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How can I Lower my Blood Sugar?

Garry Crystal
Garry Crystal

If you suffer from high levels of blood sugar, you may be more likely to develop serious health conditions, such as infections, blood clotting, and the inability of cuts and wounds to heal. High sugar levels in the blood can also lead to conditions such as diabetes. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to lower blood sugar levels.

An easy way to lower blood sugar levels is to stay fit and healthy. Regular exercise not only helps lower blood sugar levels, but also helps fight infections. Staying active and taking regular exercise can also help with blood pressure problems. Exercise also helps control the body's weight and regulate cholesterol levels.

Eating beans can help lower blood sugar.
Eating beans can help lower blood sugar.

This exercise does not need to be a grueling workout. Thirty minutes of exercise a day, even walking, will help to lower blood sugar levels. Walking to the store instead of taking the car is all that may be necessary to provide you with some much needed exercise. Any extra exercise, including working out in a gym, should be discussed with a doctor first if you have irregular blood sugar levels.

Drinking water has several health benefits, including lowering blood sugar.
Drinking water has several health benefits, including lowering blood sugar.

The food that you eat also plays a part in helping to lower blood sugar levels. Low-glycemic foods that are digested more slowly by the body are a better option. High-glycemic foods enter the bloodstream easily and rapidly, causing the pancreas to work harder to produce insulin.

Low-glycemic foods that can help lower blood sugar levels include high fiber fruits, oatmeal, peanuts, beans, peas, and granola. High-glycemic foods include potatoes, rice, and white bread. Research has shown that potatoes and white bread are converted extremely quickly by the body into glucose. In fact, they are converted more quickly than a candy bar would be.

Several abdominal organs, including the pancreas, which is associated with blood sugar.
Several abdominal organs, including the pancreas, which is associated with blood sugar.

Fast foods should always be avoided. The fat and sugar content in most fast foods is extremely high. Always look for a healthier option. Much food packaging now contains information on the food's sugar content. Most restaurants and even fast food outlets now have healthy meal options, such as salads or fish dishes.

Drinking plenty of water is another way to lower blood sugar levels. Drinking at least eight glasses of water per day will also flush harmful toxins from the body, help with weight loss, and keep the skin healthy. Recent research has shown that certain herbs can help lower blood sugar levels as well. Taking ginseng after meals has been shown to regulate blood sugar levels. Other helpful herbs include yarrow, huckleberries, cinnamon powder, and licorice extract.

Discussion Comments

anon997645

I have type 2 diabetes. My A1C is to 5.5 down from 9 a year ago. I eat 2 meals a day, and I eat low carb meals. I drink double the amount of water recommended per day. I don't eat candy or sweets, and I don't drink alcohol. I exercise 30-60 minutes a day. I have not lost 1 pound of weight.

I have done this for the last year. Before that I drank 2-3 of 20oz Mountain Dew a day, ate all the time, and didn't exercise. I weigh the same as I did a year ago which should not be right. I should have lost weight.

anon924797

@anon924761: I am a Type 2 diabetic and I can tell you the *most* important thing to do is to follow your doctor's recommendation. If your glucose readings are within the range your doctor recommends, then you are doing well.

Keep checking your glucose regularly and record the results in the booklet you get with your meter. Make sure you put the dates on the results. Take your booklet with you when you have your next appointment and show it to your doctor so he or she can see exactly what your levels have been doing.

Many diabetics have higher fasting numbers due to something called "dawn phenomenon." This is pretty much when the liver starts dumping glucose as a means of getting the body ready for a new day.

I say diabetic livers have ADD and if you don't give them something to do, they will *find* something to do, and that something is dump glucose. So try this for about a week: eat a small protein-based snack before bedtime. You can eat a piece of cheese or a slice of turkey or a handful of your favorite nuts. It needs to be low-carb, high-protein. This keeps the liver busy processing the protein overnight, rather than it keeping itself busy dumping glucose. See if your morning numbers don't come down a little.

Also, as I understand it, gestational diabetes *generally* resolves after you have the baby, but you need to check with your doctor. In fact, write down a list of questions to take with you to your next appointment so you'll remember to ask these questions. Good luck!

anon924761

I am 29 weeks pregnant now and I have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes. I took a two hour Glucose tolerance test and here are my numbers. With fasting, my sugar level was 95. Then I took the sugar water, and after one hour it was 159 and after two hours my level was at 119. I was told that it can be controlled with activity and dieting.

I am trying to keep up with a good diet and trying to take a 1/2 hour walk every day. One hour after having dinner, when I check my sugar levels, they are somewhere between 95-110, which I think is desirable, but I still see the same numbers when I do the test the next day morning with fasting. Can you please let me know if you have any suggestions?

And also I would like to know if this gestational diabetes is temporary, or is it going to affect me after the baby as well?

Please help. Thanks. -- S

awsmash

I recently had a friend test my blood sugar with their personal monitor and came back with a fasting reading (checked in the morning before eating) of 122. On the American Diabetes Assoc page, this said potential pre-diabetes.

Does anyone have any recommendations for lowering this? Also, what do most say are normal levels before eating and after? I currently go to zumba class two times a week and try to get in walking when I can. What foods can you recommend eating and avoiding? I am in my late 20s and am about 25 pounds overweight. Thanks for any input.

amypollick

@anon336923: I'm not exactly sure what you're asking, since I think you're mixing up the terms. So here goes.

The U.S. measure for blood sugar levels is milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl). In other parts of the world, it is measured by millimoles per liter (mmol/L). The mmol/L number is usually a single or double digit number. You can get the equivalent in mg/dl by multiplying by 18.

For example, if your fasting glucose level is 8.0 mmol/L, then the mg/dl number is 144, which is a little elevated. Ideally, it should be under 100 (or about 5.5 in mmol/L) for a non-diabetic. These are the measurements you would see when using your personal glucose meter.

