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Ways to Lower Your Blood Sugar Count

by Ruth Taylor

Overview

If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes, your doctor has likely already discussed with you the need to lower your blood sugar levels. Lowering your blood sugar count can be done by carefully monitoring your diet and exercise regime. Your doctor may also wish to prescribe medication to lower your blood sugar.
Lifestyle Changes

Chances are that you already realize that if you want to lower your blood sugar count, you need to make lifestyle changes. Making healthy food choices and adding daily activity to your schedule may be all that is needed to bring your sugar levels into normal range. Of course, you not only wish to achieve normal blood sugar levels, but to keep them there in order to avoid the complications that result from elevated blood sugar levels.

Diet

What you eat has one of the biggest impacts on your blood sugar levels. Foods that contain carbohydrates, whether as starches or sugars, will raise your blood sugar. That doesn't mean you should eliminate all carbohydrates. Instead, make healthier choices. Choose whole grains over refined ones. For example, eat brown rice instead of white, or rye bread instead of white bread. Green leafy vegetables are a good choice because they are low in starchy carbohydrates and full of fiber, minerals and vitamins. The American Diabetes Association recommends trying what they call the plate method when planning your meal. Divide your plate into two halves. Fill one half with a non- starchy vegetable, such as broccoli or peppers and onions. Divide the other half of your plate again to create two more sections. In one of these smaller sections, choose a starchy carbohydrate, maybe a whole grain roll or brown rice. The other small section is for your meat or protein choice. The plate method helps keep starchy carbohydrates at a reasonable level in your diet.
Exercise

Exercise is also vital in lowering your blood sugar count. Regular exercise means being active on a regular basis, whether you go to the gym three times a week for an hour or walk every evening for half an hour. Being active, especially with a good exercise routine, will help you develop muscle tissue. Muscles aid in insulin metabolism and in regulating blood sugar levels, so you will receive benefits that last after your workout ends. Always check with your doctor before starting any exercise program. A personal trainer or exercise physiologist will be able to recommend the best exercise program for you, which may be weight training or aerobics. If you still can't get your blood sugar levels under control with lifestyle changes, your doctor may recommend medication in conjunction with your diet and exercise program.