Muscles soak up glucose during exercise to burn for energy, and the higher-intensity movements may aid this process even more. Carbs plus protein or fat is a super combo when it comes to controlling blood sugar. The protein or fat you eat slows down digestion, thus buffering a blood sugar spike.

That's especially true if you have type 1 diabetes. That's the exact opposite of what you want to happen after you've eaten a meal.

Next time you grab some fruit carb , pair it with a hard-boiled egg protein. A glass of orange juice is not the same as eating a whole orange. Plus, you get more fiber from the whole fruit.

For instance, there are about 4 grams in a large orange, compared to less than 1 gram in 8 ounces of juice. A small amount of juice is OK, but it shouldn't be your go-to beverage, she says. When you do drink it, make sure you're serving it up in an actual juice glass which might hold 4 ounces, for example rather than a large cup.

Dinner is done, but the dishes can wait: it's time to go for a stroll. A study published in Medical Science Monitor showed that participants with type 2 diabetes who walked for 20 minutes after dinner at a slow-moderate pace signficantly reduced their blood sugar levels.

The walk-it-off strategy is especially helpful after eating carb-heavy meals, particularly dinner, other research has found. Staying active improves insulin sensitivity and helps your cells remove glucose from your bloodstream.

Get those walking shoes ready, it's only 10 minutes. If the weather isn't cooperating, walk in place in front of the TV or stay active indoors by streaming a workout class. You know vegetables are good for you—but they're not all equal when it comes to carbs.

A half-cup of starchy veggies, like peas, corn or squash, equals 15 grams of carbohydrates, Wylie-Rosett points out. But nonstarchy veggies contain about half that, so you can eat much more of them while making less of an impact on blood sugar.

Everything in moderation is fine, but make your most-of-the-time choices the nonstarchy variety, like lettuce, cauliflower, spinach, kale and Brussels sprouts. Here's another reason to ask your doctor to check your vitamin D levels: it could help you decrease your risk of diabetes.

If you are deficient, supplementing with vitamin D and calcium can help stabilize blood sugar levels. Scientists think the sunshine vitamin might impact insulin resistance. Your doctor can tell you if you need a supplement or not; in the meantime, make sure you fill your diet with D-rich foods like sardines, wild or UV-exposed mushrooms, fortified milk and non-dairy milk.

Yes, sipping water can affect your blood sugar. But the important point is avoiding dehydration, says Wylie-Rosett. When you're dehydrated , sugars in your blood are more concentrated, and thus, your blood glucose levels are higher. But you don't need to glug a ton.

You should generally drink water when you're thirsty—whether you have blood sugar problems or not, says Wylie-Rosett. They're one super-portable food that you can pop in your mouth without worrying that they're doing something funky to your blood sugar levels.

When eaten alone or with meals, nuts can help keep blood sugar levels steady because they're packed with healthy fats and few carbs. For instance, an ounce of almonds contains calories and only 6 grams of carbs, per the USDA.

Aim for five 1-ounce servings a week of nuts like pistachios, almonds and cashews. Pictured Recipe: Pizza Pistachios. Ditch eating lunch in front of your computer or having dinner while watching TV at night, and make it a goal to eat more mindfully.

This practice means that you pay attention to hunger and fullness cues, stay present when you're eating and assess the emotional component of food.

Bonus: Mindful eating can also help you deal with food cravings and prevent binge eating, two things that can spur weight gain. To suss out exactly what you need, many insurance plans cover medical nutrition therapy, which pairs you up with a registered dietitian to create the best plan for your unique needs.

And remember, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a nutritious diet and staying active all go a long way in keeping your blood sugar under control. Use limited data to select advertising. Create profiles for personalised advertising. Use profiles to select personalised advertising.

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Type 1 diabetes symptoms often start suddenly and are often the reason for checking blood sugar levels. Because symptoms of other types of diabetes and prediabetes come on more gradually or may not be easy to see, the American Diabetes Association ADA has developed screening guidelines.