Having said that, there is a universal standard called the Hemoglobin A1C, or HA1c. This is a test that averages out your blood glucose levels over a three-month period. Anything over 6.0 usually indicates at least pre-diabetic. Most Type 2 diabetics want to keep their HA1C readings below 6.0.

Only your doctor can determine whether you are a Type 1 or Type 2 diabetic. They are slightly different diseases, and the treatment is also slightly different.

You doctor can usually determine which kind you are, depending on your bloodwork and health history.

anon336923

Could someone please explain to me the calculation for blood sugar levels such as 150? What this is in terms of for example, 6.5? If someone's fasting blood sugar levels are 8.0 does this mean Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes or not all?

anon280388

Ginseng does not improve blood sugar. Google it and you will find a reuters article about the study.

amypollick

@anon277849: The best advice I have is to stay with a good, healthy pregnancy diet with lean proteins and lots of veggies. If you can exercise, even 15 minutes a day is beneficial. You can walk, ride a bike, swim-- whatever is easiest for you. But exercise helps use excess glucose in the body. Good luck and here's to a happy, healthy pregnancy!

anon277849

I'm 36 years old and 6.5 months pregnant. I had the GTT done last week and received a call this morning my numbers were slightly elevated (140) when the doctor wants to see 134 or less, so now this week, I have to go in and do the 'long' version. I would so love any ideas and appreciate anything anyone has to share.

anon276734

My age is now 27 years. I got diabetes in pregnancy. My child is 2 and a half years old but still my blood sugar level varies. Like two months back, it was 156 after food and last month I had a GTT test. It came back after two hours to 119 and doctor said I was not diabetic.

Two days ago, I went shopping and there was a free diabetic clinic there. I tested and the result after food was 171. Again the doctor told me to test it again.

I don't know exactly whether I have diabetes or not. Please help. If I do have it, can it be controllable by diet itself, and for how many years can I control it by diet? I am regular in my exercise. Please help me.

anon272541

When I was 38, I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. At that time my sugar level was 6.9 to 7.0. Then it gradually increased up to 12.00. My HBA is 9.0. I am 49 now.

Now I am taking three metfomin and two diamaicron tablets every day. I used to walk for at least 30 to 40 min every day. Now my sugar level (fasting) is 8.6. What do I have to do to reduce my sugar level?

anon242583

I have been taking herbal medicine from SB GROUP for diabetes, which has not only helped me to reduce my sugar level but it has also helped me to reduce my HBP. MY medicine contains fenugreek seed powder, mustard seed powder, azadirachta leaf powder.

Now recently I have been asked to reduce my insulin by 4 units. Consult SB GROUP. They provide herbal medication according to immune system.

JoeJam

@anon181037: Yes, I have had major disagreements with my doctors over Diabetes treatment. Most doctors only understand what they are taught. Drugs are part of their continuing education by the drug companies. I am working on getting my fifth doctor. It has always been a battle over taking insulin and pills. I wanted off insulin and My GP refused and my Endo let me take my supplements and would reduce my meds, but he wouldn’t take me off them.

I have found a good doctor who will work with me; I just have to change my medical insurance to one that the practice accepts. I have seen her under another practice and she is the first one who actually reviewed my supplements and made sound recommendations.

Diabetes 2 can be controlled without medication. It seems like you are willing to exercise, eat right, and use some supplements if needed. Most are not willing to do what is required. You need to find a doctor who will help you help yourself. As long as you are testing daily and something starts to go wrong, you can quickly make some adjustments. Keep a couple of good supplements for a sudden rise in glucose. Prickly Pear and Banaba Extract can be used to help before and after a meal, if your numbers are trending up.

Alema Stewart

My mom died from high blood sugar. It's a dangerous illness. And the medication has so many side effects. I can testify that you don't have to live on those dangerous meds. There is a safe and natural way to balance your blood sugar and blood pressure. I just wish i had found this before my mom passed away. now because of this natural supplement i don't have to follow in my mom's footsteps.

JoeJam

@anon159958: Yes, I should be hard on doctors! We all should be hard on the so-called experts we rely on for good health-care advice, and rarely get it.

High cholesterol seems to be an issue with many diabetics. My last doctor's office called me and said that my triglycerides were high 200 and I needed to come in asap. I said, I’m excited and very happy with those numbers. Did the doctor bother to look at the previous report? It was 410 and my LDL’s were off the chart.

When I visited the doctor, I found my total cholesterol was 159, HDL was a little on the high side and that is very good, and LDL has fallen well within normal range. Tri’s were, as stated, 200, and the doctor said, because you’re a diabetic you are at greater risk of a heart attack, and all tests and experts recommend statins, even when your cholesterol is OK, to take a Statin. Statins were getting a bad rap, but they are what I need. Now who brainwashed him or put him on their payroll?

The experts work for the drug companies and the test which he quoted of a 36 percent increase improvement was nothing more than a numbers game. If 100 people were on a sugar pill and three died from a heart attack and 100 people were on a statin and two died from a heart attack, the drug companies published conclusion a 36 percent improvement you won’t die from a heart attack if you were on a statin.

Isn’t time we stop offering up excuses for bad drugs and doctors? Isn’t time we get after the FDA and when in doubt throw them all out?

anon181037

I was diagnosed with T2 in Feb, my fasting blood sugar was 300 and my A1C was at 13. It's now May and my fasting sugars are generally between 82 and 107 and my A1C is 6.4. At this point I wanted to try just diet and exercise, but my endocrinologist is opposed. Has anyone experienced a difference in opinions with their doctor?

amypollick

@anon177514: You may want to give it another week or so, in case you have, say a low-grade sinus infection that might be running your sugar up. An infection will do it every single time.

Having said that, you may need to be on oral medication. That's not such a big deal. If you need the meds to help you maintain that good bloodwork, then there's nothing wrong with taking them.

