High blood sugar occurs when the body can no longer transport the sugar from the blood
into the cells.
If left untreated, it can lead to diabetes.
With an estimated 50% of adults in the US diagnosed with either diabetes or pre-diabetes,
it is an issue that affects many.
We have compiled a list of 10 ways to help keep your blood sugar in check which will
keep you healthy.
#10 Get Some Sleep
Sleep deprivation can cause an increase in the hormone cortisol which in turn can increase
blood sugar levels.
Aim for a good mix of a sufficient amount of sleep and good quality sleep.
Bottom line – Getting regular, quality sleep can help keep blood sugar levels in check.
#9 Keep an Eye on Your Portions
Keeping your serving sizes in check will help to lower your calorie intake and maintain a healthy
weight, which in turn promotes healthy blood sugar levels.
Try using smaller plates, measuring your portion sizes, and avoiding ‘all you can eat’ restaurants.
Bottom line – By controlling your serving sizes, you can help control your blood sugar levels.
#8 Control Your Stress
Stress can have a negative effect on your blood sugar levels.
Try meditating, deep breathing and exercise to help lower stress and therefore lower hormones
such as glucagon and cortisol that can cause a spike in blood sugar levels.
Bottom line – Get your stress under control to help control blood sugar levels.
#7 Stay Hydrated
Drinking lots of water not only keeps you hydrated but it also helps your kidneys flush out excess
blood sugar through urine.
Bottom line – Staying hydrated can reduce blood sugar levels and lower the risk of developing diabetes.
#6 Control the Carbs
If you eat too many carbohydrates, the process by which your body breaks them down into
sugars which are then moved to your cells can be effected.
This will cause blood glucose levels to rise.
Try planning your meals in advance to avoid loading up on carbs.
Bottom line – A diet low in carbohydrates can have a positive effect on blood sugar levels.
#5 Eat low GI Foods
Foods with a low glycemic index such as seafood, eggs, beans, and corn are known to reduce
long-term blood sugar levels.
Focus on low GI foods that are also low in carbohydrates.
Bottom line – Choose foods that are both low GI and low in carbohydrates.
#4 Increase Your Fiber Intake
Fiber helps to slow sugar absorption and carbohydrate digestion.
High-fiber foods such as fruits, vegetables, and legumes can be added to your diet to help
reduce blood sugar levels.
Bottom line – Ensure your diet includes plenty of non-carbohydrate, fiber-rich foods.
#3 Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar influences your body’s response to sugar and can improve insulin sensitivity.
Try adding some to a salad dressing or a hot herbal tea.
Bottom line – Apple cider vinegar has many health benefits, including lowering blood sugar.
#2 Regular Exercise
Getting regular exercise will help increase your insulin sensitivity, meaning your cells can use
the available sugar from your bloodstream a little easier.
Exercise also helps your muscles use the blood sugar for energy.
Bottom line – Try exercise such as swimming, walking and cycling to see an improvement in
blood sugar levels.
#1 Shed Some Pounds
Maintaining a healthy weight has a significant impact on reducing the risk of many health
problems, and blood sugar levels are no exception.
Extra weight, especially around the mid-section can increase the chances of developing diabetes.
Bottom line – Keeping your waistline in check can also keep your blood sugar in check.
That completes our list of 10 lifestyle changes you can make to help keep your blood sugar levels in
a healthy range.
We hope you can implement one or more into your daily schedule to notice the benefits.
About the Author
Jenny Michelle is a blogger, writer, and content creator at AuthorityReports. She has been passionate about health, nutrition and sports since a young age. She is a firm believer that a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet combined is key to live a long and a happy life. Previously, Jenny worked as a content writer for a Marketing company.
What are your tips for lifestyle changes you can make to help keep your blood sugar levels in
a healthy range?
Share your thoughts and comments with us.
Thanks for these tips. I’ll bookmark this so I can track down the research behind these steps. I know I’ve seen some on most of them, and I’d love to pass along this article once I’ve found the supporting research.