The ADA recommends that the following people be screened for diabetes:. A1C test. This blood test, which doesn't require not eating for a period of time fasting , shows your average blood sugar level for the past 2 to 3 months.

It measures the percentage of blood sugar attached to hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. It's also called a glycated hemoglobin test. The higher your blood sugar levels, the more hemoglobin you'll have with sugar attached.

An A1C level of 6. An A1C between 5. Below 5. Glucose tolerance test. For this test, you fast overnight. Then, the fasting blood sugar level is measured. Then you drink a sugary liquid, and blood sugar levels are tested regularly for the next two hours. If your provider thinks you may have type 1 diabetes, they may test your urine to look for the presence of ketones.

Ketones are a byproduct produced when muscle and fat are used for energy. Your provider will also probably run a test to see if you have the destructive immune system cells associated with type 1 diabetes called autoantibodies.

Your provider will likely see if you're at high risk for gestational diabetes early in your pregnancy. If you're at high risk, your provider may test for diabetes at your first prenatal visit. If you're at average risk, you'll probably be screened sometime during your second trimester.

Our caring team of Mayo Clinic experts can help you with your diabetes-related health concerns Start Here. Depending on what type of diabetes you have, blood sugar monitoring, insulin and oral drugs may be part of your treatment. Eating a healthy diet, staying at a healthy weight and getting regular physical activity also are important parts of managing diabetes.

An important part of managing diabetes — as well as your overall health — is keeping a healthy weight through a healthy diet and exercise plan:. Healthy eating. Your diabetes diet is simply a healthy-eating plan that will help you control your blood sugar.

You'll need to focus your diet on more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains. These are foods that are high in nutrition and fiber and low in fat and calories.

You'll also cut down on saturated fats, refined carbohydrates and sweets. In fact, it's the best eating plan for the entire family. Sugary foods are OK once in a while. They must be counted as part of your meal plan. Understanding what and how much to eat can be a challenge. A registered dietitian can help you create a meal plan that fits your health goals, food preferences and lifestyle.

This will likely include carbohydrate counting, especially if you have type 1 diabetes or use insulin as part of your treatment. Physical activity. Everyone needs regular aerobic activity.

This includes people who have diabetes. Physical activity lowers your blood sugar level by moving sugar into your cells, where it's used for energy.

Physical activity also makes your body more sensitive to insulin. That means your body needs less insulin to transport sugar to your cells. Get your provider's OK to exercise.

Then choose activities you enjoy, such as walking, swimming or biking. What's most important is making physical activity part of your daily routine. Aim for at least 30 minutes or more of moderate physical activity most days of the week, or at least minutes of moderate physical activity a week.

Bouts of activity can be a few minutes during the day. If you haven't been active for a while, start slowly and build up slowly.

Also avoid sitting for too long. Try to get up and move if you've been sitting for more than 30 minutes. Treatment for type 1 diabetes involves insulin injections or the use of an insulin pump, frequent blood sugar checks, and carbohydrate counting. For some people with type 1 diabetes, pancreas transplant or islet cell transplant may be an option.

Treatment of type 2 diabetes mostly involves lifestyle changes, monitoring of your blood sugar, along with oral diabetes drugs, insulin or both. Depending on your treatment plan, you may check and record your blood sugar as many as four times a day or more often if you're taking insulin.

Careful blood sugar testing is the only way to make sure that your blood sugar level remains within your target range. People with type 2 diabetes who aren't taking insulin generally check their blood sugar much less often.

People who receive insulin therapy also may choose to monitor their blood sugar levels with a continuous glucose monitor. Although this technology hasn't yet completely replaced the glucose meter , it can lower the number of fingersticks necessary to check blood sugar and provide important information about trends in blood sugar levels.

Even with careful management, blood sugar levels can sometimes change unpredictably. With help from your diabetes treatment team, you'll learn how your blood sugar level changes in response to food, physical activity, medications, illness, alcohol and stress.