In the meantime, cut down your carb intake. Eat lean meat, cheese, nuts and green, leafy vegetables. Drink a lot of water and continue to exercise. You've started down a healthy road, so maintain your good habits!

anon177514

I am a newly diagnosed diabetic. After a couple of months to one year i skipped tabs but with regular exercise, my blood tests, pressure and thyroids results came back perfect. doctor suggested no medications. A week after the results i feel good. I continue to exercise every day but noticed sugar levels are high (180, 160, 208). i am scared to eat. please help.

anon170790

In a recent article in JAMA the current thinking is blood sugar level in the morning before eating should be below 130 and two hours after a meal blood sugar should be below 170. Blood sugar levels below 90 could be dangerous and cause fainting or light-headedness.

anon163796

my father has high sugar and when he sleeps at night and has a lot of pain in his feet that was not bearable? Please advise.

anon161436

No anon161325: That's a little high. Fasting or not fasting. A normal person's BG should be between 60-100 or 70-110 in some cases, so let's say 60-110.

anon161325

is 116 a normal blood sugar while fasting?

amypollick

@Cyprus: Of course, we're back to the old myth again. That's because that's what is pushed at people -- just like the only causes of obesity are too many calories and not enough exercise. Those are two causes of obesity. There are many others.

Genetics, in fact, is probably the number one factor that predisposes someone to have diabetes. There are too many obese people around with perfect bloodwork to come to any other logical, scientifically defensible conclusion. It's just a whole lot easier to pick on obese people because we happen to be more obvious.

Having said that, I'll reiterate what you and I have said over and over on this forum: it is very true that eating a lower sugar, lower carbohydrate diet and getting plenty of exercise are the keys to getting your blood sugar under control. If you have risk factors for diabetes, which include, but are by no means limited to, obesity, then doing this will help you. Heck, a healthier diet is good for everyone, obviously.

But attempting to boil down an incredibly complex disease like diabetes into "eat less sugar" does one thing: it heaps guilt on people who sure don't need anymore of that in their lives. They don't need enabling either, obviously, but they do need to be encouraged to set healthy, achievable goals to become healthier people.

O.K. I'm getting off my soapbox before I write a book, here.

cyprus

Anon159955/#118: After all of the posts on here, I can't believe we're back at the old myth again! In no way is the "most likely cause" of diabetes "excessive sugar and carbohydrates." These, no matter how much a person consumes, do not cause diabetes. Rather, they do cause the blood sugar in people who have diabetes to rise. Diabetics must consume sugar and carbohydrate-rich foods in moderation and carefully. But no, they do not cause diabetes. Genetics are thought to play a large part in the cause of diabetics.

anon159958

@JoeJam (#116): Don't be too hard on your doctor. They study very little nutrition in their training and are often taken to task for going against the governmental guidelines for 'healthy eating'.

If you take charge of your own health, and you seem to have done, you are much better off. It's still worth keeping up with the doctor for regular checkups of your progress, even if he doesn't like your methods - he also loses money if he isn't prescribing drugs. Doctors these days tend to treat rather than heal.

anon159955

@response 117: 5'1" and 245, diabetic for three years - The most likely cause is excessive sugar and carbohydrates. Read the writings of Dr. Atkins (the new diet revolution), Dr. Agatston (south beach diet), Drs MR and MD Eades (Protein Power), and Mark Sisson (The Primal Blueprint). See if one of these lifestyles/diets might help you.

anon158401

I have a question. I am 23 years old, 5'1 and about 245 lbs. I have always struggled with my weight, and three years ago I was diagnosed with diabetes. What could have caused this?

JoeJam

I read anon100670's comments with great interest. It has been my experience that most doctors, including my Endo, know how to treat diabetes only from what the drug companies have said through their paid university research and flooding doctor's offices with their material and samples, and it should be no surprise that drug companies want to sell more of their drugs, while not pursuing a non-drug method of treatment!

My Endo knows only to recommend a drug and I have to do the research to find if this is the approach I want to take and is there another approach that better suits my needs.

I fired my GP, because he would only accept what drug companies told him to do. He did not do his own homework and let someone else do it for him. Diabetics have different medical issues and causes related to diabetes requiring profession help, not just to support a drug company for there are proven non-drug solutions that can reduce insulin resistance and complications, which practicing medical professionals should know about.

One reason why most doctors don't know any of this is because they have been unknowingly misled. I am a diabetic and though there is no known cure in mainstream medicine, I am no longer taking insulin due to exercise, the right diet for me, and trying to find the best supplements for my specific issues. I fully expected my doctor to help me find the best possible way for me to manage my disease, and that seems beyond their willingness and ability.

The problem is that few doctors are educated and or willing to help people like me manage their diseases with as little as possible drug solution. What the medical profession has allowed to happen is to limit their patient’s options, because they have limited their current information to mainly one source.

anon154084

@Amy: Sorry for the delay. but I forgot I posted on this MB. Duh!

Hey thanks so much for your comments. Man, I'm getting all giggy thinking about the future, like when I finally go to Italy, what the heck am I going eat? Hummus and carrots or broccoli and peanut butter? What? Who goes to Italy and doesn't eat the bread, pasta and cheese?

anyway I'm grateful to have partied all the way to 54. I guess I've got to eat to live instead of the other way around.

You are doing amazing with the pounds! good going! and your numbers are frickin great! so you think about three months I'll see some positive stuff?

I hope Amy, your surgery goes well next month and you get it under control (the thyroid).

I bookmarked this MB. Thanks again. Keep strong baby.

i will take your advice seriously.

cyprus

Amy: Good for you for all you've done for yourself! That's great on all the weight loss, keep going! I'm the same height as you, but weigh more now at about 252 lbs. I've lost about 13 lbs and will keep going. I hope to be just under 200lbs. by the end of June at the latest.

