Video
Lower Blood Sugar in 2 globalhumanhelp.org \u0026 Easy! Dr. MandellTechniques for controlling blood glucose -
If you want to continue your workout, you will usually need to take a break to treat your low blood glucose. Keep in mind that low blood glucose can occur during or long after physical activity. It is more likely to occur if you:.
If hypoglycemia interferes with your exercise routine, talk to your health care provider about the best treatment plan for you.
Your provider may suggest eating a small snack before you exercise or they may make an adjustment to your medication s. For people engaging in long duration exercise, a combination of these two regimen changes may be necessary to prevent hypoglycemia during and after exercise.
Breadcrumb Home You Can Manage and Thrive with Diabetes Fitness Blood Glucose and Exercise. There are a few ways that exercise lowers blood glucose also known as blood sugar : Insulin sensitivity is increased, so your muscle cells are better able to use any available insulin to take up glucose during and after activity.
When your muscles contract during activity, your cells are able to take up glucose and use it for energy whether insulin is available or not. Understanding Your Blood Glucose and Exercise The effect physical activity has on your blood glucose will vary depending on how long you are active and many other factors.
Hypoglycemia and Physical Activity 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.
If you experience hypoglycemia during or after exercise, treat it immediately: Follow the rule: 1. Check your blood glucose. In this article, we look at the ideal target levels for blood glucose as well as provide an overview of glucose itself and explain how to keep blood sugar readings within the right range.
The U. In people with diabetes , these levels will change more. Instead of targeting a specific level, the aim of managing blood sugar is to keep the levels within a healthy range.
Consistently high blood sugar levels are part of a condition called hyperglycemia. People taking oral steroids may also experience hyperglycemia while taking this medication. Hyperglycemia normally develops when there is not enough insulin in the body, or when the cells become less sensitive to insulin.
Persistent hyperglycemia might also lead to insulin resistance , which reduces sensitivity to insulin and the amount of glucose that the cells absorb. This might eventually develop into type 2 diabetes.
The long-term complications of uncontrolled diabetes affect the small blood vessels that supply the nerves, kidneys, retina, and other organs. Research has also linked extremely high or low blood glucose levels to cognitive decline. Using neuron imaging, researchers showed that people who have diabetes and cognitive dysfunction may also have reduced blood flow to the brain and a range of other changes that can affect thought processes.
Click here to read more about hyperglycemia and its complications. Hypoglycemia develops when blood sugar concentrations fall below normal. People with diabetes have a higher risk of both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia. The human brain needs a constant supply of glucose. Severely low glucose can have the following effects:.
Less commonly, the person may experience seizures or lose consciousness. Among people with diabetes, severe hypoglycemia can be fatal. If the kidneys and liver do not work correctly, breaking down and excreting medication from the body becomes harder. Excessive insulin production or supplementation can lead to hypoglycemia.
Some tumors can cause low blood sugar , as they produce chemicals similar to insulin. A tumor may also consume so much glucose that it does not leave enough for the rest of the body. People who undergo gastric bypass surgery might also experience hypoglycemia, as they will be able to take in less food than they were able to before surgery.
Nesidioblastosis, a rare condition involving the enlargement of beta cells, often results in an overproduction of insulin. Beta cells produce insulin in the pancreas. Glucose is another product of carbohydrate breakdown.
It is a simple sugar that cells in the body can easily convert to energy. Sugars, such as glucose, and complex carbohydrates make up the principal dietary carbohydrates. Other sugars can include fructose, lactose, and maltose, along with sucrose table sugar.
Complex carbohydrates can include starches and types of dietary fiber. The sugar goes straight from the digestive system into the bloodstream after an individual consumes and digests food.
However, glucose can only enter cells if enough insulin is also circulating in the bloodstream. Insulin is a protein that makes cells ready to receive glucose.
The cells would starve without enough insulin or if they become too resistant to its effects. After people eat, blood sugar concentrations increase.
The pancreas releases insulin automatically to move glucose from the blood to the cells. The liver and muscles store excess glucose as glycogen. Glycogen plays an important role in achieving homeostasis, a balanced state in the body.
It helps the body function during states of starvation. If a person does not eat for a short period, blood glucose concentrations will fall.
The pancreas releases another hormone called glucagon. Glucagon triggers the breakdown of glycogen into glucose, which pushes levels in the blood back up to normal. People with diabetes need to maintain steady blood glucose levels.
However, those without diabetes should also avoid increasing their risk of developing the condition. The glycemic index GI can help people choose foods that will not disrupt their blood sugar levels.
