High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, is common. An estimated 45% of adults in the United States have either prediabetes or diabetes.1 High blood sugar over time puts you at risk for complications, including heart disease and stroke, as well as kidney, eye, and nerve damage. While many people will require medications to control blood sugar, several lifestyle changes can help lower blood sugar naturally. This article will discuss 12 ways to lower GlucoLife Blood Sugar sugar naturally, many of which also have benefits on overall health. Carbohydrates are a type of nutrients that are broken down and absorbed as sugar in the body. Carbs can be classified as simple or complex. Simple carbs are quickly broken down and absorbed, and thus quickly raise blood sugar. Changing diet can have a drastic effect on blood sugar levels. Limiting carbohydrates and replacing simple carbs with complex carbs can lower blood sugar. For those with diabetes and prediabetes, it’s important to stay hydrated.
For those with high blood sugar, it’s important to avoid hydrating beverages that contain sugar, like sports and energy drinks. Sticking to water is adequate for most people, except for those with large fluid losses from very strenuous exercise. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate, however, it doesn’t increase blood sugar.6 It is important to note that even foods high in fiber can increase blood sugar. Whole grains, vegetables, and fruits are generally high in fiber. Garlic contains many compounds that have been associated in limited studies with some beneficial effects, like lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol, and reducing stomach cancer risk. Because of its potential health benefits, if you like garlic, it makes sense to keep eating it. However, don’t expect that using garlic supplements will have drastic effects in lowering your blood sugar. Also be aware that nutritional supplements are not regulated in the same way that pharmaceutical products are in the United States, may contain contaminants and varying concentrations, and may interact with medications.10 Discuss garlic supplements with a healthcare professional before starting a supplement.
Eating a large meal, particularly when one that’s heavy in carbs, can cause significant blood sugar spikes in addition to causing overeating and weight gain, both of which can contribute to high blood sugar. It’s important for everyone, but especially people with prediabetes and diabetes, to include a nutritious breakfast in their meal plan. Healthy food items like oatmeal, unsweetened yogurt with fruit, and eggs can be part of a healthy breakfast. One of the most powerful ways to control blood sugar is to keep a healthy weight. Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes and prediabetes. Exercise is a proven way to lower blood sugar. Exercise combats risk factors of diabetes, like obesity and having a sedentary lifestyle. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, which can be achieved in many ways.17 Often, commitment to a structured exercise program with a type of exercise you enjoy can make sticking to an exercise routine easier.
Smoking has many negative health effects that include heart disease, cancer, and early death. Poor sleep health has been associated with several poor health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, mood disorders, and insulin resistance. Chronic stress is another lifestyle factor that contributes to poor health and increases risk of cardiovascular disease and GlucoLife metabolic wellness disorders like diabetes.22 During periods of stress, the body makes hormones, like cortisol, that result in increased blood sugar. Never abruptly stop taking insulin without talking with your healthcare provider since this can result in dangerously high blood sugar levels. However, instituting lifestyle changes to diabetes may lessen the dose of insulin that is needed to control your blood sugar. It’s always a good idea to talk with your provider about any changes you are making so that they can provide guidance on potential medication dose changes. Prediabetes and diabetes are marked by elevated blood sugar, which over time contributes to health complications. Lowering blood sugar is an important goal of treating these conditions, and a combination of medication and lifestyle changes are often needed.
There are several well-proven methods for blood sugar control, like limiting carbohydrates, exercising, quitting smoking, and controlling weight. Lifestyle changes can help lower your blood sugar, but it won’t happen overnight. Lowering blood sugar naturally takes time, but it’s important for your health in the long term. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for advice about how to make the necessary change to lower your blood sugar. How can I lower blood sugar immediately without insulin? It’s much easier to quickly raise blood sugar than it is to quickly lower blood sugar. Lowering blood sugar takes time and effort, but some ways include staying hydrated, limiting carbohydrates, exercising, and getting your weight under control. Does drinking apple cider vinegar lower blood sugar? Apple cider vinegar is thought by some to have several beneficial health effects. One meta-analysis suggested some improvement in fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1c in people who consumed apple cider vinegar, however the existing data is fairly limited.25 So while drinking apple cider vinegar or taking supplements might lower fasting blood sugar by a small amount, don’t expect it to cure diabetes.