The worst for me, and for diabetes, I know, is to "yo-yo" up and down in weight, which I have done in the past. So, I have learned to lose weight a little slower but also steadier rather than the yo-yoing. I have managed to get my blood sugar under a lot better control (5,6 or 7 fasting when it was once 9, 10 and 11) and found that giving up rice and potatoes (as you said in one of your posts) in favor of whole (not quick!) rolled oats and flax bread has helped.

amypollick

@anon153154: You are doing everything well. Coming from a fasting reading of 220 down to 140 or so in 10 days? That is *exactly* what you need to be doing. You didn't become a T2 overnight, and the readings won't go down overnight, but they are headed in the right direction, and that's what's so important.

Keep up the good work, is all I can tell you. I'm three years in, and my last A1c was 5.2 and my doc said my bloodwork was "dead, stinkin' normal." I walk and take a martial arts class as my exercise.

If you keep doing what you're doing, keep that A1c below 6.0, keep your triglycerides and BP in the normal ranges, you're on track to living a long, healthy life, largely free, in all likelihood, from serious complications.

Do see your dentist and get any problems taken care of, see your eye doctor for a dilated eye exam, and see your regular doctor for bloodwork on a regular basis. Keep checking your BG (blood glucose) four or five times a day. This will help keep you honest like nothing else can.

I'm betting you that, with your self-care plan, you'll be seeing readings in the 80s in three months. My BG was 86 this morning. I'm 42, female, 5'5, and 238 pounds. I have some thyroid issues (surgery next month), so hopefully, I'll start dropping more weight once that issue is resolved. I've lost 80 pounds so far, but I also have an extensive family history of T2. Mostly in family members who are not, and never were, obese.

Anyway, keep up the good work! You are making fabulous strides toward keeping yourself healthy and living a complication-free life. I don't see you losing your legs, or anything else. You go, girl! Woo-hoo!

anon153268

A cup of Ash gourd (Available in Indian grocery stores) juice before bed will bring down the fasting blood sugar well. This worked for me for a week (120 - 135) but my fasting levels where back to 180 after that. Wait for a couple of weeks and start again and it works.

anon153154

Ten days ago, I learned I was T2. I am age 54, have always bicycled 50-70 miles a week, ate big salads every day, but love pretzels, salt, meat, diet soda, late night person. Anyway glucose was 385. From that day, I dropped my carbs to 100 a day, drastically cut sodium, from 10,000 g to 1000. I exercise my butt off at the gym two hours a night in addition to my 10 mile bike ride in the a.m (5 days-7). I just joined the gym seven days ago.

O.K., so now in the am before breakfast i went from 220 to now 143-146. After meals it goes to 150-151. Dinner reads are: before, 122; after 118.

So help me someone. I'm doing everything right. My fridge looks like Whole Foods. How long will it take to get a morning read of 80?

Oh yeah, I'm 178 pounds, 5'6," female, so I'm 35 pounds overweight but I carry it well, since I am muscular. I look fit, but with my new exercise program, i hope to eliminate the 35 in five to six months.

So someone tell me have i got it right so far, on 2x metformin and glipizide?

I use tons of cinnamon in my morning oatmeal and balsamic vinegar for daily salad dressing.

I had high blood pressure, sort of controlled with meds always high 130s over high 80s.

Now in the last eight days it's unbelievably lower: 107/77 average.

Help me out with some comments. Give me an idea of what the future holds

I'm in the dark and just plowing through this. I want to control this and get off the pills. I want to live long and don't want to lose my legs.

I have a family history of diabetes for two generations, but nobody took care of themselves. Thanks in advance.

amypollick

@anon152751: First, see your doctor and get a blood glucose meter, if you don't have one, and take any medication he/she prescribes for you. Second, check your glucose at least four times a day. Third, take a diabetes education class, which will help you learn how to manage your disease.

Fifth, and I cannot stress this strongly enough: get on a low carbohydrate diet. Eat lean meat, vegetables, moderate amounts of fruit. All foods have a certain number of grams of carbohydrates. Make it your goal to stay at 100 grams or less of carbs per day, at least until you get your sugar under control. Stay off the rice, potatoes, junk food and sweets.

Last, but most certainly not least, exercise! If you can't run, walk. Start by walking 10 minutes a day, if that's all you can manage, and work up to 30. Ride a bike. Get moving in some way. Don't try to do the 30 minutes all at once if you can't. Whatever you do, start small, and build up to it.

If you get medical intervention, change your diet, exercise and get motivated to take care of yourself, you can get your blood sugar levels within a normal range. I know. I did it.

anon152751

i have diabetes and my blood sugar level is in fasting is 315. how can i reduce the blood sugar level? give a diabetic diet.

anon149745

I have been a type 2 diabetic for eight years and I was on Metformin until August 2010 and I am controlling sugar levels with diet and exercise alone. My sugar levels have always been in the normal range of 5.0 to 7.0. I have never gone over it at any time of the meals, snacks before and 2 hours after a meal. I exercise daily for 40 to 50 minutes. I eat 60 grams of carbs at meals and 30 grams of carbs at snacks. I have three meals and four snacks daily. I go to a diabetic clinic every two months.

anon146373

I read all these posts and most don't understand that there is no magic bullet or recipe to lower blood sugars, as science hasn't come up with a all-in-one cure for diabetes.

Just know this also: that without changing one's lifestyle and eating habits, all the pills and insulin in the world won't do a thing. It's what you eat and how you live that will work with the pills, but with time and old age it all becomes much more of a struggle.

anon146237

anyone know of an herb that helps you create your own insulin?

anon144873

I am 77 years old and been a known type 2 diabetic for 25 years. My sugar was 900 when I was diagnosed, then for years of diet and pills it has suddenly jumped to 280.

Anyway, I agree with the one doctor's comment that people or science don't have a clue on why how or the cure. There is no silver bullet and every one has a different reaction to meds or diets.

Sine the insurance companies and the AMA put out the national scare of epidemic of type two diabetes the drug companies, glucose meter companies are making billions. People are in a panic by their doctors and many doctors are pushing drugs with bad advice.

