This is the #1 Fastest Way to Reduce Your High Blood Sugar
High blood sugar or hyperglycemia is mostly linked to diabetes and it happens when there's too much sugar in the blood because the body isn't producing enough insulin. "Blood sugar is fuel for your body. It's your body's main source of energy – without it you can not survive," Dr. Bayo Curry-Winchell, Urgent Care Medical Director and Physician, Carbon Health and Saint Mary's Hospital tells us. If high blood sugar is left untreated major health complications like damage to your nerves, organs and eyes can happen, as well as an increased risk of heart attack and stroke. Here's five ways to help lower your high blood sugar, according to Dr. Curry-Winchell. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.
If Your Blood Sugar Level is This Number, It's Too High
According to the Cleveland Clinic, "Hyperglycemia is blood glucose greater than 125 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) while fasting (not eating for at least eight hours; a person with a fasting blood glucose greater than 125 mg/dL has diabetes).
- A person has impaired glucose tolerance, or pre-diabetes, with a fasting blood glucose of 100 mg/dL to 125 mg/dL.
- A person has hyperglycemia if their blood glucose is greater than 180 mg/dL one to two hours after eating."
Who is at Risk for High Blood Sugar
Dr. Curry-Winchell says, "Anyone can be at risk for high blood sugar. If you have a family history of diabetes considered uncontrolled by diet or medication, taking a medication such as steroids (prednisone) situational or emotional stress, infections, low physical activity, diet high in fat/carbohydrates."
Symptoms of High Blood Sugar
Dr. Curry-Winchell tells us, "The symptoms of high blood sugar include fatigue, increased urination/thirst, vision changes just to name a few. It's important to find a health care provider to discuss your risks for developing diabetes."
Eating Foods Low in Carbohydrates
Dr. Curry-Winchell explains, "A small change of incorporating one to two healthy meals a day will not only lower your blood sugar quickly — but will help you maintain it. Your body must break down carbohydrates into glucose (blood sugar), and the more carbs you eat, the more sugar you have in your bloodstream."
Drinking More Water
"Staying hydrated with water helps prevent dehydration," Dr. Curry-Winchell says. "When you are dehydrated, your kidneys have a harder time removing extra glucose through urination."
Reduce Stress
According to Dr. Curry-Winchell, "Experiencing chronic levels of stress leads to increased production of hormones (cortisol and glucagon) that raise your blood sugar. Finding ways to lower your stress (even if it's only for a short period of time) can decrease these hormones."
Monitoring your Blood Sugar
Dr. Curry-Winchell states, "A glucose monitoring system often referred to as a GCM can be very beneficial in lowering your blood sugar. It provides real time insight of how your body responds to the food you are eating. This can lead to changes in your diet, and a quick decrease in your blood sugar improving your overall health and reducing your risks for diabetes."
Sleeping
Dr. Curry-Winchell says, "Yes, a night filled with restful sleep can help you lower your blood sugars quickly. When you are sleep deprived it increases the hormone cortisol. Lack of sleep will affect your overall energy, this can lead to poor food choices, inactivity and a depressed or anxious mood."
