It’s hard to keep your blood sugar level at the right number, especially when you have been diagnosed with Type II Diabetes. There are times when your blood sugar can spike, but not high enough to require medication, and then when you do take something for your blood sugar, it can go way too low. Is there any way for you to lower your blood sugar level without going too far?
If you are wary of taking blood sugar medications but would like some help to normalize your blood sugar levels, then these tips on how to lower it naturally may be of good use.
Spread the carbs
There are some carbohydrates that you can eat even when you have diabetes such as the ones found in apples. However, instead of eating the entire apple in one sitting, you might want to spread it out throughout the day instead. You can slice the apple and have a wedge or two every few hours. Not only will this regulate your blood sugar, it will also keep your hunger at bay too.
Red wine
Another way to help lower your blood sugar is to have a glass of red wine. Red wine has been found to hinder the absorption of glucose in the intestines which means that your blood sugar levels will not go up. Take note, however, that this should not be done daily as red wine is still an alcoholic drink which can affect your liver if you consume a lot.
Have more fruits
Most fruits have low GI scores with the exception of pineapple and melon. This is due to the fact that most fruits tend to have more water in them as well as fiber that even out the natural sugars that they come with which is referred to as fructose. Take note that as the fruit ripens, their GI levels go up. Fruit juices tend to have higher GI scores because their seed as well as fibrous skin are removed. If you want to eat more fruits, eat them as is to get the most benefits. Think grapes, apples, and blueberries where you can eat their skin and all.
Nuts
Nuts are another example of food that can help reduce your blood sugar naturally as they are high in dietary fiber with GI scores 55 and lower. What’s more, nuts contain plenty of unsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, proteins, minerals, and phytochemicals just to name a few. Make sure that you opt for nuts that aren’t processed to get the most health benefits.
Apple cider vinegar
Another food that can help reduce your blood sugar level is apple cider vinegar which can help those who are pre-diabetic and those who are already diagnosed with Type II diabetes. Adding a tablespoon of this vinegar to a glass of warm water can help, but if you are not a fan of the taste, you can look for extracts that can be taken as a supplement. Keep in mind that apple cider vinegar may take a while to reduce your blood sugar levels but they do work.
Sleep more
If you have been missing out on sleep lately, you are causing your blood sugar levels to go up. That said, make it a point to be in bed at a certain hour at night and wake up early. Do this every day until it has become a routine to ensure that you are getting adequate amounts of rest. This may not be as easy as it seems what with the amount of work that we do, but it is worth a shot especially when you are trying to keep your blood sugar regulated.