Diabetic Eating - Are You Struggling to Keep Your Blood Sugar Normal?

 If you have pre diabetes or diabetes, you may be trying to get your blood sugar normal or as close to normal as possible. Use these tips to help keep your blood sugar normal and to help prevent diabetes problems. 

 It is no secret that it can be a struggle to get your glucose blood levels within a normal range.  While it sounds very simple…just increase your activity levels and practice good diabetic eating.  Combine a healthy diet with the proper amount of activity and your blood sugar ranges will usually come down

 What is a normal blood sugar range?

 Normal blood sugar range is between 70 and 110.   With that being said, do not be surprised to find listings of normal blood sugar range being stated with different numbers.  For years, physicians stated 80 to 120 as being within normal limits.  Then through studies, the results indicated it best to change those numbers to 70 to 110.  With diabetes, your normal blood sugar range may be different.  For example, my endocrinologist set a target blood sugar for me of 100.   You may want to talk with your doctor to find out what blood sugar range you should be targeting.

 How does diet affect a blood sugar normal?

 Glucose (a type of sugar) is the primary energy source for all the cells in your body.  It is delivered to these cells from the blood stream.  Mainly the hormone insulin regulates the amount of glucose in your blood (your blood sugar). 

 When you eat, especially carbohydrates, blood sugar levels rise.  This rise in blood sugar causes your pancreas to secrete insulin into the blood to bring back your blood sugar levels normal.  

 With diabetes, your body may have insulin resistance, or may not produce enough insulin for the food you eat, thus resulting in high blood sugar levels. It is not only what you are eating that can cause higher blood sugar ranges.  How much and when you eat have a high impact on blood sugar ranges.  Here are three tips from the Mayo Clinic that may help you keep your blood sugar range normal.

Reference: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes-management/DA00005.

“Be consistent. Your blood sugar level is highest an hour or two after you eat, and then begins to fall. This predictable pattern can work to your advantage. Simply eating about the same amount of food at about the same time every day can help you control your blood sugar level.

Even out your carbs. Carbohydrates have a bigger impact on your blood sugar level than does protein or fat. Eating about the same amount of carbohydrates at each meal or snack will help keep your blood sugar level steady throughout the day.
Coordinate your meals and medication. Too little food in comparison to your diabetes medications — especially insulin — may result in dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Too much food may cause your blood sugar level to climb too high (hyperglycemia). Your diabetes health care team can help you strike a balance. “  
Reference:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diabetes-management/DA00005.

Following these tips will eliminate some of the struggles to keep your blood sugars normal.