Nutrition is a critical component of overall well-being, impacting not only our physical health but also…
Lifestyle Changes to Maintain Healthy Blood Sugar Level
A high blood sugar level occurs when the body does not make enough insulin or does not use it efficiently. Insulin regulates blood glucose and helps it enter the cells.
Diabetes is associated with high blood sugar (hyperglycemia).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 13% of adults in the United States are affected by diabetes, while around 34.5% have prediabetes. This means that collectively, nearly half of all U.S. adults either have diabetes or are at a stage of prediabetes.
Maintaining a healthy blood sugar level can be achieved by making the following lifestyle changes:
1.) Exercise regularly
You feel better when you exercise regularly. Your body may also become more sensitive to insulin, which means it works better. In this way, blood sugar levels can be stabilized.
Ideally, you should be active four to seven times a week. A 30-minute period is a good rule of thumb for each session. The gym is not the only place where you can stay active. Instead of using an elevator, take the stairs or park at the far end of the lot. It adds exercise to your daily routine in both cases.
2.) Eat a Well-Balanced Diet
Make sure half of your plate is filled with non-starchy vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, carrots, cucumber, salad greens, squash, or tomatoes. Don’t forget to include beans, berries, citrus fruits, lean meat, nuts, poultry, and fish in your diet. Tofu is indeed a beneficial source of protein for individuals who follow a vegetarian diet.
Make sure you eat whole grains. Check the ingredients and make sure whole grain is at the top of the list if you eat cereal. Brown rice, bulgur, millet, quinoa, sorghum, and whole wheat are all good whole grains.
Eat three meals a day, and space them out evenly. It is generally better to eat less processed food.
- Manage your carb intake. Glucose is created by carbohydrate breakdown, which raises blood sugar levels. Controlling blood sugar can be achieved by reducing carbohydrate intake.
- Consume more fiber. It is possible to manage blood sugar levels by eating plenty of fiber. The most effective form of dietary fiber is soluble fiber.
- Eat low-glycemic foods. Your carb intake needs to be monitored and you should pick foods with a low glycemic index.
- Consume foods high in chromium and magnesium. The consumption of foods rich in chromium and magnesium on a regular basis can help prevent deficiencies and reduce the risk of blood sugar problems.
- Try apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is often associated with various health benefits, one of which is its potential to help lower blood sugar levels.
- Try cinnamon extract. There is evidence that cinnamon can help reduce fasting blood sugar levels as well as improve insulin sensitivity.
- Eat fenugreek seeds. You can regulate your blood sugar levels by adding fenugreek seeds to your diet.
3.) Drink water and stay hydrated
Maintaining adequate hydration by drinking enough water can contribute to keeping blood sugar levels within healthy ranges. Sufficient water intake supports the kidneys in eliminating excess sugar through urine, while also preventing dehydration.
Rehydrating the blood, lowering blood sugar levels, and reducing the risk of diabetes can all be achieved by drinking water regularly.
The best beverage to drink is water and other non-caloric drinks. Drinks containing sugar raise blood glucose levels, cause weight gain, and increase diabetes risk
4.) Reduce Stress
Stress can have an impact on blood sugar levels. Consider making changes that can help you relax if there’s something bothering you. If you want to feel positive, you might exercise, spend time with friends, do yoga, meditate, or replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
5.) Get enough quality sleep
Good health depends on getting enough sleep. Getting enough sleep is important for maintaining blood sugar levels and promoting a healthy weight. Critical metabolic hormones can be disrupted by poor sleep.
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6.) Quit Smoking
Get rid of the habit. The result will be a better control of your blood sugar levels. It is essential to do this, no matter how simple it may seem.
7.) Cut Back on Alcohol
Blood sugar levels can drop dangerously when you drink alcohol. Drinking causes the liver to work harder to eliminate alcohol from the blood rather than regulate blood sugar levels.
8.) Take Notes
There are a lot of people who don’t do this habitually. Tracking what affects glucose levels can be done by keeping a detailed daily log.
That log can include:
- Insulin and other medications
- Food, especially carbs
- Physical activity
- Stress
- Illnesses
If you notice any patterns after a week, keep an eye out for them.
9.) Implement portion control
Managing your blood sugar levels more effectively can be achieved by focusing on portion sizes. To help you manage portion sizes, here are some tips:
- Weigh and measure portions.
- Smaller plates are better.
- All-you-can-eat restaurants should be avoided.
- Check the serving size on food labels.
- Keep a food journal.
- Eat slowly.