Anyone who knows anything about diabetes knows that it’s a disease all about high blood sugar. It’s extremely important to keep blood sugar levels in a certain range to reduce the chances of complications with diabetes.  By managing your diabetes, you’re allowing yourself a live a healthier, happier life.

Here are a few tips on how to get and maintain a lower blood sugar level:

1. Monitor the carbs you consume. The sugar in your blood is called glucose and it comes from the carbs in your food. Foods that contribute a lot of carbs to your diet, typically white foods, get in your system faster than your body can respond. While all carbs will eventually turn into glucose, some just take longer than others.
   The best way to lower your sugar is to reduce the amount of carbs you eat. When you do have foods with carbs in them, make it healthy items. Try to avoid refined sugars as much as you can.
2. Exercise more. While glucose is the main fuel source for our bodies, you still have to burn it or it will stick around in your blood. Simple exercises like walking or riding a bike can get the job done. By building muscle, you burn more glucose. Muscles burn more glucose than other types of tissue.
3. Reduce the stress in your life. It’s easier said than done, but for your health, it’s important to remove yourself from situations that cause you extra stress. Learn ways to manage your stress with whatever works for you. Things that typically help are exercise, doing things you love, therapy, and meditation.
4. Use prescription medications as directed by your doctor. If your doctor has prescribed you medication for diabetes, it’s important to take them as instructed to help lower your blood sugar levels. Make sure you work with your doctor to figure out what’s right for you, and remember that medicine is not the only way of managing diabetes.
5. Monitor your glucose levels carefully. It’s extremely important to actively monitor your glucose levels. Figure out a schedule that works best for you. For example, after eating certain foods, taking insulin, and around activities. Test out situations that you think may be changing your glucose levels.
6. Eat more fiber. Fiber is a carb that is good for diabetes and your digestive health. Find foods that are good sources of fiber like beans, whole grains, and green vegetables that you enjoy.
7. Try taking vinegar. Taking vinegar before meals has been proven to lower the after-meal spike in your glucose levels. Try taking some around your bedtime to help lower you fasting glucose too.
8. Make sure you get enough sleep. A lack of sleep can cause all sorts of health issues, especially for diabetics. A known cause of insulin resistance is lack of sleep. This raises your blood sugar levels. Let your body heal properly and make sure to get enough rest every night.