For women, you'll learn how your blood sugar level changes in response to changes in hormone levels. Besides daily blood sugar monitoring, your provider will likely recommend regular A1C testing to measure your average blood sugar level for the past 2 to 3 months.

Compared with repeated daily blood sugar tests, A1C testing shows better how well your diabetes treatment plan is working overall. A higher A1C level may signal the need for a change in your oral drugs, insulin regimen or meal plan.

Your target A1C goal may vary depending on your age and various other factors, such as other medical conditions you may have or your ability to feel when your blood sugar is low.

Ask your provider what your A1C target is. People with type 1 diabetes must use insulin to manage blood sugar to survive.

Many people with type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes also need insulin therapy. Many types of insulin are available, including short-acting regular insulin , rapid-acting insulin, long-acting insulin and intermediate options. Depending on your needs, your provider may prescribe a mixture of insulin types to use during the day and night.

Insulin can't be taken orally to lower blood sugar because stomach enzymes interfere with insulin's action. Insulin is often injected using a fine needle and syringe or an insulin pen — a device that looks like a large ink pen.

An insulin pump also may be an option. The pump is a device about the size of a small cellphone worn on the outside of your body. A tube connects the reservoir of insulin to a tube catheter that's inserted under the skin of your abdomen. 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.

An insulin pump, attached to the pocket, is a device that's worn outside of the body with a tube that connects the reservoir of insulin to a catheter inserted under the skin of the abdomen. Insulin pumps are programmed to deliver specific amounts of insulin automatically and when you eat.

A continuous glucose monitor, on the left, is a device that measures blood sugar every few minutes using a sensor inserted under the skin. Insulin pumps are programmed to deliver specific amounts of insulin continuously and with food. A tubeless pump that works wirelessly is also now available.

You program an insulin pump to dispense specific amounts of insulin. It can be adjusted to give out more or less insulin depending on meals, activity level and blood sugar level. A closed loop system is a device implanted in the body that links a continuous glucose monitor to an insulin pump.

The monitor checks blood sugar levels regularly. The device automatically delivers the right amount of insulin when the monitor shows that it's needed. The Food and Drug Administration has approved several hybrid closed loop systems for type 1 diabetes.

They are called "hybrid" because these systems require some input from the user. For example, you may have to tell the device how many carbohydrates are eaten, or confirm blood sugar levels from time to time.

A closed loop system that doesn't need any user input isn't available yet. But more of these systems currently are in clinical trials. Sometimes your provider may prescribe other oral or injected drugs as well.

Some diabetes drugs help your pancreas to release more insulin. Others prevent the production and release of glucose from your liver, which means you need less insulin to move sugar into your cells. Still others block the action of stomach or intestinal enzymes that break down carbohydrates, slowing their absorption, or make your tissues more sensitive to insulin.

Metformin Glumetza, Fortamet, others is generally the first drug prescribed for type 2 diabetes. Another class of medication called SGLT2 inhibitors may be used. They work by preventing the kidneys from reabsorbing filtered sugar into the blood. Instead, the sugar is eliminated in the urine.

In some people who have type 1 diabetes, a pancreas transplant may be an option. Islet transplants are being studied as well. With a successful pancreas transplant, you would no longer need insulin therapy. But transplants aren't always successful. And these procedures pose serious risks.

You need a lifetime of immune-suppressing drugs to prevent organ rejection. These drugs can have serious side effects. Because of this, transplants are usually reserved for people whose diabetes can't be controlled or those who also need a kidney transplant. Some people with type 2 diabetes who are obese and have a body mass index higher than 35 may be helped by some types of bariatric surgery.

People who've had gastric bypass have seen major improvements in their blood sugar levels. But this procedure's long-term risks and benefits for type 2 diabetes aren't yet known.

Controlling your blood sugar level is essential to keeping your baby healthy. It can also keep you from having complications during delivery. In addition to having a healthy diet and exercising regularly, your treatment plan for gestational diabetes may include monitoring your blood sugar.