I am not saying that this isn't a serious disease and needs to be taken seriously but we all need to use some proper advice without the drama.

Most people need to change their lifestyles and that's a fact, as that's what i had to do at age 50.

I quit the fatty foods, the fried foods and quit drinking a 12 pack every day. I lost 80 pounds and got more exercise and counted carbs, fat and sweets for twenty five years. My sugar never got below 150 in morning and that's now called the dawn phenomena.

Again, my eyes are OK, my legs are just now starting to have some slight swelling and all my plumbing is working. I have watched many people around me die or loose legs and eyes from diabetes, but in my observation, these people never did a thing to help themselves and most thought that the pills or insulin would take care of it all.

My advice is to eat right and get the exercise at a early age but I believe doctors have been saying this for many years.

I have been to all the countries that live on carbs and wine and all have the least heart or diabetic problems. Check them out and you will see why.

anon144582

I have had type 2 diabetes for two or three years.

Fasting sugar level, always almost, 110 to 128. Taking x-met few mgs and also janumet daily, up to 1000mg.

For two or three months, I have had pain on both sides of the left elbow, sometimes also a lot of elbow pain. Also I have pain suddenly in the foot area or also leg. What do I do?

On eating or drinking anything, the pain increases, on taking janumet or x-met, sort of pain reduces. what is this? Any solution? Please help.

The doctor said I need B12 so he gave me a B12 injection.

Please guide me. Divine blessings. masterji, singapore

zafar4778

I am 45 years old diagnosed as a Type-2 diabetic patient two years ago. I am 69 inches high and have weight 75 kg. My sugar level after meal ranges from 250 to 280 but after 15-20 minutes exercise significantly down up to 160-170 and without anything to eat or drink. The level once again raised up to 210 within 1 1/2 hours.

Doctor suggested me Daonil two times before meals but there was no change. Then the doctor advised me to take Orinase two times before meals but still same thing. The sugar affects my eyesight and now I am using +2.5 glasses for reading. There is lot of stress in my legs. My muscles and nervous system are gradually weakening. My last Ac1 result is 12.75 which is too high. Can anybody help me?

anon137032

If you look up the movie “Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days", you'll find information about an independent documentary film about diabetics and the raw food diet.

cyprus

My brother actually ate bowls of icing sugar when we were kids (gross, I know! lol) but I was the one who got diabetes.

amypollick

@anon135735: Amen! Preach it. And as for the sugar business, that doesn't hold water, either. You and I have probably both known people who are 75 years old who have eaten crappy food and sweets for years, yet never have ill effects. My mom is one of them. She's 82 and not diabetic, but she loves sugar. Go figure. My dad was physically active, and never obese, but was diagnosed T2 at age 33.

Don't you wish people would get real life, real-time facts before posting their all-knowing opinions?

There's so much evidence for a strong genetic component for T2, especially, that I wouldn't be surprised to see gene therapy on the horizon. I'd volunteer for the clinical trials in a heartbeat!

If you or a loved one are diabetic, either type, good luck and good health to you!

anon135735

In response to anon96957 posting (#67): Yes, the body is indeed a "miraculous machine" with the capacity to "heal itself if given what it requires to do so". And like all types of machines, the body is sometimes subject to 'manufacturer's defects', when certain part(s) of the machine simply don't function the way that they should. Such is the case with Type I diabetes, where the pancreas is simply unable to produce insulin.

So (in accordance with what you're saying), in order for the body of a Type I diabetic to heal itself, it must be given a properly functioning pancreas to heal. Unfortunately, this technology is not yet available, so we must work with the technology that is (i.e., insulin injection).

In my not-so-humble opinion, for anyone to suggest that "Diabetes is a 'disease' we give ourselves", that can only be healed through proper diet and exercise is not only ignorant, but dangerously simplistic as well. If the solution is this simple, diabetes would be non-existent and completely obliterated by now. The fact that it isn't, well, you get the idea...

amypollick

@Steve: I've heard of the raw diet. We had some folks come to town to do a presentation on it a couple of years ago. They prepared samples of their food. Put simply, it was disgusting. I'm a pretty adventurous eater, but the stuff they had, which was considered to be some of the best raw food available, was just awful.

I understand the mechanism behind the raw food diet, about good enzymes being killed by cooking, etc. I know the story.

If some people can so drastically alter their diets to become completely vegan, and eat raw, more power to them. I certainly don't object. I can't do it. Call me weak or whatever, but by the grace of God, I'm controlling my diabetes through diet, medication and exercise, and hope to continue that.

My doc is not averse to alternative therapies and is generally supportive of whatever his patients want to do in order to be healthy. I can assure you, there's nothing he would like more than for a cure for diabetes to be discovered. He has never recommended such a diet for me, and I'm sure he is aware of it. He's on top of this kind of stuff.

My problem is the science simply isn't there to support the diet as a "cure" for diabetes. The only scientific support for anything approaching a cure is for weight-loss surgery utilizing either the lap-band or duodenal switch methods. These have been proven to send diabetics into remission, long term.

As far as I know, however, there have been no widespread, reputable studies to support the raw food diet as a cure for diabetes, or even as a remission factor for it, other than what any other low-carb diet achieves when the diabetic loses weight and becomes more physically active.

I can assure you I'd try the raw diet if I thought it was a real cure. I've looked into it, but didn't see enough to convince me.

If it works for you and other people, go for it and good luck. But I'd rather suggest that uncontrolled diabetics set goals for their diets they can actually achieve. The raw diet is sufficiently draconian that it is bound to be off-putting to many people who are thinking about doing something for themselves, but are easily discouraged, and would almost certainly abandon such a drastic lifestyle change soon after starting it. I'd much rather help people get their glucose numbers down by showing them how anyone can achieve the kinds of numbers I have, by mindful eating and healthy living. They see such goals as practical, achievable. They're still enjoying many of the same foods, just prepared more healthfully and in moderation. They are realizing small, in-the-now goals, which sets them up for future success.