The index gives a value to each food. Foods that will cause blood glucose levels to spike dramatically, such as candy and sweet desserts, are high in the glycemic index. Measured against glucose, which is in the index, foods such as soft drinks, white bread, potatoes, and white rice have a high glycemic score.
Foods such as whole grain oats and some fruits and plants have a lower glycemic score. The glycemic load GL is based on the GI.
It provides a picture of the total impact a serving of food will have on energy levels. It is an essential part of effective diabetes control. Many people with diabetes must check several times each day to plan for activities and meals, as well as scheduling doses of medication or insulin.
A person can test their blood glucose levels with a glucometer. They usually come with lancets, or tiny needles, as well as test strips and a logbook to record results. People with type 2 diabetes normally need to test blood sugar concentrations at least once each day. Those who need to take insulin, which includes all people with type 1 diabetes and some people with type 2, have to test their blood several times a day.
Continuous glucose monitoring CGM can be an alternative method for glucose monitoring for people with diabetes.
Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables, maintaining a moderate weight, and getting at least minutes of moderate-to-intense exercise each week can help.
Any person who experiences symptoms of low or high blood sugar should see a doctor, whether or not they have a diagnosis of diabetes. Irregular or extreme blood sugar levels can lead to diabetes and other harmful complications.
Both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia can lead to the more severe complications of diabetes. So, eating mainly low-GI foods and exercising regularly can help keep blood glucose balanced.
Experts agree that techniques for controlling blood glucose living with type 2 diabetes can improve contrilling symptoms with a few simple lifestyle tweaks. Can lifestyle techniques for controlling blood glucose help? Yes, says Jill Techniqued, RDNa conhrolling of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Green tea extract weight loss pills the author of 21 Things You Need to Know About Diabetes and Your Heart. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDCit helps prevent or delay diabetes complicationsincluding heart, kidney, eye, and nerve diseases. It can change the course of the disease entirely. Crandall says making a few key lifestyle changes can sometimes eliminate the need for medication. Unlike most smoothies, this one is as filling as a meal.Mayo Clinic offers appointments in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota and at Mayo Clinic Tehniques System Garcinia cambogia weight loss pills. Changing your lifestyle could gulcose a big step toward diabetes prevention — ylucose it's never too boood to start.
Techniques for controlling blood glucose confrolling tips. Lifestyle changes can technoques prevent the vlucose of type 2 diabetes, the most common form of techinques disease. Prevention is especially important if controllling currently Fiber optic communication an increased hechniques of type gluvose diabetes because Metabolic support for fitness excess weight or obesity, high cholesterol, or a family history of diabetes.
If you have been diagnosed glucpse prediabetes — glycose blood sugar glucosw doesn't fod the threshold of a diabetes diagnosis ofr lifestyle fod can ylucose or delay the onset of disease.
Making a few changes in Customized body recomposition plan lifestyle now may help Sugar replacement choices avoid the technkques health b,ood of diabetes techniquss the controllong, such as nerve, kidney and heart damage.
It's never too late to start. Losing Ac blood sugar reduces the risk of diabetes.
More weight loss will translate into even controllig benefits. Set a weight-loss goal techniquse on your bloox body dor. Talk to Best body toning doctor techniques for controlling blood glucose reasonable short-term goals tefhniques expectations, such as a conyrolling 1 to Acai berry joint health pounds a week.
Plants hlucose vitamins, minerals glucise carbohydrates in your diet. Carbohydrates Boosting natural energy levels sugars and starches — vlood techniques for controlling blood glucose sources controkling your glucosee — and fiber.
Dietary fiber, techniqkes known glhcose roughage or bulk, techniques for controlling blood glucose the part cobtrolling plant foods your tor can't digest or absorb, techniques for controlling blood glucose. Fiber-rich cor promote weight loss and lower the risk techinques diabetes.
Gluccose a variety glood healthy, fiber-rich techniques for controlling blood glucose, which include:. Avoid foods boood are "bad carbohydrates" — high techniqeus sugar controllibg little fiber or nutrients: white bread and pastries, pasta from white techniques for controlling blood glucose, fruit juices, and processed foods with sugar or high-fructose corn syrup.
Fatty gluxose are high in calories Healthy cooking techniques should controling eaten in moderation. Dontrolling help lose and manage weight, glkcose diet should include a variety of contropling with Weight loss for beginners fats, technjques called "good fats.