In some cases, you may also use insulin or oral drugs. Your provider will monitor your blood sugar level during labor. If your blood sugar rises, your baby may release high levels of insulin.

This can lead to low blood sugar right after birth. Treatment for prediabetes usually involves healthy lifestyle choices. These habits can help bring your blood sugar level back to normal. Or it could keep it from rising toward the levels seen in type 2 diabetes.

Keeping a healthy weight through exercise and healthy eating can help. Drugs — such as metformin, statins and high blood pressure medications — may be an option for some people with prediabetes and other conditions such as heart disease.

Many factors can affect your blood sugar. Problems may sometimes come up that need care right away. High blood sugar hyperglycemia in diabetes can occur for many reasons, including eating too much, being sick or not taking enough glucose-lowering medication.

Check your blood sugar level as directed by your provider. And watch for symptoms of high blood sugar, including:. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes.

If your cells are starved for energy, your body may begin to break down fat. This makes toxic acids known as ketones, which can build up in the blood.

Watch for the following symptoms:. You can check your urine for excess ketones with a ketones test kit that you can get without a prescription. If you have excess ketones in your urine, talk with your provider right away or seek emergency care.

This condition is more common in people with type 1 diabetes. This condition is seen in people with type 2 diabetes. It often happens after an illness. Call your provider or seek medical care right away if you have symptoms of this condition.

If your blood sugar level drops below your target range, it's known as low blood sugar diabetic hypoglycemia. If you're taking drugs that lower your blood sugar, including insulin, your blood sugar level can drop for many reasons.

These include skipping a meal and getting more physical activity than normal. Low blood sugar also occurs if you take too much insulin or too much of a glucose-lowering medication that causes the pancreas to hold insulin.

Low blood sugar is best treated with carbohydrates that your body can absorb quickly, such as fruit juice or glucose tablets. 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.

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Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. Diabetes is a serious disease.

Following your diabetes treatment plan takes total commitment. Careful management of diabetes can lower your risk of serious or life-threatening complications.

Make physical activity part of your daily routine. Regular physical activity can help prevent prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

It can also help those who already have diabetes to maintain better blood sugar control. A minimum of 30 minutes of moderate physical activity — such as brisk walking — most days of the week is recommended.

Aim for at least minutes of moderate aerobic physical activity a week.

Symptoms of high blood sugar include:. If you get sick , your blood sugar can be hard to manage. You may not be able to eat or drink as much as usual, which can affect blood sugar levels.

High ketones can be an early sign of diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a medical emergency and needs to be treated immediately. Ketones are a kind of fuel produced when fat is broken down for energy. When too many ketones are produced too fast, they can build up in your body and cause diabetic ketoacidosis, or DKA.

DKA is very serious and can cause a coma or even death. Common symptoms of DKA include:. If you think you may have DKA, test your urine for ketones. Follow the test kit directions, checking the color of the test strip against the color chart in the kit to see your ketone level.

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.

A study found that just a single bout of resistance training before a meal significantly reduced post-meal blood sugar levels in 10 sedentary men with obesity and prediabetes. Another small study explored the impact of various activities on blood sugar after a meal in eight people with type 2 diabetes.

They included uninterrupted sitting, 30 minutes of walking, 30 minutes of combined walking and aerobic exercise , and 15 minutes of circuit resistance training. Researchers found that all types of exercise improved post-meal blood sugar regulation, even though the resistance exercise required the least time commitment.

Pulses include all types of beans, lentils, peas, and chickpeas. This food group is rich in antioxidants, several key vitamins and minerals, and contains a unique combination of protein and high fiber carbohydrates.

A research review found that in adults with and without type 2 diabetes, eating more pulses improved both post-meal blood sugar levels and long-term regulation, including HbA1c values.

Another research summary concluded that pulse-based diets consistently resulted in substantial improvements in blood sugar control, as well as blood lipids fats , and body weight.

