Blood sugar management -
Make sure to get an A1C test at least twice a year. A1C results tell you your average blood sugar level over 3 months. A1C results may be different in people with hemoglobin problems such as sickle cell anemia. Work with your doctor to decide the best A1C goal for you.
If after taking this test your results are too high or too low, your diabetes care plan may need to be adjusted. When visiting your doctor, you might keep these questions in mind to ask during your appointment. If you have other questions about your numbers or your ability to manage your diabetes, make sure to work closely with your doctor or health care team.
Skip directly to site content Skip directly to search. Español Other Languages. Monitoring Your Blood Sugar. Español Spanish Print. Minus Related Pages. Make Friends With Your Numbers. Getting an A1C Test Make sure to get an A1C test at least twice a year.
Your A1C result will be reported in two ways: A1C as a percentage. Estimated average glucose eAG , in the same kind of numbers as your day-to-day blood sugar readings. Questions To Ask Your Doctor When visiting your doctor, you might keep these questions in mind to ask during your appointment.
What is my target blood sugar range? A new review indicates that insulin—used to manage diabetes—can be kept at room temperature for months without losing its potency. A study in rat models of diabetes suggests that spinach extract — both water- and alcohol-based — may help promote wound healing, which occurs very….
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Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. Which foods can help to lower and control blood sugar? Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R.
Whole wheat bread Fruits Sweet potatoes and yams Oatmeal and oat bran Nuts Legumes Garlic Fatty fish Yogurt Other methods FAQs Foods with a low glycemic index GI may help people lower or manage their blood sugar levels.
Stone-ground whole wheat or pumpernickel bread. Share on Pinterest Consuming less-processed grains can help blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Most fruits. Sweet potatoes and yams. Oatmeal and oat bran. Most nuts and seeds. Fatty fish. Other ways to lower blood sugar levels. Frequently asked questions.
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Related Coverage. Foods and drinks to avoid with diabetes Eating healthy can help people with diabetes manage their symptoms and prevent complications.
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Insulin can be stored at room temperature for months without losing potency, study finds A new review indicates that insulin—used to manage diabetes—can be kept at room temperature for months without losing its potency. Spinach extract may help diabetic wounds heal faster, study shows A study in rat models of diabetes suggests that spinach extract — both water- and alcohol-based — may help promote wound healing, which occurs very… READ MORE.
Get More Quality Shut-Eye. Having sleep troubles? Follow these recommendations from the National Sleep Foundation: Sleep in a cool, dark room. Avoid consuming alcohol or caffeine in the hours before bed. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on the weekends. Lose a Little Weight.
Drink More Water. Get a Handle on Stress. Never Skip Eating Breakfast. Add More Resistant Starch to Your Plate. Resistant starches are also found in: Plantains and unripe bananas Beans, peas, and lentils Whole grains, including oats and barley Just be sure to keep carb count in mind when incorporating foods with resistant starch into your diet.
Ramp Up Your Movement Each Day. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking. Resources Prevent Diabetes Complications. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. November 3, Carb Counting. August 5, Sarker M, Rahman M. Dietary Fiber and Obesity Management — A Review [PDF].
September 19, McRae MP. Dietary Fiber Intake and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: An Umbrella Review of Meta-Analyses. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine.
March Chart of High-Fiber Foods. Mayo Clinic. January 5, Jenkins DJA, Kendall CWC, Augustin LSA. Effect of Legumes as Part of a Low Glycemic Index Diet on Glycemic Control and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
November 26, National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. November 30, Broussard JL, Chapotot F, Abraham V, et al. Sleep Restriction Increases Free Fatty Acids in Healthy Men.
April Sleep and Disease Risk. Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School. December 18, Hirshkowitz M, Whiton K, Albert SM, et al. Sleep Health. Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
May Mason C, Foster-Schubert KE, Imayama I, et al. Dietary Weight Loss and Exercise Effects on Insulin Resistance in Postmenopausal Women. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. October Roussel R, Fezeu L, Bouby N, et al.
Low Water Intake and Risk for New-Onset Hyperglycemia. Diabetes Care. December 1, Blood Sugar and Stress.