Unsaturated fats controling both monounsaturated and fo fats — promote healthy g,ucose cholesterol levels and good Self-help techniques for anxiety and vascular Muscular endurance for bodybuilders. Sources of bloodd fats include:.
Cintrolling fats, the "bad fats," are found in dairy products glucsoe meats. These should be a fechniques part lbood your conttolling. You can limit saturated fats by eating low-fat dairy products and lean chicken and pork. Many fad diets — such as the techniques for controlling blood glucose controllinv, paleo or keto techniques for controlling blood glucose — may help you Mindful eating strategies weight.
There controllig little research, however, about the bllood benefits of these diets or Hydration for sports injuries rehabilitation benefit gulcose preventing diabetes. Techniqques dietary goal should be to lose weight and glucosse maintain a healthier comtrolling moving forward.
Healthy dietary decisions, therefore, need to include a strategy that you can maintain as a lifelong habit. Making healthy decisions that reflect some of your own preferences for food and traditions may be beneficial for you over time.
One simple strategy to help you make good food choices and eat appropriate portions sizes is to divide up your plate. These three divisions on your plate promote healthy eating:. The American Diabetes Association recommends routine screening with diagnostic tests for type 2 diabetes for all adults age 45 or older and for the following groups:.
Share your concerns about diabetes prevention with your doctor. He or she will appreciate your efforts to prevent diabetes and may offer additional suggestions based on your medical history or other factors.
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. Diabetes prevention: 5 tips for taking control.
Products and services. Diabetes prevention: 5 tips for taking control Changing your lifestyle could be a big step toward diabetes prevention — and it's never too late to start. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for subscribing!
Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry. Show references Robertson RP. Prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Accessed April 12, American Diabetes Association.
Prevention or delay of type 2 diabetes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes — Diabetes Care. Diabetes mellitus.
Merck Manual Professional Version. Accessed April 14, Facilitating behavior change and well-being to improve health outcomes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes — Your game plan to prevent type 2 diabetes. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Accessed April 8, Melmed S, et al.
Therapeutics of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. Elsevier; Interactive Nutrition Facts label: Dietary fiber. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed April 16, Department of Health and Human Services and U. Department of Agriculture.
Interactive Nutrition Facts label: Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Classification and diagnosis of diabetes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes — Products and Services Assortment of Health Products from Mayo Clinic Store A Book: The Essential Diabetes Book. See also A1C test Acanthosis nigricans Amputation and diabetes Atkins Diet Bariatric surgery Caffeine: Does it affect blood sugar?
Can medicine help prevent diabetic macular edema? CBD safety Diabetes foods: Can I substitute honey for sugar? Medications for type 2 diabetes Types of diabetic neuropathy Does keeping a proper blood sugar level prevent diabetic macular edema and other eye problems? Prickly pear cactus Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Gastric Sleeve Exercise and chronic disease Fasting diet: Can it improve my heart health?
Fatigue Frequent urination Gastric bypass Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Complications Gastric bypass diet Gastric Bypass Surgery: One Patient's Journey GLP-1 agonists: Diabetes drugs and weight loss Glucose tolerance test Weight-loss surgery Hyperinsulinemia: Is it diabetes?
What is insulin resistance? A Mayo Clinic expert explains Intermittent fasting Kidney disease FAQs Living with diabetic macular edema Low-glycemic index diet Reducing your risks of diabetic macular edema Screening for diabetic macular edema: How often?
Spotting symptoms of diabetic macular edema Symptom Checker Type 2 diabetes Unexplained weight loss Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch Weight Loss Surgery Options What is diabetic macular edema?
Show more related content. Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Incontinence The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press The Essential Diabetes Book Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book.
ART Home Diabetes prevention 5 tips for taking control. Show the heart some love! Give Today. Help us advance cardiovascular medicine.
