More than 10% of the population in the United States has diabetes and, more alarming, nearly one in three adults (about 88 million) is considered prediabetic. In either case, managing blood sugar levels plays a crucial role in preventing the serious complications that stem from diabetes and unregulated glucose.
To help you keep your glucose levels in check, Dr. Scott Lafferty and the team here at Lafferty Family Care pulled together five tips that will serve you well.
If we diagnose you with diabetes, we likely set you up with a blood sugar meter or continuous glucose monitor. It’s very important that you use these tools as instructed so you can keep your blood sugar levels within normal ranges.
Rest assured, when we supply you with these measuring devices, we make sure you understand what schedule is best for you and what your target numbers are.
If you’re prediabetic, we urge you to take this finding very seriously and do all you can to improve your blood sugar levels. The best way to accomplish this is to follow the tips below and to come see us regularly so we can monitor your progress.
While you might assume that sugar is enemy number one when it comes to diabetes, other foods high in refined carbohydrates are problematic, too. When you take in carbs, your body converts them to glucose, so it’s important to monitor and limit your carb intake.
One great way to curb your carbs is to swap out those white carbs (white bread, white rice, pasta) for 100% whole grain alternatives. As well, steer clear of carb-heavy snacks, such as cookies and chips, and eat vegetables and fruits instead. Overall, following your meal plan is a great tool for managing your blood sugar.
We’ve already discussed the benefit of substituting fruits and vegetables for carb-heavy foods, but there’s another advantage to this switch. Fruits and vegetables that are high in fiber slow the digestion of carbs (and therefore the absorption of sugar), which prevents your blood sugar levels from spiking too high.
Some great examples of fiber-rich foods are:
If you want more examples of fiber-rich foods, click here.
When you exercise regularly, you’re able to lose weight, which helps your body become more insulin sensitive.
As well, regular exercise helps use up the glucose (which your body uses for energy), which can greatly help your body manage blood sugar levels.
There are many benefits of drinking water throughout the day, and we’re going to add managing your blood sugar levels to the long list. Water and unsweetened teas are good, but avoid sweetened beverages for obvious reasons.
When you drink a good supply of water, you hydrate your body and keep a normal blood volume, which helps your kidneys flush out extra glucose through your urine.
One caution though: Some people with diabetes that isn’t well-controlled may develop kidney disease at some point. If kidney problems are severe, they may need to limit fluid intake.
If you implement these five tips into your daily regimen, you take some critical steps toward better controlling your diabetes or preventing your prediabetes from becoming a full-blown diagnosis.
If you have more questions or you’d like to schedule an appointment to check your blood sugar levels, contact our office in Bentonville, Arkansas.