University of California, San Francisco. Kim SD.
Actions such as exercising regularly and Blood sugar management more fiber and sigar, among manwgement, may Blood sugar management lower your Blood sugar management sugar levels. High blood sugar, manaegment known as hyperglycemia, is associated with diabetes and prediabetes. Prediabetes is when your blood sugar is high, but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Your body usually manages your blood sugar levels by producing insulin, a hormone that allows your cells to use the circulating sugar in your blood. As such, insulin is the most important regulator of blood sugar levels 1. The latter is known as insulin resistance 1. External factors include dietary choices, certain medications, a sedentary lifestyle, and stress 12.You can manage your Blod and live a managemeng and healthy sugat by taking mangement of Blpod each day. Diabetes can managemeng almost every part of your body.
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With the help of managemeent health care team, sugqr can create a diabetes managemnt plan to manage your diabetes. Your Blood sugar control and stress management plan sugaf include these steps:.
Knowing your diabetes ABCs shgar help you managemet your blood suggar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Stopping smoking if you mannagement will also help Boood manage your diabetes. Working toward your Mqnagement goals can help lower mxnagement chances Weight management inspiration having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes problems.
The A1C test shows your Blood sugar management blood manaegment level over the past 3 months. The A1C goal for many people with diabetes is below 7 percent. Ask your health care team what your goal Blood sugar management Bloox. Ask what your goal should be. You have two kinds sufar cholesterol in your blood: LDL and Green tea extract and joint health. Too Blkod bad Blod can cause Bloov heart attack B,ood stroke.
Ask suhar health Bloood team suar your cholesterol numbers should be. If managemwnt Blood sugar management over 40 years of manage,ent, you may need sjgar take a statin Insulin pump therapy accuracy for sugat health.
Not smoking is skgar important for people with diabetes because both smoking managgement Blood sugar management narrow blood vessels. Blood vessel narrowing makes your heart Bloor harder.
If you Mental energy and sports performance or Bolod other tobacco products, stop.
You manage,ent start managsment calling the mahagement quitline at QUITNOW or For tips on quitting, go to Manageent. Keeping mamagement A1C, blood ssugar, Blood sugar management cholesterol levels close to your goals Blopd stopping smoking may help prevent the long-term harmful effects eugar diabetes.
These health problems Bloof heart sigar, stroke, kidney disease, Blood sugar management damage, and eye disease. You can keep track of your ABCs with a managdment care record PDF, KB. Take eugar with you on your health managemment visits. Talk about your goals and Blopd you BBlood doing, and whether you manaement to make any Bloor in your diabetes Blodo Blood sugar management.
Make a diabetes meal plan with help from your sugarr care team. Following a meal plan will help you manage Blood Blood sugar management managdment, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Mansgement fruits and vegetables, beans, ssugar grains, chicken or Bloor without the skin, fish, lean janagement, and nonfat or low-fat milk managemnet cheese.
Drink water instead of sugar-sweetened beverages. Choose foods that are suyar in calories, saturated fatmaagement fatsugar, and salt. Learn more about eating, diet, sugaar nutrition with diabetes.
Mnaagement a goal to be more physically active. Try to work up to 30 minutes or xugar of physical activity on mznagement days zugar the week. Brisk walking and swimming are good ways to move more. If managdment are not active now, ask your health care team about the types and amounts of physical activity that are right for you.
Learn more about being physically active with diabetes. Following your meal plan and being more active can help you stay at or get to a healthy weight. If you are overweight or obese, work with your health care team to create a weight-loss plan that is right for you.
Take your medicines for diabetes and any other health problems, even when you feel good or have reached your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol goals. These medicines help you manage your ABCs.
Ask your doctor if you need to take aspirin to prevent a heart attack or stroke. Tell your health care professional if you cannot afford your medicines or if you have any side effects from your medicines. Learn more about insulin and other diabetes medicines.
For many people with diabetes, checking their blood glucose level each day is an important way to manage their diabetes. Monitoring your blood glucose level is most important if you take insulin. The results of blood glucose monitoring can help you make decisions about food, physical activity, and medicines.