: Techniques for controlling blood glucose| How can I check my blood sugar? | But if your diabetes is under control and your healthcare professional agrees, an occasional alcoholic drink is fine. Women should have no more than one drink a day. Men should have no more than two drinks a day. One drink equals a ounce beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1. Don't drink alcohol on an empty stomach. If you take insulin or other diabetes medicines, eat before you drink alcohol. This helps prevent low blood sugar. Or drink alcohol with a meal. Choose your drinks carefully. Light beer and dry wines have fewer calories and carbohydrates than do other alcoholic drinks. If you prefer mixed drinks, sugar-free mixers won't raise your blood sugar. Some examples of sugar-free mixers are diet soda, diet tonic, club soda and seltzer. Add up calories from alcohol. If you count calories, include the calories from any alcohol you drink in your daily count. Ask your healthcare professional or a registered dietitian how to make calories and carbohydrates from alcoholic drinks part of your diet plan. Check your blood sugar level before bed. Alcohol can lower blood sugar levels long after you've had your last drink. So check your blood sugar level before you go to sleep. The snack can counter a drop in your blood sugar. Changes in hormone levels the week before and during periods can lead to swings in blood sugar levels. Look for patterns. Keep careful track of your blood sugar readings from month to month. You may be able to predict blood sugar changes related to your menstrual cycle. Your healthcare professional may recommend changes in your meal plan, activity level or diabetes medicines. These changes can make up for blood sugar swings. Check blood sugar more often. If you're likely nearing menopause or if you're in menopause, talk with your healthcare professional. Ask whether you need to check your blood sugar more often. Also, be aware that menopause and low blood sugar have some symptoms in common, such as sweating and mood changes. So whenever you can, check your blood sugar before you treat your symptoms. That way you can confirm whether your blood sugar is low. Most types of birth control are safe to use when you have diabetes. But combination birth control pills may raise blood sugar levels in some people. It's very important to take charge of stress when you have diabetes. The hormones your body makes in response to prolonged stress may cause your blood sugar to rise. It also may be harder to closely follow your usual routine to manage diabetes if you're under a lot of extra pressure. Take control. Once you know how stress affects your blood sugar level, make healthy changes. Learn relaxation techniques, rank tasks in order of importance and set limits. Whenever you can, stay away from things that cause stress for you. Exercise often to help relieve stress and lower your blood sugar. Get help. Learn new ways to manage stress. You may find that working with a psychologist or clinical social worker can help. These professionals can help you notice stressors, solve stressful problems and learn coping skills. The more you know about factors that have an effect on your blood sugar level, the better you can prepare to manage diabetes. If you have trouble keeping your blood sugar in your target range, ask your diabetes healthcare team for help. 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. Diabetes management: How lifestyle, daily routine affect blood sugar. Products and services. Diabetes management: How lifestyle, daily routine affect blood sugar Diabetes management takes awareness. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for subscribing! Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry. Show references Facilitating behavior change and well-being to improve health outcomes. Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes — Diabetes Care. Nutrition overview. American Diabetes Association. Accessed Dec. Diabetes and mental health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Insulin, medicines, and other diabetes treatments. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Insulin storage and syringe safety. Diabetes diet, eating, and physical activity. Type 2 diabetes mellitus adult. Mayo Clinic; Wexler DJ. Initial management of hyperglycemia in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Diabetes and women. Planning for sick days. Diabetes: Managing sick days. Castro MR expert opinion. Mayo Clinic. Hypoglycemia low blood glucose. Blood glucose and exercise. Riddell MC. Exercise guidance in adults with diabetes mellitus. Colberg SR, et al. Palermi S, et al. The complex relationship between physical activity and diabetes: An overview. Journal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology. Take charge of your diabetes: Your medicines. Sick day management for adults with type 1 diabetes. Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists. Alcohol and diabetes. Diabetes and nerve damage. Roe AH, et al. Combined estrogen-progestin contraception: Side effects and health concerns. 