Anyone with any form of diabetes can tell you how tricky it can be to moderate the blood sugar levels. While avoiding sweets can help, there are other reasons for high blood sugar outside of treating yourself to a slice of cake since it was your birthday.
Other than foods, anything from an impending cold to heightened stress can actually give a high blood sugar reading on your test. It could also mean that it might be time to change your medicine.
In this article, we will share five tips on how to manage your blood sugar levels better:
1. Focus on patterns and not spikes
A spike in your blood sugar could be a completely isolated incident, caused randomly by factors outside your control. It could just be an effect of your body trying to balance itself. If it happens just once, then you don’t need to worry.
However, if it appears that you have high blood sugar on your morning test, it could mean that your liver is producing high levels of sugar during the night. In such cases, you should quickly schedule a consultation with your doctor about new or more medicine to manage your situation.
2. Start testing before and after meals
In the event of an instance of high blood sugar, it could help to start testing more frequently and more strategically. In planning your timing, it is best to test right before you eat, and then again two hours later. This will show you how well the medication is working. You can also use this test to determine which types of food give you the highest sugar spikes in your blood and which to avoid.
3. Take small steps in your adjustments
A single spike is likely no reason to change your whole lifestyle, but a pattern of elevated blood sugar warrants a few adjustments. You can add a few more minutes to your daily exercise routine, or cut back on your carbs instead. If the pattern of high blood sugar is related to any of the changes you make, then you should revert to an acceptable level. If it doesn’t, then a trip to your doctor is the next best thing.
4. Remember that the tests are there to help
Many people with diabetes will often associate feelings of success or failure with the results of their blood sugar tests. This is why regular high readings can trigger feelings of anxiety and shame. Do not blame yourself for these results and let it put you off regularly testing yourself. Remember that the test is there to help you fight the disease, and quite possibly save your life.
Relax; do what you need in order to disassociate the anxiety from the tests. Perform less stressful work, or stay away from things that pressure your thoughts. After all, your stress could easily be the cause of a high reading.
5. Communicate with your doctor
It is important that you find a doctor who is attentive to your needs and emphasizes open communication. Be honest with your physician at all times, as lying about your condition benefits nobody and only further risks your health. At the same time, you should always follow your doctor’s orders and try not to feel bad when your body does things that are out of your control.
Conclusion
Diabetes is a fickle illness, but it is not unmanageable. With some discipline, patience, and perseverance, a long and healthy life won’t be out of your reach. New breakthroughs and discoveries are made in medicine every day, and with them, better and easier ways to manage your pre-existing conditions.
If ever you need managing your high blood sugar or have any other concerns, head on to Dose of Healthcare for helpful advice. Make us your trusted source for healthcare news and updates!
