Tips to Manage Blood Sugar for Diabetes Patients
Updated On Nov 12, 2020
Diabetes, scientific name Diabetes mellitus, is a metabolic disease that causes high blood sugar. The sugar in the blood is usually moved into cells so as to be stored through the action of the hormone Insulin. When the body can't produce the required insulin or cannot effectively use the Insulin produced, it results in diabetes.
Cause of Diabetes
Causes of Diabetes mellitus include:
- Obesity
- Impaired glucose tolerance
- Dyslipidemia
- Gestational Diabetes
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Age
- Family history
Tips to Manage Blood Sugar for Diabetes Patients
The routes that can be taken to control diabetes are as follows:
1. Regular Exercise: Regular exercise can help muscles to utilize blood sugar for energy for muscle contraction. This means that exercise increases sensitivity towards Insulin and helps the patient's muscle pick up sugars from the blood, thus reducing blood sugar levels. The exercises one can practice are weight lifting, running, biking, dancing, swimming, hiking, etc.
2. Controlling Carb Intake: Controlling carb intake can be done by carb counting or usage of a food exchange system. By controlling carbs, you prevent problems with Insulin function, which causes high blood glucose levels. Carbs are usually broken down into mostly glucose and some other sugars. Insulin then makes the sugar enter the cells. Low-carb diets may help reduce blood sugar levels and reduce sugar level spikes in Diabetics.
3. Increasing Fiber Intake: Fiber is one that helps to control glucose levels in diabetic patients as it slows carb digestion and hence absorption of sugar. It ensures a gradual increase in blood glucose levels. Fiber is of two types- soluble and insoluble. The type of fiber one consumes can have an effect on glucose levels. Soluble fiber has proven to lower blood sugar levels.
4. Staying Hydrated: Staying hydrated by drinking the required amount of water can help to keep one’s blood sugar level in check. It also assists the kidneys to get rid of excess blood sugar through urine. It also reduces the risk of diabetes in some cases.
5. Consuming Foods With Lower Glycemic Index: Glycemic indexes assess the sugar response of the body to foods that contain carbs. The type and quantity of carbs are used to decide the way the body’s glucose level is affected. Low glycemic index foods reduce blood sugar levels in the long term. Seafood, meat, eggs, barley, lentils, etc., are examples of low glycemic index foods.
6. Monitoring Sleep Patterns: Poor sleeping habits and lack of sleep are also factors in affecting blood sugar levels. Getting enough sleep can regulate appetite and control weight gain. It also helps to maintain a healthy blood sugar level.
7. Managing Stress Levels: As an individual gets stressed, glucagon and cortisol are secreted, which makes the blood sugar levels increase, which is not good. Stress can be controlled and managed by relaxation and meditation, which in turn makes the blood sugar levels balanced.
8. Controlling Portion Size: Portion control assists in regulating calorie intake and weight loss. This can be taken care of by using smaller plates for meals, measuring and weighing portions, reading food labels to obtain information on serving sizes, and maintaining food journals. By doing these, subsequent blood sugar spikes can be avoided or reduced.
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Conclusion
The methods listed and explained above are extremely useful in controlling and maintaining blood glucose levels. In addition to the methods mentioned above, keeping blood sugar levels in check, eating the right carbohydrates, and maintaining a healthy weight are also advisable to regulate the blood sugar levels and lead a healthy life. Health insurance is also required which covers all such lifestyle diseases.
Disclaimer: This article is issued in the general public interest and meant for general information purposes only. Readers are advised not to rely on the contents of the article as conclusive in nature and should research further or consult an expert in this regard.