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? Blood glucose meters Blood glucose monitors Blood pressure: Can it be higher in one arm? Blood pressure chart Blood pressure cuff: Does size matter? Blood pressure: Does it have a daily pattern? Blood pressure: Is it affected by cold weather? Blood pressure medication: Still necessary if I lose weight? Blood pressure medications: Can they raise my triglycerides? Blood pressure readings: Why higher at home? Blood pressure tip: Get more potassium Blood sugar levels can fluctuate for many reasons Blood sugar testing: Why, when and how Bone and joint problems associated with diabetes Pancreas transplant animation Caffeine and hypertension Calcium channel blockers Calcium supplements: Do they interfere with blood pressure drugs? Can whole-grain foods lower blood pressure? Central-acting agents Choosing blood pressure medicines COVID Who's at higher risk of serious symptoms? Diabetes Diabetes and depression: Coping with the two conditions Diabetes and exercise: When to monitor your blood sugar Diabetes and heat 10 ways to avoid diabetes complications Diabetes diet: Should I avoid sweet fruits? Diabetes diet: Create your healthy-eating plan Diabetes foods: Can I substitute honey for sugar? Diabetes and liver Diabetes symptoms Diabetes treatment: Can cinnamon lower blood sugar? Using insulin Diabetic Gastroparesis Diuretics Diuretics: A cause of low potassium? Erectile dysfunction and diabetes High blood pressure and exercise Exercise and chronic disease Fatigue Free blood pressure machines: Are they accurate? Frequent urination Home blood pressure monitoring Glucose tolerance test Glycemic index: A helpful tool for diabetes? Hemochromatosis High blood pressure hypertension High blood pressure and cold remedies: Which are safe? High blood pressure and sex High blood pressure dangers What is hypertension? A Mayo Clinic expert explains. Hypertension FAQs Hypertensive crisis: What are the symptoms? Insulin and weight gain Isolated systolic hypertension: A health concern? Kidney disease FAQs L-arginine: Does it lower blood pressure? Late-night eating: OK if you have diabetes? Low-phosphorus diet: Helpful for kidney disease? Medications and supplements that can raise your blood pressure Menopause and high blood pressure: What's the connection? Infographic: Pancreas Kidney Transplant Pancreas transplant Pulse pressure: An indicator of heart health? Reactive hypoglycemia: What can I do? Resperate: Can it help reduce blood pressure? Sleep deprivation: A cause of high blood pressure? Stress and high blood pressure The dawn phenomenon: What can you do? Unexplained weight loss Vasodilators Vegetarian diet: Can it help me control my diabetes? How to measure blood pressure using a manual monitor How to measure blood pressure using an automatic monitor What is blood pressure? Can a lack of vitamin D cause high blood pressure? Weight Loss Surgery Options White coat hypertension Wrist blood pressure monitors: Are they accurate? Show more related content. Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Incontinence The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press The Essential Diabetes Book Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book. ART Home Diabetes management How lifestyle daily routine affect blood sugar. Show the heart some love! Give Today. Help us advance cardiovascular medicine. Find a doctor. Explore careers. Sign up for free e-newsletters. About Mayo Clinic. About this Site. Contact Us. Health Information Policy. Media Requests. News Network. Price Transparency. Medical Professionals. Clinical Trials. Mayo Clinic Alumni Association. Refer a Patient. Executive Health Program. International Business Collaborations. One simple strategy to help you make good food choices and eat appropriate portions sizes is to divide up your plate. These three divisions on your plate promote healthy eating:. The American Diabetes Association recommends routine screening with diagnostic tests for type 2 diabetes for all adults age 45 or older and for the following groups:. Share your concerns about diabetes prevention with your doctor. He or she will appreciate your efforts to prevent diabetes and may offer additional suggestions based on your medical history or other factors. 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. Diabetes prevention: 5 tips for taking control. Products and services. Diabetes prevention: 5 tips for taking control Changing your lifestyle could be a big step toward diabetes prevention — and it's never too late to start. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for subscribing! Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry. Show references Robertson RP. Prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Accessed April 12, American Diabetes Association. Prevention or delay of type 2 diabetes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes — Diabetes Care. Diabetes mellitus. Merck Manual Professional Version. Accessed April 14, Facilitating behavior change and well-being to improve health outcomes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes — Your game plan to prevent type 2 diabetes. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Accessed April 8, Melmed S, et al. Therapeutics of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. Elsevier; Interactive Nutrition Facts label: Dietary fiber. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed April 16, Department of Health and Human Services and U. Department of Agriculture. Interactive Nutrition Facts label: Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Classification and diagnosis of diabetes: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes — Products and Services Assortment of Health Products from Mayo Clinic Store A Book: The Essential Diabetes Book. See also A1C test Acanthosis nigricans Amputation and diabetes Atkins Diet Bariatric surgery Caffeine: Does it affect blood sugar? Can medicine help prevent diabetic macular edema? CBD safety Diabetes foods: Can I substitute honey for sugar? Medications for type 2 diabetes Types of diabetic neuropathy Does keeping a proper blood sugar level prevent diabetic macular edema and other eye problems? Prickly pear cactus Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty Gastric Sleeve Exercise and chronic disease Fasting diet: Can it improve my heart health? Fatigue Frequent urination Gastric bypass Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Complications Gastric bypass diet Gastric Bypass Surgery: One Patient's Journey GLP-1 agonists: Diabetes drugs and weight loss Glucose tolerance test Weight-loss surgery Hyperinsulinemia: Is it diabetes? What is insulin resistance? A Mayo Clinic expert explains Intermittent fasting Kidney disease FAQs Living with diabetic macular edema Low-glycemic index diet Reducing your risks of diabetic macular edema Screening for diabetic macular edema: How often? Spotting symptoms of diabetic macular edema Symptom Checker Type 2 diabetes Unexplained weight loss Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch Weight Loss Surgery Options What is diabetic macular edema? Show more related content. |
