Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How do I Maintain the Right Glucose Range?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Most people who are diabetics must work hard to keep their glucose range (blood sugar levels) at a medically appropriate range. Having too high a level, called hyperglycemia, or too low a level, hypoglycemia, can each pose risks. There are several potential methods by which blood sugar can be safely controlled, and it’s important to note that these recommendations may vary by the individual and the type of diabetic condition the individual has. It’s usually not wise to simply read a webpage or two and determine that plans suggested on it are safe ones; rather, the person with blood sugar problems needs the assistance of a medical team.

For instance, some people must rely on injecting insulin to maintain a healthy glucose range. It would inappropriate for these folks to think that they can simply depend on nutritional tips to control their problem. It’s possible, in some instances, for people to only follow dietary advice to control problems like diabetes. This isn’t always the case.

Those with hypoglycemia have a blood sugar level that is below 70.
Those with hypoglycemia have a blood sugar level that is below 70.

Nevertheless, there are some good all around dietary advice tips for those who need to control glucose range. First, doctors highly recommend that overweight patients try to lose weight, since this may help bring down higher glucose levels. What people eat is of importance too.

Diabetic diets tend to stress more basic foods with adequate balances of lean proteins and high fiber carbohydrates. Low fiber carbohydrates, foods that contain a great deal of sugar (sucrose or manipulated fructose), high fat foods, and over-processed foods are usually to be avoided. In particular, foods with a lot of sugar can create glucose range issues.

The above is an extremely general description of diet suggestions for people with blood sugar issues. It also might not be adequate for those who have very low glucose range blood levels. This is why thinking of this issue in individual terms is extremely valuable, and perhaps the best advice on diet will come from either a physician and/or a nutritionist. Both of these specialists can be useful in coming up with an individual plan, and particularly a nutritionist can help people plan healthy diets in consideration of their food likes/dislikes. Additionally, the nutritionists may help create a plan for weight loss, if it is needed.

The issue of weight loss and glucose range brings up another behavioral change that many people may need to make. A number of folks who suffer from high glucose levels/diabetes don’t get adequate exercise. This can fuel weight gain and have a negative effect on glucose levels. In addition to nutritional support, advice and support on recommended activities can be useful.

As previously stated, medication may be an important part of maintaining healthy glucose levels. Medication should be used as directed, and some people will also need to learn how to do things like self-test blood sugar to use medication on an as needed basis, or to use certain methods to correct low blood sugar. Here, the medical team that supports the person is vital. Learning to self-test, or reinforcing the need to get blood sugar readings on a regular basis at a lab, can play a huge role in regulation of glucose range. Compliance with medical suggestions often results in better control of the medical issue.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent WiseGEEK contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Those with hypoglycemia have a blood sugar level that is below 70.
      By: zothen
      Those with hypoglycemia have a blood sugar level that is below 70.