How to Reduce Blood Sugar Level Immediately

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1 in 2 adults in the United States is living with diabetes or prediabetes. These are conditions in which blood sugar levels are higher than normal. Healthy blood sugar levels are important for everyone, but it’s especially important for people with diabetes or prediabetes to regulate blood sugar.

Please keep reading for some tips on how to lower high blood sugar levels quickly. Keep in mind that very high or very low blood sugar levels require emergency medical attention.

How quickly can you lower sugar levels?

You can lower blood sugar levels within minutes by injecting rapid-acting insulin. Other treatment options, such as prescription medications to take by mouth and regular, intermediate, and long-acting insulins, do not work as quickly but are also effective in lowering high blood sugar.

How can I lower my blood sugar in 10 minutes?

The fastest way to lower blood sugars is to take an injection of fast-acting insulin, which begins working within 15 minutes. The effects of this medicine peak in 1-2 hours and last for 2-4 hours. Examples of rapid-acting insulins include Novolog, Humalog, Lyumjev, and Apidra.

Since 2015, a type of inhaled rapid-acting insulin called Afrezza has been available in the United States. Afrezza starts working within 12-15 minutes, peaks in 30 minutes, and is out of your system in 3 hours.

It’s worth noting that rapid-acting insulin is used to manage blood sugar spikes that occur after meals in people with diabetes. It is not a substitute for diabetes medication or regular, intermediate, or long-acting insulins which work throughout the day to maintain blood glucose levels. The use of insulin must be under strict medical control.

In addition to taking oral medications and insulin, it’s also possible to lower your blood sugar levels naturally through healthy lifestyle choices, including low-carbohydrate, high-fiber diets, and regular exercise.

What lifestyle changes can lower blood glucose levels?

Exercise

Physical activity is one of the main lifestyle changes you can make to naturally lower blood sugar over a period of time. Exercise causes sugar absorption from the bloodstream into the cells for conversion into energy. This helps to lower blood sugar levels. Exercise also increases glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity (the ability of cells to respond to insulin) and decreases insulin resistance. Experts recommend at least 150 minutes per week of moderate weight-bearing exercises such as fast walking or swimming.

Remember that you should not exercise if you have low blood sugar levels (below 100 mg/dL). Eat a small snack before starting your workout if this is the case.

Also, do not exercise if you have severe hyperglycemia (blood sugar levels above 250 mg/dL). If this is the case, test your urine for ketones. The presence of ketones means your body does not have enough insulin for blood sugar management. Exercise in the presence of too little insulin can raise ketone levels, which can lead to a dangerously high blood sugar level and an increased risk of ketoacidosis. This is a serious complication of diabetes and a medical emergency requiring emergency medical treatment.

The American Diabetes Association also warns that certain types of physical activity, such as weightlifting and high-intensity training, can increase blood sugar levels in some people. To better understand your personal response to different types of exercise, keep a log of your workouts and blood sugar readings.

Last but not least, stay well-hydrated during your workouts. Drinking water and unsweetened liquids helps your kidneys flush out excess sugar from your body.

Stress

During periods of stress, hormones such as cortisol are secreted to increase the body’s ability to cope. However, these stress hormones can raise blood sugar levels. Controlling stress with deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and mindfulness practices can help lower blood sugar, treat high blood pressure, and maintain an overall healthy body.

Sleep

Sleep deprivation and poor sleeping habits can increase cortisol (stress hormone) levels, affect insulin sensitivity, increase your blood sugar level, and promote weight gain. This can increase your risk of developing diabetes if you do not already have it or worsen blood sugar control if you have prediabetes or diabetes.

To improve sleep, the National Sleep Foundation recommends following a sleep schedule (sleeping and getting up at the same time every day), having a relaxing bedtime routine, keeping your bedroom cool and dark, avoiding alcohol and caffeine before bedtime, and exercising regularly.

What foods can lower blood sugar quickly?

The body breaks down carbohydrates into sugar, mainly glucose, which is stored and used for energy as needed. As a result, high carb intake can result in more glucose in the body. In contrast, low-carbohydrate and high-fiber foods can help in controlling blood sugar levels, reducing the need for insulin, and helping with weight management.

Some examples of nutritious and low-carb foods include lean meats, fish, eggs, unsweetened dairy products, whole grains, legumes, fruits like apples and strawberries, leafy green vegetables, non-starchy vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli, nuts, and seeds like pumpkin seeds. Fresh fruits and vegetables are also good sources of dietary fiber.

What drink lowers high blood sugar levels?

Water is the best drink to maintain your blood sugar levels in the normal range. It doesn’t raise blood sugar levels and helps the body flush out excess sugar through urine. If you don’t enjoy plain water, try adding fresh herbs like basil or mint, frozen or fresh berries, or slices of lemon or orange for some flavor.

Other drinks that may help control blood sugar levels include unsweetened tea and coffee, unsweetened fruit juices, vegetable juices, green smoothies, zero-calorie (diet) carbonated drinks, and low-fat milk and milk substitutes. The drinks to avoid are regular sodas, energy drinks, and sweetened fruit juices.

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