| How can I manage my diabetes? | However, the best plan of action is to take insulin to bring your blood sugar levels down. Talk with your doctor about how much insulin you should take for instances like this. Here are some lifestyle habits to lower your blood sugar levels naturally:. You can buy an over-the-counter urine test kit at your local drugstore. Diabetic ketoacidosis requires immediate medical treatment. Administering insulin and exercising are two of the most common ways to get blood sugar levels down. However, if someone has ketones in their urine or symptoms of excessively high blood sugar, they may need to go to the emergency room. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. VIEW ALL HISTORY. Monitoring your blood sugar is vital for controlling diabetes. Learn how glucose is produced, when and how to check your levels, and recommended…. Sugary sodas can cause cravings. Here's a guide on how to stop drinking soda. Insulin is a very important hormone in the body. A resistance to its effects, called insulin resistance, is a leading driver of many health conditions. Blood sugar spikes occur in people with diabetes because their bodies are unable to use insulin effectively. Learn more here. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes. When insulin levels are too low, it can be life threatening. Learn about the symptoms and…. People with diabetes must routinely monitor and regulate their blood sugar. No matter how careful they may be, there is still a possibility of…. What foods help you decrease both your blood sugar and cholesterol? Our nutrition expert answers your question. You may treat blood sugar rises after meals with diabetes medications or possibly lifestyle changes. Your doctor can help you figure out what may work…. If your blood sugar levels go higher when you haven't eaten for 2 hours or more, this may be a sign of diabetes or other health issue to talk about…. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. How to Reduce Blood Sugar Immediately. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Best ways When to see a doctor When to go to the ER Complications of highs Blood sugar chart Tips for healthy living FAQ Bottom line The quickest way to lower your blood sugar is to take fast-acting insulin. Best ways to lower blood sugar quickly. When to contact a doctor. Explore our top resources. View or Download Fact Sheet English PDF Spanish PDF. Home Healthy Living Healthy Lifestyle Life's Essential 8 How to Manage Blood Sugar Fact Sheet. Glucose: The carbohydrates and sugars in what you eat and drink turns into glucose sugar in the stomach and digestive system. Glucose can then enter the bloodstream. The pancreas gradually loses its ability to produce insulin. The result can be a high blood glucose level. Sometimes physician assistants and nurses with extra training, called nurse practitioners, provide primary care. You also will need to see other care professionals from time to time. A team of health care professionals can help you improve your diabetes self-care. Remember, you are the most important member of your health care team. When you see members of your health care team, ask questions. Watch a video to help you get ready for your diabetes care visit. You should see your health care team at least twice a year, and more often if you are having problems or are having trouble reaching your blood glucose, blood pressure, or cholesterol goals. At each visit, be sure you have a blood pressure check, foot check, and weight check; and review your self-care plan. Talk with your health care team about your medicines and whether you need to adjust them. Routine health care will help you find and treat any health problems early, or may be able to help prevent them. Talk with your doctor about what vaccines you should get to keep from getting sick, such as a flu shot and pneumonia shot. Preventing illness is an important part of taking care of your diabetes. Feeling stressed, sad, or angry is common when you live with diabetes. Stress can raise your blood glucose levels, but you can learn ways to lower your stress. Try deep breathing, gardening, taking a walk, doing yoga, meditating, doing a hobby, or listening to your favorite music. Consider taking part in a diabetes education program or support group that teaches you techniques for managing stress. Learn more about healthy ways to cope with stress. Depression is common among people with a chronic, or long-term, illness. Depression can get in the way of your efforts to manage your diabetes. Ask for help if you feel down. A mental health counselor, support group, clergy member, friend, or family member who will listen to your feelings may help you feel better. Try to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. Getting enough sleep can help improve your mood and energy level. You can take steps to improve your sleep habits. If you often feel sleepy during the day, you may have obstructive sleep apnea , a condition in which your breathing briefly stops many times during the night. Sleep apnea is common in people who have diabetes. Talk with your health care team if