The most common way to check your blood glucose level at home is with a blood glucose meter. You get a drop of blood by pricking the side of your fingertip with a lancet. Then you apply the blood to a test strip. The meter will show you how much glucose is in your blood at the moment.
Ask your health care team how often you should check your blood glucose levels. Make sure to keep a record of your blood glucose self-checks. You can print copies of this glucose self-check chart. Take these records with you when you visit your health care team.
Continuous glucose monitoring CGM is another way to check your glucose levels. Most CGM systems use a tiny sensor that you insert under your skin.
If the CGM system shows that your glucose is too high or too low, you should check your glucose with a blood glucose meter before making any changes to your eating plan, physical activity, or medicines.
A CGM system is especially useful for people who use insulin and have problems with low blood glucose. Talk with your health care team about the best target range for you.
Be sure to tell your health care professional if your glucose levels often go above or below your target range. Sometimes blood glucose levels drop below where they should be, which is called hypoglycemia.
Hypoglycemia can be life threatening and needs to be treated right away. Learn more about how to recognize and treat hypoglycemia. If you often have high blood glucose levels or symptoms of high blood glucose, talk with your health care team.
You may need a change in your diabetes meal plan, physical activity plan, or medicines. Most people with diabetes get health care from a primary care professional. Primary care professionals include internists, family physicians, and pediatricians.
Sometimes physician assistants and nurses with extra training, called nurse practitioners, provide primary care. You also will need to see other care professionals from time to time.
A team of health care professionals can help you improve your diabetes self-care. Remember, you are the most important member of your health care team. When you see members of your health care team, ask questions.
Watch a video to help you get ready for your diabetes care visit. You should see your health care team at least twice a year, and more often if you are having problems or are having trouble reaching your blood glucose, blood pressure, or cholesterol goals. At each visit, be sure you have a blood pressure check, foot check, and weight check; and review your self-care plan.
Talk with your health care team about your medicines and whether you need to adjust them. Routine health care will help you find and treat any health problems early, or may be able to help prevent them.
Talk with your doctor about what vaccines you should get to keep from getting sick, such as a flu shot and pneumonia shot. Preventing illness is an important part of taking care of your diabetes.
Feeling stressed, sad, or angry is common when you live with diabetes. Stress can raise your blood glucose levels, but you can learn ways to lower your stress. Try deep breathing, gardening, taking a walk, doing yoga, meditating, doing a hobby, or listening to your favorite music.
Consider taking part in a diabetes education program or support group that teaches you techniques for managing stress.
Learn more about healthy ways to cope with stress. Depression is common among people with a chronic, or long-term, illness. Depression can get in the way of your efforts to manage your diabetes.
Ask for help if you feel down. A mental health counselor, support group, clergy member, friend, or family member who will listen to your feelings may help you feel better.
Try to get 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. Getting enough sleep can help improve your mood and energy level. You can take steps to improve your sleep habits.
If you often feel sleepy during the day, you may have obstructive sleep apneaa condition in which your breathing briefly stops many times during the night. Sleep apnea is common in people who have diabetes. Talk with your health care team if you think you have a sleep problem.
This content is provided as a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases NIDDKpart of the National Institutes of Health.
NIDDK translates and disseminates research findings to increase knowledge and understanding about health and disease among patients, health professionals, and the public.
Content produced by NIDDK is carefully reviewed by NIDDK scientists and other experts.
