If you have diabetes, you know your overall blood sugar levels (you may hear it called glucose) show how well you’ve got your condition under control. When your level stays normal and steady, you lower your chance of problems like vision loss and kidney disease. You'll not only get your blood sugar under control, but you'll cut your chance of having a heart attack and stroke, too. You'll also have more energy.
Medicine can help balance your blood sugar. But the foods you eat and how active you are make a difference, too.
Diet
Get into a routine. Eat too much at one sitting and your blood sugar could skyrocket. On the other hand, if you don’t eat enough food, or take in fewer carbs than usual, your glucose level may drop, especially if you take certain diabetes medicines. Some people find it easier to manage their blood sugar if they eat at the same time each day. Talk to your doctor about a meal plan that’s right for you. Once you have it in place, stick with it.
Index your food. When you eat carbs, your blood sugar spikes. A food’s glycemic index (GI) measures how fast this can happen. The higher the number, the more quickly your glucose levels will rise. Processed foods like pretzels, white rice, and white bread tend to have a high GI. Opt for low-GI foods like:
- Dried beans and legumes
- Oatmeal
- Fruit
- Non-starchy vegetables like spinach, carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, or sweet potatoes
If you do eat something high on the index, balance it with low-GI side dishes. This can help keep your blood sugar on track.
Count carbs. If you take insulin, you may find this easier to do. You’ll add up the number of total carbs at each meal and adjust your insulin dose as needed. For a few days, track the food you eat and what your blood sugar level is 2 hours after you finish. It'll help you see how different meals affect you.
Boost your fiber. It isn’t broken down by your body, so it doesn’t affect your blood sugar. (Although many foods with fiber contain sugars and starches that do.) Eating 25-30 grams of fiber (like you find in oatmeal) each day may help you better manage your blood sugar. Increase to this amount slowly, though. And drink lots of water so you don’t get constipated.
Keep a water bottle handy. Not having enough fluid in your body can wreak havoc on your blood sugar levels. Choose water to quench your thirst instead of juice or soda. Don’t like the taste? Choose unsweetened teas.
Snack smarter. Sodas and packaged foods are usually high in calories, salt, and added sugar, but low in vitamins and minerals. If you get hungry between meals, eat something healthy, like carrots or grapes.
Measure your meals and snacks. Keep an eye on your food portions to manage your blood sugar. Use measuring cups and a food scale at home. Check serving sizes listed on the Nutrition Facts labels.
There are also easy ways to get a picture in your mind of a serving size. For instance, one serving of meat is about the size of your palm. A cup of salad or a casserole is as big as your fist.
Exercise
Make it part of your routine. Being active makes your body more sensitive to insulin. That helps your blood sugar stay steady. Once your doctor gives you the OK, try an aerobic workout that gets your heart pumping, like walking, dancing, swimming, or biking. Your goal should be 30 minutes, 5 days a week. But even 5 minutes is a good start. Your activities should be at least "moderately intense," which means that you're able to talk but not sing while you do it.
When you’re ready, add resistance training. This strengthens your muscles, where most blood glucose is stored. Twice a week, use hand weights or elastic bands at your gym or at home. Exercises like pushups and squats, which use your body weight to build strength, are also good choices.
Choose the “right” time to break a sweat. Some people find that an early morning workout keeps their blood sugar low all day. Still, that might not be true for you. You may need to try working out a few different times during the day before you find a schedule that helps level off your blood sugar. Even once you do, be safe. Always carry glucose tablets or an emergency snack with you, especially if you take insulin. Check in with your doctor with any questions.
Fight the post-meal crash. An easy workout, like a 10-15 minute walk after a meal, can keep your blood sugar from spiking. More blood gets sent to your muscles instead of your stomach. That means you take in sugars better. Instead of turning on the TV after you eat, clear the kitchen table and wash the dishes or take a walk around the block.
Listen to your body. Exercise can affect your blood sugar for 24 to 48 hours. That makes it a good idea to check your glucose after each workout. It'll help you tune into how your body reacts when you’re active. You may start to notice other patterns that can help you control your blood sugar better.
Make exercise fun. You're more likely to stay active if you find a workout you enjoy. Switch between a few activities to keep from getting bored with just one. That lets you work different muscles and lowers your odds of an injury. For more motivation, ask a friend to be your workout buddy.
Keep water handy as well, and don't forget to drink it. Water can make you feel full and has zero calories.
Take a moment to look at each small success. A lifestyle change is hard, and you deserve to feel proud of your efforts. Over time, you'll see the benefits of these changes in the form of better overall health and well-being. Stick with your new healthy habits, and as time goes by, you're likely to meet, and perhaps pass, your first weight loss goal.