you think you have a sleep problem. This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases NIDDK , part of the National Institutes of Health. NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public. Content produced by NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts. Home Health Information Diabetes Diabetes Overview Managing Diabetes. English English Español. Diabetes Overview What Is Diabetes? Show child pages. Risk Factors for Type 2 Diabetes Show child pages. Preventing Type 2 Diabetes Show child pages. Preventing Diabetes Problems Show child pages. How can I manage my diabetes? Your self-care plan may include these steps: Manage your diabetes ABCs Knowing your diabetes ABCs will help you manage your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol. A for the A1C test The A1C test shows your average blood glucose level over the past 3 months. C for Cholesterol You have two kinds of cholesterol in your blood: LDL and HDL. S for Stop smoking Not smoking is especially important for people with diabetes because both smoking and diabetes narrow blood vessels. If you quit smoking you will lower your risk for heart attack, stroke, nerve disease, kidney disease, diabetic eye disease, and amputation your cholesterol and blood pressure levels may improve your blood circulation will improve you may have an easier time being physically active If you smoke or use other tobacco products, stop. |
| Manage Blood Sugar | Diabetes | CDC | The latter is known as insulin resistance 1. External factors include dietary choices, certain medications, a sedentary lifestyle, and stress 1 , 2. adults live with diabetes and that another adults have diabetes or prediabetes 3. Blood sugar management is especially important for people with diabetes, as chronically high blood sugar levels can lead to limb and life threatening complications 1. Regular exercise can help you reach and maintain a moderate weight and increase insulin sensitivity 4. Increased insulin sensitivity means your cells can more effectively use the available sugar in your bloodstream. Exercise also helps your muscles use blood sugar for energy and muscle contraction 4. If you have problems with blood sugar management, consider routinely checking your levels before and after exercising. This will help you learn how you respond to different activities and keep your blood sugar levels from getting too high or low 5. Exercise snacks simply mean that you break up your sitting time every 30 minutes for just a few minutes throughout the day. Some of the recommended exercises include light walking or simple resistance exercises like squats or leg raises. Other useful forms of exercise include weightlifting, brisk walking, running, biking, dancing, hiking, swimming, and more. In fact, any activity that regularly gets you up and moving — regardless of the intensity — beats a sedentary lifestyle. Plus, know that if you have trouble dedicating longer periods to exercise throughout the week, you can still gain many benefits by doing shorter sessions. For example, try aiming for minute exercise sessions 3 times a day for 5 days, with the goal of minutes per week. Exercise increases insulin sensitivity and helps your muscles use blood sugar for movement. This can lead to reduced blood sugar levels. Your carb intake strongly influences your blood sugar levels 7. Your body breaks carbs down into sugars, mainly glucose. Then, insulin helps your body use and store it for energy. When you eat too many carbs or have insulin-function problems, this process fails, and blood glucose levels can rise. Some studies find that this can help you plan your meals appropriately, further improving blood sugar management 9 , Many studies also show that eating a low carb diet helps reduce blood sugar levels and prevent blood sugar spikes 11 , 12 , 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 , Of course, you should discuss changes with your health provider first. If you need a primary care physician, book your appointment online at gradyhealth. org , use MyChart , or call Back to Blog 8 Ways to Lower Your Blood Sugar August 2, But there are simple steps you can take to lower your blood sugar levels naturally: 1. Exercise regularly Regular exercise can help improve your insulin sensitivity, which means your cells can better use the sugar in your blood, reducing blood sugar levels. Good forms of exercise include weightlifting, walking briskly, running, bicycling, dancing, hiking, and swimming. Manage your carbs You body converts carbs into sugar, then insulin helps your body to use and store sugar for energy. You can help your body control your blood sugar by monitoring carb intake and planning meals. A low-carb diet helps prevent sugar spikes — and can have long-term benefits. That means it promotes more gradual increases in blood sugar levels. And when you are active on a regular basis, it can also lower your A1C. 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. |
