How To Lower Blood Sugar Fast For Type 2 Diabetes – For people with diabetes, managing blood glucose is more than just making sure it’s not too high. It can also be dangerous when the blood sugar level is too low.
Low blood sugar is known as hypoglycemia. It occurs when blood glucose levels fall below normal. Usually, below normal means 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or less.
Low blood sugar can happen if you take diabetes medications that increase insulin levels in your body. If not treated immediately, hypoglycemia can lead to a range of serious symptoms. This includes mental confusion, seizures, brain damage, coma and, in rare cases, even death.
If you are taking insulin to treat diabetes, it is essential to have an action plan to manage a potential hypoglycemic episode.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia usually appear quickly. Learning to recognize the symptoms is the first step to treatment. The sooner hypoglycemia is recognized and treated, the better.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia can vary from person to person. However, in general, symptoms of a mild episode include one or more of the following:
Just in case, you should always have a carbohydrate-rich snack nearby. The fastest way to combat a hypoglycemic episode is to eat or drink about 15 grams of carbohydrates immediately.
Keep in mind that you may not have any symptoms of hypoglycemia. Sometimes your symptoms won’t be as obvious. For this reason, you should check your blood sugar often to make sure that it does not drop too low.
Ask your doctor how often you should check your blood sugar with a blood glucose meter. If you’ve had hypoglycemia in the past but didn’t notice the symptoms, you may need to be more vigilant about monitoring your blood glucose levels regularly. Always check your blood glucose level before driving or operating machinery.
If you regularly experience episodes of hypoglycemia, ask your doctor about using a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). The device tests glucose levels at common times during the day, including sleep. The CGM will give an alarm if the glucose level is too low.
Hypoglycemia in people with diabetes usually occurs when you do not match your diabetes medications with your physical activity and food intake.
If your blood sugar falls below 70 mg/dL, eat or drink 15 grams of carbohydrates as soon as possible.
If you can’t control your blood sugar, but you are experiencing symptoms of a hypoglycemic episode, treat it as hypoglycemia anyway and eat a quick source of sugar.
Check your glucose level again after 15 minutes. If your levels are still below 70 mg/dL, have another 15 grams of carbohydrates.
If it’s more than an hour before your next meal, have a snack consisting of carbohydrates and protein to keep your glucose levels in the target range. Examples include an apple or banana with peanut butter or some crackers and cheese.
If your symptoms worsen, it’s important to seek emergency help. You will need an injection of glucagon to raise your blood glucose quickly.
You can get a glucagon kit only with a prescription from your doctor. If you are likely to have severe hypoglycemia, it is important that you do this in advance.
Tell your friends, family and coworkers to call 911 or your local emergency number right away if you don’t have a glucagon kit nearby. Hypoglycemia can quickly progress to seizures or convulsions and unconsciousness, if not treated.
Ignoring the symptoms of hypoglycemia can be dangerous. Work with your doctor to develop a hypoglycemia action plan so you can treat it before it becomes serious.
It is important to learn to recognize the signs of low blood sugar and always have high-carb snacks on hand. Also remember to check your blood glucose levels regularly and tell your friends and family what to do during a hypoglycemic episode.
It’s important to act quickly, so if you need help, don’t hesitate to call 911 or your local emergency services.
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Our experts constantly monitor the field of health and wellness and we update our articles as new information becomes available. Effectively managing blood glucose levels can be challenging, but it is essential to prevent serious long-term health problems. This is true regardless of whether you have been diagnosed with diabetes, prediabetes, or if your pancreas is perfectly functional. A healthy diet can have a significant impact on blood sugar levels, both in the short and long term. Here’s how to get the most out of it.
The goal is to stay within your target range as recommended by your healthcare provider and avoid blood sugar spikes or crashes. Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels throughout the day helps regulate your energy and keeps your organs functioning properly. One way to do this is by slowing down the digestive process that converts carbohydrates into energy.
Yes, your blood sugar will naturally rise in response to the carbohydrates you eat. However, it is important to remember that not all carbohydrates are created equal. Some have a higher glycemic index (GI) than others. Refined carbohydrates belong to the high GI category. Minimally processed carbohydrates with a high fiber content belong to the low GI category. Eating more low-GI carbs instead of higher-GI carbs can help diabetics control their blood sugar more easily. Combining carbohydrates with foods that contain a lot of protein and fiber can also help.
We’ve compiled a list of low-glycemic, nutrient-dense foods that won’t spike your blood sugar and help you feel full.
Green Leafy Vegetables | Legumes olive oil | nuts | Oatmeal | eggs | Chia seeds | White yogurt | Seafood | Cabbage | More tips for controlling blood sugar
This group of superfoods includes things like kale, spinach, broccoli, bok choy, Swiss chard and salad greens. They are very low in carbohydrates, so they will not increase your blood sugar. Rich in antioxidants, studies have shown that eating these energizing foods can reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes 2. The USDA recommends eating at least 2-3 servings of green leafy vegetables per week to reap the health benefits.
Legumes such as chickpeas, lentils and black beans may contain starch, but they also have protein, magnesium and high levels of soluble fiber. This means they are slowly digested like simple carbohydrates and provide your body with a steady supply of energy as opposed to a quick rush. The high fiber content found in beans is associated with a lower risk of obesity, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Canned beans are affordable and convenient, but check the label for added sugars before you buy.
Olive oil has long been an essential part of the traditional Mediterranean diet, which is rich in vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats and low in red meat and refined carbohydrates. Eating this type of diet, including olive oil, can have unique benefits for diabetics. A 2015 study found that extra virgin olive oil helps lower blood sugar and cholesterol more than other types of fat.
Low in carbs but high in protein and healthy fats, nuts are a solid choice for diabetics looking for something to snack on. They help regulate blood sugar and help you feel fuller, which can help with weight loss. There are multiple studies that link nuts to improved health benefits, including a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and a slower blood sugar response. Just remember to eat nuts in moderation because they are high in calories.
Oatmeal, high in carbohydrates but also rich in soluble fiber, can be a good alternative to high-sugar cereals for people with type 2 diabetes. But beware; The more processed oats are, the faster they are digested and increase blood glucose levels. Stick to old-fashioned or steel-cut oats (vs. instant oatmeal) and eat with protein or a healthy fat.
Speaking of protein and healthy fats, eggs are packed with both, especially yolks. Eggs are a great addition to a healthy diabetes diet because they are associated with improved insulin sensitivity and reduced fasting blood sugar in adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. They also help you feel full, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight. While early research suggested that high cholesterol in eggs could be harmful to the heart, more recent studies have found that eating eggs regularly as part of a healthy diet does not increase heart disease risk factors.
Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants (noticing a trend?) and also contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrient-packed seeds may reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and diabetes complications. Like the other high-fiber foods on this list, chia seeds help slow digestion, reduce insulin resistance, and help prevent high blood sugar. It’s easy to sprinkle chia seeds into oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies and baked goods for a nutritious boost.
One of them is plain unsweetened yogurt rich in proteins and probiotics
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