The easiest way to lower your blood sugar is with insulin shots. However, it can take up to four hours for the body to absorb it and an excess of this hormone can be fatal. If you need to lower your blood sugar quickly, drink plenty of water and walk. A diet rich in proteins, vegetables and good fats can also help in this regard. If the problem recurs, see your doctor as soon as possible to adjust your treatment.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Resolving a Possible Emergency
Step 1. Watch for classic signs of high blood sugar
If it is high, you may feel irritable, tired and lethargic. Feeling too thirsty and getting a dry mouth are also common symptoms.
- You may have other symptoms that are unique to you. Know your body and know how to identify these symptoms as soon as possible, as soon as they appear.
- If you are vomiting or nauseated, go to an emergency room immediately. This can be a symptom of extreme hyperglycemia and in this situation there is a risk of diabetic ketoacidosis or diabetic coma.
Step 2. Check your blood sugar level
When you notice symptoms, measure your blood glucose and note the result along with the date and time. You may also want to write down other details that might help find the cause of the hyperglycaemia.
For example, if you just had a large meal, it could be the cause
Step 3. Measure ketones in urine
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a temporary complication of diabetes mellitus (type 1) and can also affect people with type 2 diabetes, although the condition is rarer in this case. It can be very harmful to health and even lead to death if left untreated. If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, always have a kit of ketone measuring strips at home.
- Remember this rule: if you have diabetes and your blood sugar is above 250 mg/dl, it's best to get tested to check your ketone levels.
- If there are ketones in your urine, see your doctor right away or go straight to the hospital.
Step 4. Drink two glasses of water
Water alone does not lower the blood sugar level, but it helps to hydrate the dehydrated body – a complication of diabetic ketoacidosis – and generally improves the feeling of well-being. Drink one cup after another.
- Drink the water at a steady pace, not sips. After the first glass, notice how you feel. Don't force the bar to drink more water if you feel nauseous.
- Sports drinks can help balance electrolytes and lower blood sugar, but be sure to buy a sugar-free brand so they don't have the opposite effect.
- Water also helps eliminate ketones, but be careful. If possible, talk to your doctor before drinking water if a urine test indicates the presence of ketone bodies.
Step 5. Go for a walk
One of the quickest ways to lower your blood glucose level is to engage in some form of physical activity, with a short walk being one of the most affordable options. If you don't want to get too far from home, walk or run in circles and climb stairs.
- Keep moving for five or 10 minutes and then measure your blood glucose again. Your doctor may recommend that you also check your urine for ketones. If your sugar level does not go down, if it is above 250 mg/dl, or if ketone is present in your urine, stop exercising immediately.
- Don't exercise longer than 15 or 20 minutes – your blood glucose isn't supposed to keep dropping.
- If ketones are present in your urine, do not even do moderate exercise to avoid making the situation worse. Contact your doctor or go to a hospital right away.
Step 6. Take a warm bath
If you're at home, a 15-minute warm shower can improve the flow of insulin in your body, helping to lower your blood sugar more quickly. The water cannot be too hot.
- Check your blood sugar level after you shower and see if it's down. You can also drink another glass of water.
- Know that taking a warm shower requires glucose and that your muscles need insulin to be able to use it. That is, if you don't have a sufficient amount of insulin in your body at that time, your blood glucose may even rise.
Step 7. Talk to the doctor
If drinking water, walking, and taking a warm bath are futile, call your doctor as soon as possible to let them know what is happening.
- Your doctor may want you to do other tests, adjust your medication, or change your treatment.
- Be sure to record all occurrences of hyperglycemia carefully. If your diet and exercise routine aren't responsible, you may need new medications to control the problem.
Method 2 of 3: Adjusting the Feed
Step 1. Invest in protein
Protein satisfies hunger while helping the body to stabilize glucose levels. Add small protein snacks three times a day. Avoid snacks that contain sugar, as they only serve to worsen the condition.
A tablespoon of unsweetened peanut butter or almond butter can provide just the right amount of protein. Another option is to eat a handful of nuts or a piece of cheese
Step 2. Make a vegetable smoothie
Dark vegetables such as lettuce, kale and spinach are rich in magnesium, a mineral that helps maintain adequate blood glucose levels. Stock up on vitamins made with vegetables and fruits to drink when you need them.
- You can find different recipes on the internet. Experiment until you find the option that suits you best and make a rotation of vegetables so you don't get bored with your taste buds.
- Consume a serving of leafy greens several times a day to help stabilize your blood sugar over time and thus get rid of constant bouts of hyperglycemia.
Step 3. Try a dash of cinnamon
Cinnamon is rich in chromium, an element that some people believe is capable of absorbing glucose, which helps to lower the sugar level. This fact has not yet been proven, but in any case, it doesn't hurt to add a little cinnamon to your diet either. When making a protein snack or taking a vitamin, try sprinkling a pinch on top or adding it in a blender.
For example, try spreading almonds in cinnamon and roasting them to make a tasty snack that controls blood glucose
Step 4. Consume more whole grains rich in magnesium
There is no evidence that magnesium helps to lower blood glucose, but type 2 diabetes is associated with a deficiency of this mineral. Make a sandwich with whole wheat bread or whole oatmeal or porridge using brown rice for breakfast.
- Oats are a versatile food that can be used in many ways besides porridge.
- Be careful with breads. Of course, whole wheat flour is much better than white, but two slices of this type of bread can raise your blood sugar level more than two tablespoons of refined sugar. In addition, these breads may have sugar in their composition.
Step 5. Adopt a vegetable-based diet
Many people with diabetes have been better able to control the condition after adopting a vegetarian or vegan diet. It's okay if you're not ready to give up that bacon and hamburger yet, but cutting back on your daily intake of meat and sausage can lower your blood sugar.
- Fiber-rich foods, which decrease the release of sugar into the bloodstream, help stabilize your blood sugar over time.
- Include lots of vegetables and vegetables in your diet even if you're not prepared to give up meat and dairy products.
- If you love dairy products, be aware that whole milk and heavy cream contain less sugar than low-fat versions.
Method 3 of 3: Doing Exercises
Step 1. Check urine for ketones
If you are diabetic and have hyperglycemia, take a pharmacy test to see if ketones are present in your urine. Do not try to exercise if the test reveals traits.
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious illness that can be fatal. If the test is positive, contact your doctor immediately
Step 2. Start with hiking
Regular exercise is the easiest way to maintain a healthy blood sugar level. Walking is a good start as it is free and there is no secret.
- Start with a moderate intensity – normally, you should be able to have a chat with someone while walking. If you get out of breath, slow down or stop.
- If you are afraid to go out alone, call a neighbor or friend who is willing to walk with you.
Step 3. Aim to exercise for 10 to 15 minutes a day
Exercising regularly does not mean wasting hours and hours in the gym. Just devote 10 to 15 minutes every day to moderate exercise.
Don't forget to warm up before and let your body cool down after exercising. For example, if you walk for 15 minutes, start at a slower pace for the first minute and resume this step for two minutes at the end of the walk
Step 4. Measure your blood sugar level from time to time while exercising
Exercising is a quick way to lower your blood sugar, but it can also have the opposite effect if the intensity is high. If you have hyperglycemia problems, take measurements before, during and after the activity.
- You should also be aware that when you try to stabilize your blood sugar with exercise, you can unintentionally drop your blood sugar.
- If you notice that your blood sugar level has risen or fallen too much, stop exercising immediately.
