3 tips to lower blood sugar and manage diabetes

3 tips to lower blood sugar and manage diabetes

Diabetes, also called diabetes mellitus, is characterized by increased blood sugar or blood glucose levels. It is among the most prevalent ailments affecting more than 37 million people in the country. The condition could result from several factors, including age, family history, and genetics. While some might not show symptoms, those experiencing constant urination and thirst should get checked. Here are the treatment options, foods, and lifestyle changes to help manage high blood sugar:

Treatment options
There is no cure for diabetes. Available treatments only help control blood sugar fluctuations, prevent complications, and slow the condition’s progression. Here are a few options to treat diabetes:

  • INVOKANA®
    It is an oral treatment to lower blood sugar levels in individuals over 18 years with type 2 diabetes. INVOKANA® is used with changes in foods and an exercise routine for maximum benefit. Besides lowering blood sugar, this treatment option can reduce the risk of cardiovascular conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and end-stage kidney disease that can result from the ailment. Note that INVOKANA® should not be used to treat type 1 diabetes as it can increase the risk of ketoacidosis. The severe side effects of this treatment include a high risk of amputations, dehydration, ketoacidosis, vaginal yeast infections, and yeast infections around the penis. Other possible side effects include urinary tract infections, low blood sugar, bacterial infections on the skin, allergic reactions, and fractures.
  • KERENDIA
    The FDA has approved KERENDIA as a treatment option to reduce the risk of kidney disease, cardiovascular issues, and hospitalization for heart failure linked to type 2 diabetes. The oral treatment is mainly recommended for adults. Common side effects of KERENDIA include high potassium levels, low blood pressure, and low sodium levels.
  • GlucoTrust
    Many patients look for treatment options with all-natural ingredients to keep their blood sugar levels in check. GlucoTrust is one such option. Its natural ingredients help the body convert glucose into energy and maintain the body’s hormonal balance. However, one must talk to a doctor before starting natural and herbal options like GlucoTrust for diabetes.
  • Insulin therapy
    Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps the body break down the glucose that fuels the cells in the body. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces little to no insulin. This makes it difficult for the body to process glucose, increasing blood sugar levels. To tackle this, individuals opt for insulin therapy, where they are given the hormone externally. Various types of insulin are available depending on how they control blood sugar. For instance, long-acting insulin helps the body break down glucose in small amounts throughout the day. Short-acting insulin works much faster and is suitable for tackling glucose spikes after meals. Individuals can get insulin via a shot, an insulin pen, or a pump.
  • Dexcom G6
    Besides following a treatment plan, patients must keep tabs on their blood sugar levels. The Dexcom G6 continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system is one way to track blood glucose. It is a tiny device that provides real-time monitoring of blood sugar without the need for a finger prick. The device consists of a sensor placed on the skin to be changed every ten days. It is also very discreet, meaning individuals can wear it under their clothing without worry. The best part is that it can send automatic alerts to a connected mobile device if the patient’s blood sugar levels are too high or too low. On the downside, it is a rather expensive mode of diabetes management. Dexcom G6 is suitable for managing diabetes in individuals over two years.

Foods to eat and avoid
Besides treatment, people with diabetes must follow the right meal plan to manage blood sugar. This is because some foods can increase blood sugar levels quickly, whereas others take longer. The glycemic index (GI) helps measure this. Foods that are absorbed into the bloodstream slowly and do not affect blood sugar levels have low GI values. Therefore, those with diabetes should opt for low-GI foods like nuts, pulses, whole grains, avocado, broccoli, pears, and apples.

Foods with high GI levels can cause sudden spikes in glucose levels. Hence, avoiding bread, rice, pasta, sweetened cereals, soft drinks, and even specific fruits is recommended. Furthermore, patients must avoid fried foods, such as French fries, as they can increase the risk of heart disease and other diabetes complications.

Lifestyle changes
Specific lifestyle adjustments positively impact blood sugar levels and help keep diabetes in check. Here are a few examples:

  • Exercise
    Movements that increase the heart rate and use energy can help lower blood sugar and reduce the risk of heart diseases. Individuals can try walking, riding a cycle, jogging, or even swimming for a minimum of 30 minutes a day. Exercise also helps relieve stress, which is among the significant triggers of high blood sugar.
  • Regular checkups
    Patients must go for regular checkups to keep tabs on their cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. It is advisable to get checked once every six months. A health checkup can also help identify and prevent complications associated with the disease, such as a heart attack and stroke.

Popular Articles

01

6 foods to avoid for people with hearing difficulties

The auditory sense is a crucial aspect of perceiving the world around us. However, approximately 15% of adults in the country report some hearing problems. With advanced technology, several solutions, including hearing aids and assistive devices, have been devised to help individuals with hearing impairment. In addition, following a healthy, curated meal plan can help them control symptoms of hearing impairment. Here are some foods to avoid and general tips for those experiencing hearing difficulties. Foods to avoid for people with hearing difficulties Monosodium glutamate An integral part of several packaged and ready-to-eat foods, monosodium glutamate (MSG) is an excitatory neurotransmitter that can cause severe neurological impairment, worsening the symptoms of hearing conditions like tinnitus. Thus, checking the ingredients in ready-to-eat foods and avoiding those with MSG is advisable. Caffeinated beverages It has been found that excessive intake of caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea can elevate one’s blood pressure and aggravate the symptoms of hearing conditions. However, since caffeine also comprises several antioxidants, it may benefit the body in limited quantities. The key here is to limit one’s intake of tea and coffee. Processed foods Processed foods are high in saturated and trans fats, which can lead to plaque generation in the arteries and problems with blood circulation.
Read More
02

7 easy teeth whitening remedies to try

A smile is one of the first things most people notice when they see someone for the first time. Once people put on a smile, they feel completely dressed; this is why people try to keep their teeth from staining and look for whitening techniques. However, not everyone has the time to frequently visit the dentist and get their teeth whitened. So, one can use these remedies to make their teeth look whiter: Brush with baking soda While this is an important ingredient in cakes and cookies, baking soda is also a vital ingredient in toothpaste because of its natural teeth whitening properties. This basic chemical’s mild abrasive effects help scrub teeth stains and whiten the enamel. This teeth whitening remedy is backed by simple chemistry—baking soda creates an alkaline environment in the mouth, preventing the growth of bacteria and removing stains left by acidic food. This easy teeth whitening remedy can be adopted by mixing a teaspoon of baking soda with two teaspoons of water and using this paste to brush one’s teeth. This should be used three times a week and not every day because it may have a corrosive effect on the enamel.   Use coconut oil Coconut oil is one of the easiest teeth whitening remedies.
Read More
03

6 Safest SUVs to Consider Buying in 2023

Are you looking for a safe, reliable SUV for your family? Look no further. Some of the best SUVs for 2023 come with advanced technology, superior driver assistance features, and safety equipment. They can protect the driver and occupants in a collision and lower the impact of the crash. From luxury to budget-friendly options, there is something for everyone. So here are the safest SUVs you can find this year: Dodge Hornet The 2023 Dodge Hornet is a compact crossover SUV that prioritizes safety and reliability. The Hornet has advanced safety features such as forward collision warning, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. The interior of the Hornet has premium materials and plenty of space for passengers and cargo. You also get an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Hornet is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 268-hp engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. The SUV strikes a balance between power and efficiency and delivers good performance. You can look up “Local Dodge dealers near me” and find dealerships that sell the Hornet. You will be able to find great deals on new and used models at a local dealership.
Read More