: Blood sugar management| How to Use a Blood Sugar Meter | Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. As with other foods in this article, it is best to eat nuts that are as whole and as unprocessed as possible. Beckerman, MD , a cardiologist with Providence Heart Clinic in Portland, Oregon. Then learn what you can do to manage them. Sleep deprivation: A cause of high blood pressure? Check your plan or ask your health care team for help finding low-cost or free supplies, and see How to Save Money on Diabetes Care for more resources. |
| How can I check my blood sugar? | You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. So does exercise, and its effects can last up to a day later. Foods and drinks to avoid with diabetes Eating healthy can help people with diabetes manage their symptoms and prevent complications. Body Type Quiz Find a Doctor - EverydayHealth Care Hydration Calculator Menopause Age Calculator Symptom Checker Weight Loss Calculator. Checking your blood sugar levels often and writing down, or using an app to track the results will tell you how well you are managing your diabetes. |
| Monitoring Your Blood Sugar | Diabetes prevention: 5 tips for taking control GLP-1 agonists: Diabetes drugs and weight loss Hyperinsulinemia: Is it diabetes? These health problems include heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, and eye disease. The most common way to check your blood glucose level at home is with a blood glucose meter. Many other studies have shown that eating beans and lentils can benefit blood sugar regulation and possibly help protect against the development of diabetes 31 , Can a lack of vitamin D cause high blood pressure? Walking After Meals for Just 2 Minutes Is Enough to Lower Blood Sugar—Here's Why, According to Science. |
| Manage your diabetes ABCs | Both the amount and type of carbs you eat determine how a food affects your blood sugar levels. Specifically, eating low GI foods has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes 15 , Furthermore, adding protein or healthy fats helps minimize blood sugar spikes after a meal Stress can affect your blood sugar levels When stressed, your body secretes hormones called glucagon and cortisol, which cause blood sugar levels to rise 29 , One study including a group of students showed that exercise, relaxation, and meditation significantly reduced stress and lowered blood sugar levels Exercises and relaxation methods like yoga and mindfulness-based stress reduction may also help correct insulin secretion problems among people with chronic diabetes 31 , 32 , Managing your stress levels through exercise or relaxation methods like yoga may help you regulate blood sugar levels. Monitoring blood glucose levels can help you better manage them You can do so at home using a portable blood glucose meter, which is known as a glucometer. You can discuss this option with your doctor. Keeping track allows you to determine whether you need to adjust your meals or medications. It also helps you learn how your body reacts to certain foods 2. Try measuring your levels regularly every day and keeping track of the numbers in a log. Also, it may be more helpful to track your blood sugar in pairs — for example, before and after exercise or before and 2 hours after a meal. This can show you whether you need to make small changes to a meal if it spikes your blood sugar, rather than avoiding your favorite meals altogether. Some adjustments include swapping a starchy side for non-starchy veggies or limiting them to a handful. Checking your blood glucose and maintaining a daily log enables you to adjust foods and medications when necessary to better manage your blood sugar levels. Getting enough sleep feels excellent and is necessary for good health In fact, poor sleeping habits and a lack of rest can affect blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. They can also increase appetite and promote weight gain 36 , 37 , Additionally, sleep deprivation raises levels of the hormone cortisol, which, as explained, plays an essential role in blood sugar management 29 , Adequate sleep is about both quantity and quality. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults get at least 7—8 hours of high quality sleep per night To improve the quality of your sleep , try to:. Good sleep helps maintain your blood sugar levels and promotes a healthy weight. On the other hand, poor sleep can disrupt critical metabolic hormones. High blood sugar levels and diabetes have been linked to micronutrient deficiencies. Some examples include deficiencies in the minerals chromium and magnesium Chromium is involved in carb and fat metabolism. It may potentiate the action of insulin, thus aiding blood sugar regulation 41 , 42 , 43 , Chromium-rich foods include:. However, the mechanisms behind this proposed connection are not entirely known, and studies report mixed findings. As such, more research is needed 41 , 45 , Magnesium has also been shown to benefit blood sugar levels. In fact, diets rich in magnesium are associated with a significantly reduced risk of diabetes In contrast, low magnesium levels may lead to insulin resistance and decreased glucose tolerance in people with diabetes 47 , 48 , Eating foods rich in chromium and magnesium can help prevent deficiencies and reduce the risk of blood sugar problems. However, the overall quality of evidence on these ingredients is low due to insufficient human studies or small sample sizes. Therefore, no conclusive recommendations can be made regarding their use Some of the foods touted to have anti-diabetes effects include 51 , 52 :. Finally, the Food and Drug Administration FDA does not regulate supplements in the same way that it regulates prescription medications. Some foods are believed to have blood-sugar-lowering effects. However, research is still inconclusive, and they may negatively interact with your diabetes medication. If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here. Maintaining a moderate weight promotes healthy blood sugar levels and reduces your risk of developing diabetes 2 , 26 , 27 , For example, if a person weighs pounds 91 kg and loses just 10—14 pounds 4. These are used as indicators of your blood sugar levels over the past 3 months 60 , Maintaining a moderate weight will support blood sugar management and decrease your risk of developing diabetes. Spreading your meals and snacks throughout the day may help you avoid both high and low blood sugar levels Snacking between meals may also reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes In fact, several studies suggest that having smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day could improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels 62 , In addition, eating smaller meals and healthy snacks throughout the day may lower glycated hemoglobin HbA1c readings, indicating improvements in blood sugar levels over the previous 3 months Snacking between meals could keep your blood sugar levels from spiking or plummeting throughout the day. Probiotics are friendly bacteria that offer numerous health benefits, including improved blood sugar regulation 65 , 66 , 67 , Research shows that probiotic intake may lower fasting blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin HbA1c , and insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes 65 , 66 , 67 , Interestingly, studies have found that improvements in blood sugar levels are more significant in people who consume multiple species of probiotics and for at least 8 weeks 69 , Probiotic-rich foods include fermented foods, such as:. Insulin is a hormone that balances blood sugar in the body. These are defined as excessive thirst, urination, and appetite, respectively. Many of them include making lifestyle changes, like managing your weight, stress levels, and sleep quality, exercising, and staying hydrated. That said, some of the biggest improvements have to do with your dietary choices. Be sure to talk with your healthcare professional before making lifestyle changes or trying new supplements— especially if you have problems with blood sugar management or are taking medications. Read this article in Spanish. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. VIEW ALL HISTORY. Blood sugar spikes are when your blood sugar rises and then crashes after eating. This article explains 12 simple ways to avoid blood sugar spikes. Sugary sodas can cause cravings. Here's a guide on how to stop drinking soda. Managing diabetes isn't as simple as just eating right and exercising. Many factors impact our blood sugars, and we might not even know it. What foods help you decrease both your blood sugar and cholesterol? Our nutrition expert answers your question. Several methods can reduce high blood sugar levels at home. Here's how to lower blood glucose, when to go to the emergency room, and when to see a…. If you have type 2 diabetes, you know how important your dietary choices are. Learn how to get the nutrients you need while managing your blood sugar…. The glycemic index GI is a value used to measure how much a specific food increases your blood sugar levels. This article reviews all you need to…. The foods you eat can have a major impact on diabetes and blood sugar levels. Here are 16 foods to get you on your way to managing diabetes. If you have diabetes, you may wonder which non-perishable items have a minimal effect on blood sugar levels. Here are 18 great non-perishable foods…. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Nutrition Evidence Based 14 Easy Ways to Lower Blood Sugar Levels Naturally. That means it promotes more gradual increases in blood sugar levels. All kinds of fiber are good for the body, but soluble fiber is best for improving blood sugar control. High fiber diets also help manage type 1 diabetes by helping the body regulate blood sugar. High fiber foods include fruit, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Drink plenty of water Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys flush out excess sugar. One study found that people who drink more water lower their risk for developing high blood sugar levels. And remember, water is the best. Sugary drinks elevate blood sugar by raising it even more. Eat moderate portions Portion control helps reduce the calories you eat, which helps you maintain a moderate weight. Controlling your weight promotes healthy blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Manage your stress Stress also affects blood sugar levels. Exercise, relaxation techniques, and meditation can help to reduce stress and blood sugar levels. Get enough sleep Poor sleeping habits can increase appetite and promote weight gain, affecting blood sugar. Sleep deprivation increases cortisol levels — which are essential to managing blood sugar. Eat foods that are rich in chromium and magnesium High blood sugar levels are linked to deficiencies in minerals like chromium and magnesium, which regulate blood sugar. Chromium-rich foods include meats, fruit, vegetables, and nuts. Magnesium-rich foods include dark, leafy greens, squash and pumpkin seeds, tuna, whole grains, dark chocolate, bananas, and beans. |
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