One should make proactive attempts to avoid high blood sugar levels. Over the long run, high blood sugar levels in the body could lead to conditions such as foot ulcers, impaired vision, kidney failure, damage to the nervous system, and heart attack.
If one is afflicted by diabetes, it furthermore becomes important for one to ensure that the blood sugar levels stay under check. When the blood sugar levels cross 180 mg/dl, the condition is known as high blood sugar or hyperglycemia
The best way to prevent high blood sugar levels is to keep one's lifestyle healthy. Let us take a look at 5 of the most important tips that help prevent, manage and control diabetes and keep blood sugar levels in check.
Including low GI foods in the diet
When one consumes low Glycemic Index (GI) foods, studies show that it boosts fasting blood sugar levels. Top examples of low GI foods include fish, seeds, and nuts, non-starchy vegetables, meats, quinoa, sweet potato, leafy greens, and legumes.
2. Regularly monitor blood sugar levels
High blood sugar levels are free from symptoms while they do not reach 200 mg/dl. But blood sugar levels should not be allowed to reach high levels.
Blood glucose level (BGL) or blood sugar level (BSL) monitoring is undertaken in the home/community. A glucose monitor is frequently used for this purpose. Blood glucose tests carried out at clinical facilities may include CBG, and (plasma glucose) venous blood tests.
3. Drink sufficient water
Drinking sufficient water not just maintains sufficient hydration levels in the body, but also facilitates the kidneys to flush out excess sugar in the body via urine.
4. Watching one’s diet
Watching one’s diet is one of the most important ways to check the blood sugar levels in one’s body. So, one has to limit the carbohydrate intake in one’s diet. The body breaks down the carbs into sugars and then uses them for energy.
Even as a few of the carbohydrates do the body well, others shoot up the blood sugar levels. To prevent these spikes, one is better off avoiding refined carbohydrates such as pasta and white bread.
Similarly, one should consume a diet high in fibers. Fibers help manage the body's blood sugar levels in several ways, and one of them is to slow down the rate at which carbs break down in the body. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are among the best source of fiber for the body.
5. Getting Regular Exercise
While getting regular exercise enhances insulin sensitivity, it helps one lose weight as well. As insulin sensitivity improves, our body cells are in a better position to utilize the sugar present in the bloodstream.
Similarly, when one begins to get some regular exercise, then, our muscles use this blood sugar in the bloodstream for muscle contraction and energy.
A few of the best exercises for controlling blood sugar levels include strength training, dancing, brisk walking, cycling, hiking, and swimming.
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