Talk with your doctor about how much insulin you should take for instances like this. In fact, several studies suggest that having smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day could improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels (62, 64). One study including a group of students showed that exercise, relaxation, and meditation significantly reduced stress and lowered blood sugar levels (31). Ask your healthcare provider about your daily water needs and about how much to drink if you have a spike in blood sugars.
Managing blood sugar levels is crucial for overall health, especially for individuals with diabetes. There are times when blood sugar spikes unexpectedly, and it’s important to know how to quickly bring it back down to a safe range. Here are some effective ways to lower your blood sugar levels rapidly.
Stay Hydrated
As a result, people with diabetes have to carefully manage their blood sugar levels through diet, exercise, and medications to make sure it stays in a healthy range. “There isn’t a magic diet for people with diabetes,” says Wylie-Rosett. “It’s about how your diet relates to metabolic factors like blood sugar levels, blood pressure and cholesterol,” she says. To suss out exactly what you need, many insurance plans cover medical nutrition therapy, which pairs you up with a registered dietitian to create the best plan for your unique needs. And remember, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a nutritious diet and staying active all go a long way in keeping your blood sugar under control. Many kinds of bread have high GI scores and can cause a spike in blood sugar levels.
Fish and other animal proteins do not typically have GI scores because they do not contain carbohydrates. You don’t want to give yourself unnecessary doses, but you also don’t want to let your blood sugar get too high when an extra dose could easily put you back in the safety zone. Physical activity is one of the best ways to regulate your blood sugar and prevent spikes, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick to walking. Getting at least seven hours a night will help regulate your hormones, fatty acids, and stress. Try going to bed at the same time every night and putting screens away an hour before snooze time. The melon contains a blood sugar-lowering substance called charantin as well as polypeptide-p, which has insulin-like effects.
Instead, the fiber helps everything break down more slowly, and there’s more time for the sugar to be properly absorbed. Since stress is problematic for your blood sugar in a number of ways, it’s best to do anything you can to lower your anxiety levels. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
High blood sugar can be very concerning because your body can start burning fat for energy instead of blood glucose. Talk with your doctor about how much rapid-acting insulin you should administer when your blood sugar is high. If you’re not sure what to do, call your doctor for instructions on administering a dose of insulin and for advice about whether to go to the emergency room. Probiotics are friendly bacteria that offer numerous health benefits, including improved blood sugar regulation (65, 66, 67, 68). However, research is still inconclusive, and they may negatively interact with your diabetes medication. That said, if you already eat plenty of magnesium-rich foods and have adequate blood magnesium levels, you likely won’t benefit from taking magnesium supplements (50).
Drinking plenty of water can help flush out excess sugar from your bloodstream. Dehydration can lead to higher blood sugar levels, so make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day. Aim to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water daily to help regulate your blood sugar levels.
Exercise Regularly
Physical activity is a great way to lower blood sugar quickly. Exercise helps your body use glucose for energy, which can reduce high blood sugar levels. Try to incorporate both aerobic exercises like walking or running and strength training into your routine for optimal results.
Monitor Your Carb Intake
Carbohydrates can cause blood sugar levels to spike, so it’s essential to monitor your carb intake. Focus on consuming complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, which are digested more slowly and have less of an impact on blood sugar levels. Avoid sugary foods and drinks that can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar.
Consider Medication
If you’re struggling to lower your blood sugar levels through diet and exercise alone, talk to your healthcare provider about medication options. Insulin and other medications can help regulate blood sugar levels effectively and quickly in some cases. Make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully when taking any prescribed medications.
Manage Stress
Stress can have a significant impact on blood sugar levels, so finding ways to manage stress is crucial for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help lower stress levels and improve blood sugar control. Prioritizing self-care and getting enough sleep can also help reduce stress and regulate blood sugar levels.
Overall, making healthy lifestyle choices and being proactive in managing your blood sugar levels can help prevent sudden spikes and keep your levels in a healthy range. By staying hydrated, exercising regularly, monitoring your carb intake, considering medication if needed, and managing stress effectively, you can quickly lower your blood sugar levels and maintain overall well-being.
