High blood sugar, also known as hyperglycemia, occurs when the processes which normally regulate the transfer of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells do not work properly. Often a symptom of diabetes, high blood sugar can lead to headache, fatigue, nausea, confusion, or even coma if left untreated. Luckily, there are several methods for lowering blood sugar. These include medication, exercise, diet alteration, and preventive testing.
Taking all prescribed hyperglycemia medications exactly as directed is one of the most reliable methods for lowering blood sugar. One of the most frequently used hyperglycemia medications is insulin, which is usually taken via an injection. Insulin injections can be vital to lowering the blood sugar because they can temporarily correct or improve the body’s ability to transfer glucose from the blood to the cells. An individual who continues to become hyperglycemic while taking his medications according his doctor’s instructions should visit that doctor to have his dosage re-evaluated.
Exercising regularly is another usually dependable method for lowering blood sugar. An individual with a tendency for hyperglycemia should attempt to exercise at a level that raises his heart rate for approximately 30 minutes each day. Doing so not only usually improves the body’s ability to manage insulin, but also has the added benefits of strengthening the heart and burning calories.
Altering the diet can also be a useful tool in lowering blood sugar. Overeaters and those who consume large amounts of sugar may find that they frequently become hyperglycemic. For many of these individuals, making a few simple changes to the diet, such as substituting fruit for candy or controlling portion sizes, can help reduce incidences of hyperglycemia. A physician can recommend a healthy eating plan for individuals with hyperglycemic tendencies or can offer suggestions to those having difficulty sticking to a diet plan.
Perhaps the most efficient tool for lowering blood sugar is preventive testing. Diabetics and others with hyperglycemic tendencies should test their blood sugar as frequently as their doctor has instructed. By constantly monitoring the blood sugar levels, it is possible to “catch” an incidence of hyperglycemia while it is still at an early stage of development. The hyperglycemic individual can then treat the incidence immediately, using the methods recommended by his doctor. By catching and treating high blood sugar early on, the individual can often avoid the serious side effects of advanced-stage hyperglycemia, which can include nerve or vision damage, or even coma.