Again, good luck to you and to all who go the raw food route. I wish you nothing but success and good health.

anon132729

For everyone including amypollick: There is a cure for diabetes, even many cases of insulin dependent. The "Simply Raw Reversing Diabetes" documentary is a must see. There are other documentary sites as well. Regards, Steve

anon129380

When I was diagnosed, my fasting blood sugar was over 400 and my A1C was at 11. My sugars now are close to the normal level before breakfast and two hours after dinner. The Plate Planner simplified a lot of things for me and helped me to get here. It's not so complicated. If we don't eat correctly, we cannot control blood sugars.

anon128962

Everything I have read thus far tells me the Atkins program is far ahead of most programs out there. I don't believe insulin is good for you long term. if at all cost try a diet change first and take meds if you must. The low carb approach is the best way for T2. Even your cholesterol numbers will improve on a reduced carb program. I test a minimum of three times daily.

anon125529

Yes, Amy -- controlling carbs and one's weight as well as getting regular, as in daily, exercise, in the end, are the best ways to lower blood sugar.

I used to have horrendous A1Cs of 12 and 18 and now have managed to maintain an 8 for quite a long time by watching my carbs plus exercising more. I've lost 9 lbs. in three weeks and hope to get to a 7 AIC at the highest next time.

With neuropathy in my hands and feet as well as now, diabetic retinopathy affecting both of my eyes, it's nice to know that my blood sugar can be lowered with consistent effort!

anon124945

when can we say that a person is diabetic? is FBS reading 6.15 in the Philippines already considered diabetic? Thank you for your reply.

anon116646

If you are diabetic and taking metformin (or Glucophage as one of the brand names is called), be aware that it depletes the Vitamin B12 in your body. You need to supplement the B12 with injections in order to prevent nerve problems.

anon114515

Things that have worked for me to reduce blood sugar. I do not take traditional medicine -- I am food controlled and hope to stay that way. I have found a walk after a meal helps; drink organic bragg vinegar after a meal reduces my numbers. Gymnema Sylvestre worked for me and I am currently experimenting with fenugreek and definitely increase your fiber intake. You have to find the right combination for you.

The best defense is portion control, exercise and weight loss. All the best, Trenia

amypollick

Here's the deal: if you want to control your diabetes, especially if you're Type 2, then the *only* way to do it is to control your carb intake. My doc said 99 percent of T2 diabetics can have an A1C of 5.1 (which is what mine was the last time), but you have to get with the program. You've got to take your meds, get some exercise and keep those carbs under control. I shoot for 100-120 grams per day. With an A1c of 5.1, something is obviously working.

You can sit around all day and grouse about how high your glucose level is, but you have to be proactive in getting it under control. Keep a food diary for a few days and see exactly what you're eating and how many grams of carbs you're consuming. My guess is you're eating a lot more than you think.

Get those carbs reined in, take your meds as directed, walk maybe 15-20 minutes a day to start out, and I can almost guarantee your blood sugar levels will start to come down in a matter of weeks, if not a few days. In any event, it surely won't hurt you.

anon114480

The last time i tested my blood sugar, it reached 228. That was the highest level i ever had. i think it was because I had a hangover at that time. then i tried myself not to take metformin four a week, eat plenty of fats, drink beer and it reached 300. Mow I'm making an effort to lower my blood sugar. what kind of fool am i? --putreska

anon112605

Suffering from diabetes makes one suffer from a lot other diseases for free. I have high a high sugar 350 - 400. Before lunch it is 250. It's serious. I am on insulin but it simply is not working out anything. Please guide.

amypollick

@nwff: I am not on insulin, but from what you're saying, you're eating way too many carbs for the amount of insulin you're taking. You probably need to talk to your specialist about either upping your insulin or lowering your carb intake. 220 grams is a lot. I try to stay under 125 grams of carbs for the day. Beets also are loaded with natural sugar, and two cups is a *big* serving. They register a 64 on the glycemic scale, which is moderate, but it may be they run your sugar up more than other veggies.

My sugars run 4.8-5.3 in the morning, and 6 or under, generally, after meals. As I said though, I try to keep my carb intake under 125 grams per day.

In the short term, my suggestion would be to eat fewer carbs and keep an eye on your levels. If your levels start to drop to a normal level, you've got your answer. Eat lots of green, leafy veggies, lean protein, good fat (like olive oil), and keep your carbs to those with a lot of fiber, like beans and whole grain pasta. That way, you get more bang for your carb buck.

@Anon107364: See your doctor, pronto. Gestational diabetes can be serious for you and the baby. Get him or her to recommend a healthy diet and get as much exercise as you can. But see your doctor!

nwff

I am on two meds: Levemir 24 units at bedtime, and four units of Nova Rapid 15 minutes before meals. I have never seen my sugars under 16 since being put on insulin from Metformin?

I am on a 220 carb diet from my specialist, but do not see him again for three months.

Now here is a example:

Reading before dinner 5 p.m. was 16.3 with four units of Nova Rapid. After two hours my sugar reading is 23.8.

Dinner was: steamed yellow beans; 1 cup of prime rib roast, 2 cups of steamed beets.

I am very frustrated.

Please, if anyone has any ideas, please help.

anon107364

I am 16 weeks pregnant. when i checked my blood i found it high, so I did a GTT, FB and pp where PP was high then an other. I am just 16 weeks pregnant and conceived after five years of marriage so please tell me what to do and how to decrease my blood sugar level and save my baby.

anon104615

I have recently been diagnosed and am in the learning process. I have heard that green tea can lower your blood sugar. Anyone have any input on that? I am not worried about the caffeine since the rest of my diet is caffeine free.

altkon

I am a Diabetes 2 patient and I take Solosa1 medecine half a pill per day before lunch. In the morning when I take a test I usually fluctuate between 110 and 130 and the most.

