It sometimes is challenging to keep your blood sugar levels within the range that has been specified by your doctor. The main reason for this is that so many factors can cause your blood sugar levels to spike unexpectedly. Let’s learn about a few factors that affect your blood sugar levels.
Food
Whether you have diabetes or not, you must practice eating a healthy diet in order to have a healthy living. If you do have diabetes, you need to be aware of how certain foods are affecting your blood sugar levels. What food you are eating is not the only factor, also what are the combinations of types of food you are eating and what quantity you are taking it also affects your blood sugar levels. What can you do about it?
Get Informed About Portion Sizes And Counting Carbohydrates
Being able to count carbohydrates is a key component in any plan to manage diabetes as carbohydrates have the most effect on the levels of your blood sugar. If you are taking insulin during mealtime, you must know what amount of carbohydrates your food contains so that you are able to determine the required dose for insulin. Also, you have to get a clear idea of what the portion size is for each of the food you are eating. You can use a scale or measuring cups to make sure that you are following the proper portion size.
Keep Your Meals Well-Balanced
Starches, proteins, fats, fruits, and vegetables are ideal components that should make up your meal every day. You must also lookout for the type of carbohydrates that you are choosing. Whole grains are carbohydrates that are better for you than others. Whole grains are rich in fiber, which helps in keeping your blood sugar at a stable level. You can consult with dieticians to devise the best diet that will be balanced according to your requirements.
Get Your Medication And Your Meals Coordinated
If you eat too little food while you are taking medications like insulin to manage your diabetes, you may get an attack of hypoglycemia. This is a condition that occurs when the blood sugar levels in your body get dangerously low. On the other hand, there is hyperglycemia, a condition that is caused by eating too much food resulting in a great spike in your blood sugar levels. Consult with your physician to determine how to coordinate between your meals and schedules for medication so you can avoid these potentially fatal conditions.
Refrain From Beverages That Are Sugar-Sweetened
Beverages that are sweetened with sugar offer little nutrition and have a very high-calorie count. Hence if you have diabetes you must avoid these drinks as much as possible as they cause a blood sugar spike instantly. On the other hand, if you suddenly experience very low sugar levels, you can take beverages that are sugar-sweetened as they will effectively raise your blood sugar when it becomes too low.
Medication
Sometimes you need to take medications like insulin to lower your blood sugar levels as prescribed by your physician. How effective the medication will be depends on the size of the dose you are taking and what time you are taking it. If you are taking other medication for conditions other than diabetes then that will have an effect on your blood sugar as well. Here are a few things you need to look out for when taking medication for diabetes.
Store the Insulin In The Proper Way
You need to store the insulin in the way that is directed in the packaging. As insulin is sensitive to extreme temperature you need to store it properly, or it will lose its effectiveness. You also need to see the expiration date and be mindful not to take insulin that has expired its validity.
Inform Your Doctor If Problems Arise
Some issues might arise when taking medication for diabetes. Your blood sugar may drop too low suddenly or the insulin might not be having the desired effects. In these cases, the dosage will need to be adjusted. You will need to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly to check what effect your medication is having. You can do it at home with the help of a glucose meter. You can find the best glucose meter with cheapest strips available online. Buy them and use them regularly so you can communicate with your doctor if any issues arise with your blood sugar levels after taking the medications.
Be Careful When Taking New Medication
Your doctor may prescribe you a different drug for another issue you might have, such as high levels of cholesterol or high blood pressure. During this time you need to let your doctor know that you are taking medication for diabetes and would the new medicine affect your blood sugar levels in any way. The doctor will take that into account and if required will prescribe a different medication that is compatible with the diabetes medication.
Exercise
Having ample physical activity is also a very important component of your plan to manage diabetes. The sugar in your blood is used as energy by your muscles when you exercise. When you work out regularly your body can use insulin more effectively. Longer physical activity means more long-lasting effects.
Consult Your Doctor About An Exercise Plan
You need to choose an exercise type that is suitable for you. For an average male, 150 minutes of aerobic activity a week will suffice. You could aim for 30 minutes of activity on most days of the week. When you consult your doctor he will check your overall health and devise a plan that will suit your workout needs. Monitor your blood sugar levels to see how exercise is affecting your levels and have the doctor modify your dose accordingly.
Stay Hydrated And be Prepared
It’s important for you to drink plenty of fluids when you are exercising as your blood sugar levels might get affected due to dehydration. You must also be prepared in case your exercise causes your blood sugar levels to drop too low. Hence it is always a good idea to keep glucose tablets or a small snack with you when you start to exercise.
Bottom Line
You need to be knowledgeable about the factors that influence the levels of your blood sugar. This will help you to be prepared for the fluctuations if they occur. Even after all the precautions you are taking does not help in keeping your blood sugar level within your target range, you need to consult with your health care team to devise a more accurate and effective plan to manage your diabetes.
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