If you're someone who's trying to figure out how to lower blood sugar, you're not alone. According to the American Diabetes Association, over 30 million Americans have diabetes, and another 84 million have prediabetes 1. While there are many ways to lower blood sugar levels – including taking medication – there are also several natural hacks that you can use as well. Here are six of them.
Manage your Carb Intake
Having a steady and healthy blood sugar is essential for optimal health. Unfortunately, for many people, blood sugar levels can elevate, leading to a host of health problems. An important thing you can do to help keep your blood sugar in check is manage carb intake.
After you take foods high in carbohydrates, the body breaks them down into simple sugars. This will usually make the blood sugar level in your blood shoot up. For people with diabetes or at the risk of developing it, it's important to control their blood sugar. A few proven methods have been discovered to help lower your blood sugar after a carb-heavy meal.
First, try to include some protein in your meal. Protein takes longer to break down than carbohydrates, which will help regulate your blood sugar levels. You can also include some healthy fats, such as avocados or olive oil. These fats help to slow down the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream.
Finally, be sure to consume food that is high in fiber. Fiber helps to slow down digestion and can also help to regulate blood sugar. By observing these simple tips, you can control your blood sugar and avoid spikes after meals.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise is a natural way to lower blood sugar. When you exercise, your body uses sugar for energy, which can help regulate your blood sugar. Additionally, exercise helps increase insulin sensitivity, which means that your body will be better able to use insulin to lower blood sugar. Furthermore, exercise has been shown to decrease inflammation, a common complication of diabetes. If by chance, you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, regular exercise can be a helpful way to manage your condition.
Monitor your Blood Sugar Levels Regularly.
Checking your blood sugar is an important part of managing diabetes. By monitoring your numbers, you can identify patterns and change your lifestyle that may help improve your blood sugar control. For example, if you notice that your blood sugar is consistently high after eating certain foods, you may decide to cut back on those foods or eat them in smaller portions. Regular blood sugar checks can also help you to catch potentially serious problems early and get the treatment you need. For people with diabetes, checking blood sugar frequently is essential to staying healthy and keeping the condition under control. Enjoy peace of mind knowing that monitoring blood sugar levels is now easy and convenient, especially with the help of an OKRA Glucose Meter.
Eat Probiotic-Rich Foods
Probiotics are a group name given to the live bacteria that occur naturally in the gut. They are known for their ability to improve insulin sensitivity and help to lower blood sugar. Furthermore, probiotics help reduce inflammation, which is another risk factor for diabetes. As a result, eating probiotic-rich foods is a simple and effective way to help manage diabetes and keep blood sugar under control.