Eating three-quarters to one cup of pulses just one time significantly reduced post-meal blood sugar levels. And eating five cups of pulses per week improved HbA1c values in people with type 2 diabetes.

Add pulses to salads, soups, veggie chili, tacos, and curries, and opt for pulse pastas, like chickpea or lentil penne, as well as pulse-based dips, like hummus and bean dip.

A breakfast high in protein may help reduce post-meal blood sugar levels throughout the entire day. One small study in 12 healthy adults found that those who ate a high protein breakfast had reduced post-meal blood sugar levels after breakfast, lunch, and dinner, compared to those who ate a typical lower protein breakfast meal.

Avocados are full of good fat, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Including them in meals has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels.

A study in 31 people with overweight or obesity compared three calorie-matched meals that contained either no avocado, half an avocado, or a whole avocado. The meals with a half or a whole avocado reduced post-meal blood glucose levels and improved blood flow, compared to meals with no avocado.

This may help explain the results of a study that examined the link between avocado intake and type 2 diabetes in U. Continuous glucose monitors or CGMs have traditionally been used by people with diabetes.

But the devices have become increasingly popular with users who simply want to monitor and better regulate their blood sugar levels. CGMs involve apps synched to sensors typically placed on the back of the arm that measure interstitial sugar levels, which is the sugar found in the fluid between the cells.

A study in 12 healthy male volunteers concluded that CGMs were useful for evaluating post-meal blood sugar levels and researchers cite several CGM benefits, even for healthy people. These include the ability to see real-time trends and patterns in blood sugar levels throughout the day, the opportunity to see individual responses to various foods, and the ability to use the data to adapt eating and physical activity habits to keep blood sugar levels within a normal range.

Fermentation is the conversion of carbohydrates to alcohol or organic acids using microorganisms—yeasts or bacteria—under anaerobic conditions. Fermented foods include kefir, kombucha , sauerkraut, tempeh, natto, miso, kimchi, and sourdough bread.

In addition to supporting digestive health, research shows that fermented foods may slow carbohydrate absorption, which leads to lower post-meal blood sugar levels. In a study, 11 healthy adults consumed a high glycemic index meal known to raise blood sugar levels more quickly with either soda water, diet lemonade soft drink, or unpasteurized kombucha.

Only the fermented kombucha resulted in a clinically significant reduction in post-meal blood sugar. Fermented foods have also been shown to reduce inflammation , which is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Added sugar is sugar added to a food product by a manufacturer to sweeten it, or sugar you add yourself, like stirring sugar into your coffee.

Because added sugar is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream, it makes blood sugar levels spike. The American Heart Association recommends a limit of no more than 25 grams—or six teaspoons—of added sugar per day for women and no more than 36 grams or nine teaspoons for men.

In the World Health Organization WHO advised against the use of non-sugar sweeteners to control body weight or reduce the disease risk. Based on a scientific review, the organization stated that there may be potential undesirable effects from long-term non-sugar sweetener use, including an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Not consuming enough vitamin D can negatively impact blood sugar regulation, and according to the American Diabetes Association four in 10 adults are vitamin D deficient.

However, it's also important to say that too much vitamin D can lead to an abnormally high level of calcium in the blood, which can damage the kidneys, soft tissues, and bones over time.

A research review, which looked at 46 previously published studies, found that a vitamin D supplement improved blood sugar regulation and reduced HbA1c levels in patients with type 2 diabetes and low vitamin D.

A study concluded that adults who stay well-hydrated appear to be healthier, develop fewer chronic conditions, and live longer compared to those who may not consume enough fluids.

Proper hydration may also be a benefit blood sugar regulation. A research review found an inverse relationship between water intake and the risk of type 2 diabetes, meaning a higher intake lowered the risk. A small study in nine men with type 2 diabetes found that three days of low water intake impaired blood sugar regulation.