Lately I started feeling exhausted with trembling feet and a confused mind when I stand up for more than a few minutes, especially around 11 a.m. to noon and after 4 to 5 p.m.

It was recommended I eat quick cooking oats, about two tablespoons with milk and a teaspoon full of honey in the morning.

Since then I fill much more energetic and my memory does not fail me any more, but when I take a blood sugar test two hours after eating it is still at 152.

Should I continue this treatment every day or only a few days of the week?

anon101295

Eat bitter melon to lower your blood glucose. Try it yourself if you don't believe me. If you can't stand the taste, they are sold in capsule form now.

amypollick

@Anon100670: I don't think anyone has said that diabetes isn't curable as a definitive answer, so much as it's been said that no known methods, or methods currently available to science and medicine, have been shown to cure diabetes. Lord knows, I wish there were a known cure.

What I do know is what my endocrinologist told me at my regular visit just a few days ago: the first time the fasting blood sugar goes into the abnormal ranges, about 40 percent of the islet cells in the pancreas are destroyed and the other 60 percent are in hypertrophy and are working overtime to produce insulin.

I'm not a doctor and I don't pretend to be. But I surely hope that very soon, medical science will uncover a cure.

anon100670

I just want to say to you who think diabetes is or isn't curable, if I didn't know better I would think you all understand what diabetes is. No one does, let me remind you.

The underlying mechanisms of what really can cause diabetes on a molecular biological level - and by default what may be able to eliminate it permanently as a problematic condition in the body - is simply unknown. Unknown. You people haven't a clue about what might or might not cure it, or if there is a cure, because I've been a physician for 32 years and I don't know. How do you?

anon100603

many, many years back, i came across an article on transplant of pancreas from australia when my late mother was a critical diabetic patient. at the time, it was in their pioneering stages. the most i can help is to inform you to find out further at your end.

anon98789

My partner has suffered from acute necrotising pancreatitis and is now type 1 diabetic as he has no exocrine pancreatic function whatsoever. He is having dreadful problems in bringing his blood sugar readings down; they are constantly in the 20's and HI. I know this is very serious and he needs help. He is on long acting Levemir, and short acting Novorapid.

We are constantly stressed by the effects of this on our lives, and I am scared of the long term effects these readings are going to bring and am having difficulty in dealing with the mood swings as I am so tired myself.

Please, does anybody out there have any comments that will help us?

amypollick

@Cyprus: I cannot add a thing. You said it all very well.

cyprus

anon96957: Ms. Pollick I'm sure will have a lot to say in reply to your post. As you also mentioned my name I would also like to comment. With apologies to Ms. Pollick in going first here again, I'm sorry but I couldn't leave that post up with incorrect information after I saw it. As a diabetic for over 20 years, I had to comment as soon as I read this particular post backing up the previous incorrect information.

I certainly give you all due respect for your comments. You did that for my comments and I appreciate it. However, it's not a matter of agreeing or disagreeing that "we can heal diabetes through proper diet and exercise" because that statement is incorrect. It's just logically and medically wrong.

It's not true that "Diabetes is a disease we give ourselves by not giving the body the proper fuel it needs and exercise."

It's also not true that eating a lot of sugar can cause diabetes. No. Not true. While it's certainly not healthy to "pour sugar and all kinds of other bad things into our stomachs..." doing so does not cause diabetes.

There are links to diabetes and obesity in people prone to developing type 2 diabetes. Sugar and junk foods may lead to weight gain and if people get obese then the risk of getting diabetes if you're prone to it gets a lot higher.

Lack of exercise can also add to the mix.

In this way, through eating healthier and exercising to maintain a good body weight, people with Type 2 diabetes may be able to prevent its onset. But they can't totally "heal" it once they have it although they can, and should, treat it by keeping blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible.

With Type 1 diabetes it isn't even about what you said regarding healthy foods and exercise. Type 1 diabetics, who often have the disease in childhood, just don't produce enough of the hormone, insulin, which regulates blood sugar. They cannot "heal" this type of diabetes either, but only treat it with insulin shots (or inhaling insulin in some cases) so that their bodies can handle what they eat.

And by the way, blood sugar (or blood glucose) is not simply affected by the sugar you mention like white or brown sugar etc. Rather, carbohydrates found in very nutritious foods such as fruit and whole grains also affect the body in terms of blood glucose. Diabetics of all kinds must balance even the healthiest foods such as oranges and brown rice. They must balance them with protein so that the body is less likely to "spike" with a rise in blood sugar.

anon97005

I see that people are unsure of what is considered a high blood glucose reading. The American Diabetes Association suggests that the typical pre-meal the numbers for diabetics should be 70–130 mg/dl while post-meal, the numbers should be less than 180 mg/dl. So, yeah, those in the 400s should go to a hospital immediately!

Oh, and for other countries who use a different measurement, the numbers are 5.0–7.2 mmol/l and less than 10.0 mmol/l respectively.

anon96957

With all due respect, amypollick and cyprus, I have to agree with anon84014. We can heal diabetes through proper diet and exercise. Diabetes is a "disease" we give ourselves by not giving the body the proper fuel it needs, and exercise. We wouldn't think of pouring sugar down the gas tanks of our cars, yet we pour sugar and all kinds of other bad things into our stomachs and then are surprised when diabetes is the result! The body is a miraculous machine that will heal itself if given what it requires to do so.

anon93049

A few things i tried to control diabetes for the last 13 years: 1) falafel with diet coke, 2)vegetables cooked in chicken broth. 3) Three slices tomato and three slices cucumber with black pepper and black salt. 4) club soda with black pepper powder and black salt.

Waseem Faizi

The only quick way is insulin. It starts to work in about 15 minutes.

So, why do you think your blood sugar is high? Why don't you know for sure? The only way to be sure is to purchase and use a glucometer, the little handheld meter that diabetics use.

The fact is, most people can't "feel" a high blood sugar attack, at least not until it is so very high as to be damaging -- then they get headaches, and even pass out.

