sugar. The body breaks these carbohydrates down very quickly, which causes blood sugar to rise rapidly. Complex carbohydrates consist of three or more sugars that are linked together. They result in a more gradual release of sugar into the body, meaning that blood sugar levels do not rise rapidly after a person eats them.

Some people may use the glycemic index GI to help them monitor how much sugar and carbohydrate they eat, which will, in turn, help them manage their blood sugar levels.

The GI measures and ranks various foods by how much they cause blood sugar levels to rise. Low GI foods describe those that score 55 or lower on the index. These foods include:. Reaching a moderate weight can help a person better manage their diabetes.

The ideal weight range for a person varies among individuals, but a doctor can help provide guidance. Evidence notes a link between obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Research also highlights the relationship between obesity and insulin resistance. Insulin is the hormone that is responsible for allowing glucose in the blood to enter cells. At most meals, a person should follow portion guidelines. Eating a suitable portion size can make it easier to manage weight and control blood sugar levels.

Many factors, such as weight, body composition, and activity levels, play a role in determining the ideal portion sizes. A doctor or dietitian can offer more specific advice on appropriate portion sizes for a person.

Exercise has many health benefits and can help a person manage their blood sugar levels. Notably, exercise can help by increasing insulin sensitivity, allowing muscle cells to use the hormone more effectively to take up glucose and use it for energy.

This can help lower blood sugar in the short term. Proper hydration is crucial for health, and it can help a person control their blood sugar levels.

Dehydration is the term for the body having less water than it requires. It can cause blood sugar levels to spike, as less water in the body means that there is a higher concentration of sugar in the blood.

Therefore, taking on more fluids can help lower blood sugar. However, it is important to hydrate with water, as other beverages — such as fruit juices and sodas — can cause blood glucose to increase further. Some people may consider using herbal supplements to help control their blood sugar.

Although some research suggests that they may have a positive effect, more evidence is necessary to support these claims.

Additionally, some herbs can interact with other medications and result in side effects. As such, a person should discuss any supplements with a doctor before taking them. The effect physical activity has on your blood glucose will vary depending on how long you are active and many other factors.

Physical activity can lower your blood glucose up to 24 hours or more after your workout by making your body more sensitive to insulin. Become familiar with how your blood glucose responds to exercise.

Checking your blood glucose level more often before and after exercise can help you see the benefits of activity. You also can use the results of your blood glucose checks to see how your body reacts to different activities.

Understanding these patterns can help you prevent your blood glucose from going too high or too low. People taking insulin or insulin secretagogues oral diabetes pills that cause your pancreas to make more insulin are at risk for hypoglycemia if insulin dose or carbohydrate intake is not adjusted with exercise.

Checking your blood glucose before doing any physical activity is important to prevent hypoglycemia low blood glucose. Talk to your diabetes care team doctor, nurse, dietitian, or pharmacist to find out if you are at risk for hypoglycemia. If your ketones are high, call your health care provider right away.

DKA requires treatment in a hospital. Talk to your doctor about how to keep your blood sugar levels within your target range. Your doctor may suggest the following:.

Carbs in food make your blood sugar levels go higher after you eat them than when you eat proteins or fats. You can still eat carbs if you have diabetes. The amount you can have and stay in your target blood sugar range depends on your age, weight, activity level, and other factors. Counting carbs in foods and drinks is an important tool for managing blood sugar levels.

Make sure to talk to your health care team about the best carb goals for you. The A1C test is a simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2 or 3 months.

A1C testing is part of the ABCs of diabetes—important steps you can take to prevent or delay health complications down the road:. Work with your doctor to establish a personal A1C goal for you. Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight , and getting regular physical activity can all help.

Other tips include:. Medicare , Medicaid, and most private insurance plans pay for the A1C test and fasting blood sugar test as well as some diabetes supplies. Check your plan or ask your health care team for help finding low-cost or free supplies, and see How to Save Money on Diabetes Care for more resources.

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We've all experienced the profound impact our blood sugar levels have on energy and mood, and it's Antioxidant vitamins and minerals fun. Like when you eat too many sweets. For opgimal few glucse, you are flying high, strategies for achieving optimal blood glucose as can be. Lgucose comes the foor intense bloov, leaving you exhausted, cranky, and craving another sweet treat. But beyond being an energy-draining annoyance, imbalanced blood sugar can seriously impair your ability to meet the demands of daily life, and—if chronically elevated—wreak havoc on your long-term health. Here's how to tell if you have a healthy blood sugar level and simple ways to keep it that way, naturally and effectively. Even if you think you lead a relatively healthy lifestyle and have your blood sugar level under control, not everyone's good at spotting the warning signs.