There are numerous benefits to managing blood sugar levels, including improved energy and mood and a reduced risk of several chronic diseases. A healthy lifestyle of exercising, staying hydrated and eating balanced meals can help naturally keep blood sugar levels in balance, and also offer additional health benefits, like reduced cholesterol and improved gut health.

For more information about how to best monitor or regulate your blood sugar, talk to your healthcare provider. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Manage Blood Sugar. Shukla AP, Andono J, Touhamy SH, Casper A, et al. Carbohydrate-last meal pattern lowers postprandial glucose and insulin excursions in type 2 diabetes.

BMJ Open Diabetes Res Care. Published online Sep doi: Shapira N. The metabolic concept of meal sequence vs. satiety: Glycemic and oxidative responses with reference to inflammation risk, protective principles and Mediterranean diet.

Published online Oct 5. Fiber: The Carb That Helps You Manage Diabetes. Yesmin F, Ali MOI, Sardar MMR, Munna MK, et al. Effects of dietary fiber on postprandial glucose in healthy adults.

November De Carvalho CM, De Paula TP, Viana LV, Mt Machado V, et al. Plasma glucose and insulin responses after consumption of breakfasts with different sources of soluble fiber in type 2 diabetes patients: a randomized crossover clinical trial.

Am J Clin Nutr. Epub Aug Soluble vs. insoluble fiber. Papakonstantinou E, Oikonomou C, Nychas G, Dimitriadis GD. Effects of Diet, Lifestyle, Chrononutrition and Alternative Dietary Interventions on Postprandial Glycemia and Insulin Resistance.

Published online Feb Takahashi M, Ozaki M, Kang M, Sasaki H, et al. Effects of Meal Timing on Postprandial Glucose Metabolism and Blood Metabolites in Healthy Adults.

Published online Nov All About Your A1C. Yuan X, Wang J, Yang S, Gao M, et al. Effect of Intermittent Fasting Diet on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism and Insulin Resistance in Patients with Impaired Glucose and Lipid Metabolism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Int J Endocrinol. Published online Mar Marventano S, Vetrani C, Vitale M, Godos J, et al. Whole Grain Intake and Glycaemic Control in Healthy Subjects: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Sanders LM, Zhu Y, Wilcox ML, Koecher K, et al. Whole grain intake, compared to refined grain, improves postprandial glycemia and insulinemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. Online ahead of print. Department of Agriculture. Food Group Gallery. Typically, medications such as insulin can help reduce blood sugars quickly. Different types of insulin exist, and each type has a different onset and duration — meaning how long it takes to work and how long the effects last, respectively.

For example, rapid-acting insulin typically begins to work within about 15 minutes , has the strongest effect in approximately an hour, and lasts for a few hours. Other methods, such as exercise, can help lower blood sugars for up to about 24 hours by making the body more sensitive to insulin.

Generally, it is advisable to exercise 1—3 hours after eating, as this is likely when blood sugar levels will be highest. However, it is important to check these levels before exercising and to check them regularly, particularly after any grueling activity.

If a person takes insulin, their risk of experiencing hypoglycemia may be highest 6—12 hours after exercising. Additionally, it is worth noting that health experts advise caution if exercising with high blood sugars, as physical activity may cause them to rise even higher. Managing blood sugar levels to prevent hyperglycemia is vital to avoid serious complications from diabetes.

A range of lifestyle interventions can help a person lower their blood sugar levels and keep them within the target range. A person can work with their diabetes healthcare team to plan strategies and targets. Researchers said baricitinib, a drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, showed promise in a clinical trial in helping slow the progression of type 1….

A new review indicates that insulin—used to manage diabetes—can be kept at room temperature for months without losing its potency. A study in rat models of diabetes suggests that spinach extract — both water- and alcohol-based — may help promote wound healing, which occurs very….

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Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. How can you lower your blood sugar levels? Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Lowering blood sugar Why manage blood sugar? How long does it take? Summary People living with diabetes need to manage their blood sugar levels.

How to lower blood sugar levels. Why is managing blood sugar important? How long does it take for blood sugar to go down?

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