Even If You’re Not a Diabetic, It’s Important to Balance Blood Sugar Levels

Even if you don’t have diabetes, it’s important to keep your blood sugar levels under control.

For example, keeping your blood sugar in balance may help to:

• lose weight more easily
• increase energy levels
• boost mood
• positively impact sleep quality
• strengthen memory, and
• reduce health risks for certain diseases and cancers.

What Is Blood Sugar?

Blood sugar, or glucose, is the primary sugar that is found in the blood. The body gets this sugar from the food we eat. It is an essential fuel for the body and brain, acting as an essential source of energy that provides nutrients to the body’s organs, muscles, and nervous system.

5 Practical Tips for Maintaining Good Blood Sugar Levels

Stay Hydrated

Through urination, your body eliminates extra glucose. You make the whole process more effective by drinking more water.

For tips on how to increase water intake, read our blog:
Could Drinking Only One Percent More Water Make a Difference? You Might Be Surprised!

Keep Moving

A half hour of exercise several days a week will help keep you in shape and lower your blood sugar. The time will go by quickly if you choose activities that are enjoyable. Stick to a routine if you can and invite a family member or friend along to help keep you motivated.

Rest & Reduce Stress

Practice relaxation methods and get the adequate amount of sleep you need every night. Developing a sleep ritual to follow before bedtime can help you stick to a consistent sleep schedule—even on weekends or during travel. If you are a parent, caretaker, or have other responsibilities that keep you from maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, try napping to supplement the hours of rest you’ve missed during the night. Stress raises blood sugar levels, so it’s important to follow a daily practice that puts you at ease and helps you rest after a full day of events at work or home.

Eat Your Way to Balance

Eat meals at regular intervals and try to consume the proper amount of fiber daily. To help regulate your insulin levels, pay attention to the total carbohydrates you eat and choose whole food forms of carbohydrates (i.e., vegetables, legumes, and whole grains) instead of processed or refined ones.

Eating lean protein before bed is another way improve your blood sugar balance and support your adrenal stress response. By stabilizing blood sugar levels without the peaks and troughs caused by carbohydrates, you’ll be able to sleep better and feel more energetic during the day. So consider adding some lean protein to your evening meal.

Working directly with your doctor, dietitian, or health coach, is a great way to identify which foods will be best for you.

Get Insulin Levels Checked

The American Diabetes Association says that most non pregnant adults with diabetes should have 80 to 130 mg/dl before a meal and less than 180 mg/dl 1-2 hours after beginning the meal. The only way to know your blood sugar levels is to get tested. Protect your peace of mind and health by discussing blood sugar levels with your doctors and scheduling a time to test your levels for maximum accuracy.

Start today.

By following these five practical tips, you can work to maintain good blood sugar levels and improve your overall health. Whether you’re looking to lose weight, increase energy, or boost your mood, keeping your blood sugar balanced will help you reach your goals.