If you've recently been diagnosed with diabetes, it's normal to feel concerned. However, there are many health care strategies for managing the condition, including those for lowering blood sugar. High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, occurs when the body does not make enough insulin—the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels—or use it efficiently. Here's what you can do to lower your levels and decrease the risk of complications like nerve damage and heart disease. 

How to Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Stick to foods on the low end of the glycemic index, including yogurt, beans, barley, legumes, oats, non-starchy vegetables like carrots and celery, and whole wheat pasta. The glycemic index refers to how well the body digests or absorbs different foods. Beans, non-starchy veggies, and other high-fiber whole foods that take time to process do not spike blood sugar levels, unlike quickly digested fare such as white bread and pasta, white potatoes, milk chocolate, soda, and fast food. 

If you take diabetes medication or other prescriptions that cause fluid retention, discuss how much water you should drink daily with your health care provider. Most people require four to six cups per day. 

3. Exercise Often

Working out regularly can improve your insulin sensitivity and stabilize blood sugar levels. Incorporate resistance training into your workouts, as muscle contractions cause the body to use blood sugar for energy purposes. This effect occurs even if your insulin levels are low. Create an exercise regimen with your health care provider to reduce your injury risk, such as one that includes bike riding, swimming, walking, or yoga. 

4. Manage Your Stress 

Be mindful of your stress level. The body releases glucagon and cortisol when you feel anxious. These stress hormones cause blood sugar levels to rise. There are many practices that can reduce stress, including meditation, exercise, quality time with family and friends, deep breathing techniques, and massage. 

For home health care services to help you manage your diabetes, contact Safe Haven Home Care. The private care agency provides the Queens, Manhattan, Bronx, Staten Island, and Brooklyn areas of New York with a full suite of services from registered nurses and certified home health care aides. They can help with a wide variety of needs, including nutrition, exercise, and housekeeping tasks. Call (718) 968-6970 or visit their website today to learn about their home care options.