A balanced diet can help keep your blood sugar levels within a healthy range. A healthy diet includes lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and good fats. There are also certain supplements that may support healthy blood sugar levels, including chromium and vanadium. Before you try any of these supplements, talk to your doctor to determine appropriate dosages for you.
Treatments for diabetes include changes in lifestyle, medications, and insulin therapy. If you have type 1 diabetes, you will need to take insulin injections or wear an insulin pump. Blood sugar levels are controlled by a number of factors including insulin sensitivity and the amount of glucose produced by the liver.*
Here are some steps that you can take to help treat diabetes:
- Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.
- Monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and keep track in a log book or using an online tool.
- Run away from fast food. Fast food is loaded with added sugars and carbs. If you’re getting ready to dine out, make sure you avoid any meal that’s breaded, battered or fried — those foods are all right out when you’re trying to watch your blood sugar levels. Instead, try grilled chicken or fish as a healthier alternative.
- Eating regular meals: Eating regular meals will help you maintain stable blood sugar levels. When your blood sugar rises too much before a meal or goes too low after, it can set off an insulin reaction. This can make your blood sugar go even higher and cause you to feel very ill. Make sure that you always eat three balanced meals each day.
- Glycemic index: The glycemic index helps show how quickly food affects your blood sugar level. The foods with lower glycemic indexes tend to be more slowly absorbed by the body, which makes them ideal for people who have insulin issues like diabetes or hypoglycemia.