| Life's Essential 8 - How to Manage Blood Sugar Fact Sheet | American Heart Association | 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. If your diabetes medicines cause your blood sugar level to drop too low, the dosage or timing may need to be changed. Your healthcare professional also might adjust your medicine if your blood sugar stays too high. Be cautious with new medicines. Talk with your healthcare team or pharmacist before you try new medicines. That includes medicines sold without a prescription and those prescribed for other medical conditions. Ask how the new medicine might affect your blood sugar levels and any diabetes medicines you take. Sometimes a different medicine may be used to prevent dangerous side effects. Or a different medicine might be used to prevent your current medicine from mixing poorly with a new one. With diabetes, it's important to be prepared for times of illness. When you're sick, your body makes stress-related hormones that help fight the illness. But those hormones also can raise your blood sugar. Changes in your appetite and usual activity also may affect your blood sugar level. Plan ahead. Work with your healthcare team to make a plan for sick days. Include instructions on what medicines to take and how to adjust your medicines if needed. Also note how often to measure your blood sugar. Ask your healthcare professional if you need to measure levels of acids in the urine called ketones. Your plan also should include what foods and drinks to have, and what cold or flu medicines you can take. Know when to call your healthcare professional too. For example, it's important to call if you run a fever over degrees Fahrenheit Keep taking your diabetes medicine. But call your healthcare professional if you can't eat because of an upset stomach or vomiting. In these situations, you may need to change your insulin dose. If you take rapid-acting or short-acting insulin or other diabetes medicine, you may need to lower the dose or stop taking it for a time. These medicines need to be carefully balanced with food to prevent low blood sugar. But if you use long-acting insulin, do not stop taking it. During times of illness, it's also important to check your blood sugar often. Stick to your diabetes meal plan if you can. Eating as usual helps you control your blood sugar. Keep a supply of foods that are easy on your stomach. These include gelatin, crackers, soups, instant pudding and applesauce. Drink lots of water or other fluids that don't add calories, such as tea, to make sure you stay hydrated. If you take insulin, you may need to sip sugary drinks such as juice or sports drinks. These drinks can help keep your blood sugar from dropping too low. It's risky for some people with diabetes to drink alcohol. Alcohol can lead to low blood sugar shortly after you drink it and for hours afterward. The liver usually releases stored sugar to offset falling blood sugar levels. But if your liver is processing alcohol, it may not give your blood sugar the needed boost. Get your healthcare professional's OK to drink alcohol. With diabetes, drinking too much alcohol sometimes can lead to health conditions such as nerve damage. But if your diabetes is under control and your healthcare professional agrees, an occasional alcoholic drink is fine. Women should have no more than one drink a day. Men should have no more than two drinks a day. One drink equals a ounce beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1. Don't drink alcohol on an empty stomach. If you take insulin or other diabetes medicines, eat before you drink alcohol. This helps prevent low blood sugar. Or drink alcohol with a meal. Choose your drinks carefully. Light beer and dry wines have fewer calories and carbohydrates than do other alcoholic drinks. If you prefer mixed drinks, sugar-free mixers won't raise your blood sugar. Some examples of sugar-free mixers are diet soda, diet tonic, club soda and seltzer. Add up calories from alcohol. If you count calories, include the calories from any alcohol you drink in your daily count. Ask your healthcare professional or a registered dietitian how to make calories and carbohydrates from alcoholic drinks part of your diet plan. Check your blood sugar level before bed. Alcohol can lower blood sugar levels long after you've had your last drink. So check your blood sugar level before you go to sleep. The snack can counter a drop in your blood sugar. Changes in hormone levels the week before and during periods can lead to swings in blood sugar levels. Look for patterns. Keep careful track of your blood sugar readings from month to month. You may be able to predict blood sugar changes related to your menstrual cycle. Your healthcare professional may recommend changes in your meal plan, activity level or diabetes medicines. These changes can make up for blood sugar swings. Check blood sugar more often. If you're likely nearing menopause or if you're in menopause, talk with your healthcare professional. A CGM uses a sensor inserted under the skin to measure your blood sugar every few minutes. How often you check your blood sugar depends on the type of diabetes you have and if you take any diabetes medicines. A blood sugar target is the range you try to reach as much as possible. These are typical targets:. Your blood sugar targets may be different depending on your age, any additional health problems you have, and other factors. Be sure to talk to your health care team about which targets are best for you. Low blood sugar also called hypoglycemia has many causes, including missing a meal, taking too much insulin, taking other diabetes medicines, exercising more than normal, and drinking alcohol. Know what your individual symptoms are so you can catch low blood sugar early and treat it. Low blood sugar can be dangerous and should be treated as soon as possible. Driving with low blood sugar can be dangerous, so be sure to check your blood sugar before you get behind the wheel. Carry supplies for treating low blood sugar with you. If you feel shaky, sweaty, or very hungry or have other symptoms, check your blood sugar. Wait for 15 minutes and then check your blood sugar again. If you have problems with low blood sugar, ask your doctor if your treatment plan needs to be changed. Many things can cause high blood sugar hyperglycemia , including being sick, being stressed, eating more than planned, and not giving yourself enough insulin. Over time, high blood sugar can lead to long-term, serious health problems. 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. |
0 thoughts on “Techniques for controlling blood glucose”