How to Lower Blood Sugar Levels

High blood sugar refers to the presence of a high level of sugar or glucose in the blood. However, the level of glucose in the blood generally increases slightly, for two to three hours after a meal, which is quite normal. But a persistent increase in blood sugar can be potentially dangerous. The term hyperglycemia is used to signify abnormal high blood sugar level. It can cause extensive damage to the blood vessels, increase the risk of kidney and heart diseases and nervous disorders.

The blood sugar level is maintained by insulin, a hormone released by the beta cells of the pancreas. The insulin facilitates the absorption of sugar by the cells of the liver, muscle and fat tissue. In the case of a low or no production of insulin, the glucose or sugar absorption is impaired, which raises the blood glucose level.

Causes

High blood sugar is caused either by insufficient production of insulin or insulin resistance. In both the situations, the body cannot absorb and utilize glucose or sugar from the blood, leading to a high blood sugar level. One of the most common diseases, which results in a high sugar level, is diabetes. Controlling diabetes requires a proper balance among the intake of medicines, consumption of food and the amount of exercise or physical activity.

How to Lower the Blood Sugar Level

The key to regulate blood sugar level lies in maintaining healthy food habits and regular exercise or physical activities.

Food

People with a high level of blood sugar should always avoid or reduce the consumption of foods rich in sugar and carbohydrates, such as potatoes, rice, etc. Instead, they should opt for foods low in carbohydrate content or low-glycemic foods, which are digested much slowly. Foods, low in carbohydrate or sugar, include oatmeal, peanuts, peas and fruits like pears, oranges, apples, etc. Vegetables like broccoli, asparagus and various green vegetables are also low in carbohydrates.

Avoiding fast food, which are rich in harmful fats and sugar, is equally important. Soft drinks are also high in sugar content. Therefore, the intake of soft drinks also needs to be controlled.

Drinking plenty of water, preferably 7 to 8 glasses a day, can be helpful in regulating the level of blood sugar. In addition to maintaining the blood sugar level, it also facilitates the elimination of toxic waste products from the body and helps in getting rid of excess weight. Certain herbs can also be effective in lowering the blood sugar level. These herbs include cinnamon, huckleberries, ginseng and ginger. Turmeric is also believed to have a beneficial effect on reducing blood sugar and the cholesterol level.

Regular Exercise

Regulating food habits should be complemented by regular exercise or physical activity, in order to keep the blood sugar normal. Exercise helps you to remain healthy by regulating not only the blood sugar level but also cholesterol and blood pressure. Besides, it would also help in shedding off any extra weight. However, exercise does not always mean vigorous exercise, even a daily walk can work wonders in maintaining the level of blood sugar.

So, eating healthy foods low in sugar and regular physical activity or exercise are of prime importance for controlling the blood sugar level. However, determination of the exact factors behind a high level of blood sugar is also important, as many times it results from some underlying diseases like diabetes. In such situations, proper medication coupled with exercise and consumption of appropriate food is the best way to ward off such problems.