Low blood sugar is much easier to feel, but if you do not have intimate experience with low and high blood sugar attacks, you probably can't tell the difference.

High blood sugar is a very serious problem. It can cause miscarriage and birth defects.

Do not play games. Work with your doctor to determine if you really do have high blood sugar, and follow his advice exactly, including taking insulin injections if he feels that it is necessary.

frenchbebe

It was not mentioned here but once as far as I can tell. But if your sugar is high, and you need something quick to get it lower, most likely you will not have many of the above ingredients in your home -- or supplements. Use eggs! This will get your sugar lower quick!

Straight eggs, no crabs! Take some cooking spray and spray a bowl, place two cracked eggs in the bowl (raw)and cook in the microwave about 1 minute, 20 seconds. It's super fast.

When my sugar is high, I do not like to mess around with feeling like crap. All other foods mentioned here are good. I do not always have enough food in my house to keep me healthy but I always have eggs.

I myself need to stabilize my sugar and have not been in my right mind due to high sugars. This site is so helpful and has great tips. My doctor wants me to eat differently than what is listed here and my sugars have gone up. I am going back to my Sugar Busters diet.

anon85155

I have found that taking a hot (not scalding hot) bath for 30-45 min when BG is high will lower bg significantly for me. My knees are bad and walking is not a good option.

I have seen my bg at 181 and it dropped to 112 or 140 and it dropped to 97. I went on internet to see what it said. They noted one test and found it worked, but cautioned that it could drop you too low for some depending on their diabetes condition.

If I have eaten badly and tried the hot tub right after eating, it does not work as well. Testing before the bath and after is how I determined the level of drop. Hope this offers those that can not exercise easily with a little relief.

One note here: I discussed this with an ER doctor and he laughed at it. I discussed it with my primary doctor and he said he was aware of hot showers having an effect.

Good luck to all. Wish this disease was not in our lives, but it is and we all have to find the best way to handle it for ourselves.

amypollick

Thanks for the clarification, cyprus. I wanted to say something. Glad you got to it first.

cyprus

In regards to the post directly under mine, those sound like reasonable tips. However, let's be clear -- when you say "heal" diabetes that there is no cure for the disease, only control measures. Thanks.

anon84014

There are so many things you can do to heal diabetes, not just manage it.

Foods that help: Ezekiel bread, DeBoles artichoke pasta (artichokes balance blood sugar), artichokes, asparagus, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries. Drink lots of lemon water, eat whole grains, drink or take apple cider vinegar daily to become ph neutral.

Eat at least four different fresh vegetables each day. Try Dr. Christopher's pancreas formula, liver formula and lower bowel. These build the pancreas, strengthen the liver and cleanse the colon to allow blood sugars to be at their best.

Do not eat white flour, white sugar or any food additive that you can't pronounce or don't know what they are.

Rye and pumpernickel are known to balance blood sugar. Eat quinoa, brown rice, barley etc. cooked in chicken broth and with lots of vegetables. It builds your body and the whole grains are metabolized slowly so your sugar doesn't spike. It also helps in losing weight.

Take a 20 minute walk after each meal to aid you in digestion and stimulate the movement of energy between cells.

If you are not on diabetic medication, good for you, but I caution you to get a meter and keep track of your sugar after eating foods. It will help you be honest about what is good and not good for you. Good luck!

lilcat

is 153 a high blood sugar?

anon83405

great website. I'm 51 year old with diabetes. last check bg level was 385. i started getting numbness in my footpads of my feet and some pain in fingers.

i lost a load of weight -- went from 225 to 168. I read on the net that light beer and red wines can aid in lowering blood sugars -- not that i want to become a drunk but is there any truth to this?

I have to get serious about that as my brother has been losing body parts to diabetes and i don't like that diet plan!

amypollick

Anon79519: You need to see a doctor as soon as possible. Your blood sugar readings are not in the normal ranges. Please get some medical attention.

anon79519

my blood sugar is always in the 200's and like whatever i eat it jumps to 400, and i play sports and every other day I'm having problems.

what should i do because I'm only 16 and I'm kind of worried about myself.

anon79043

I totally agree with Anon31814 and anon31200 because I have tried these home remedies and it works very well to lower sugar and it also reduces medication as well.

anon78224

I have a frozen shoulder and diabetes. does anyone know if the pain from the shoulder causes your blood sugars to stay high? If yes what do you do to lower sugar levels?

anon77635

i have had diabetes since i was 13 years old and now i'm 23 and i am always sleepy. i need to go back to my endocrinologist and tell her about these. thanks anon76705.

nice site.

cyprus

Dill pickles (not sweet pickles!), nuts and cheese all help me lower my blood sugar. I'm a diabetic and yes, carbs whether from any type of bread or from fruit make my blood sugar go sky-high. I'm waiting to see an endocrinologist (diabetes specialist) and trying to keep my sugars down in the meantime.

I've also heard lemons are good blood sugar-lowering foods, so I'm going to try squeezing some in tea, diet cola or hot water.

anon76705

It doesn't take much for sugars to jump. If your body can't use the food, its stored in your liver, and released when your body thinks there isn't enough food. Hence a jump in sugar levels. Regular small meals, and regular small exercise, keeps it balanced.

Sugars of 34 is death/coma. Someone who is creeping up to 30 will be very sleepy, and thirsty, and pee often. Sugars of 16, eyes are sore, and little blurry vision, itchy skin. 10 is better, but still need to get control of the food intake. Tiny meals six times a day, no fast food or refined sugar.

I have nearly died from diabetes, but have control with pills, 1/2 pill each morning, and tiny meals. 30 minutes walking each day.

Call a doctor for anyone who is falling asleep easily, that's the beginning of a coma.

anon76405

I really like this website and i would love for some professional advice on diabetes. my dad's blood pressure is 260 although he takes blood pressure medicine. this happened recently and i don't want him to take insulin so his body doesn't depend on it so are there any types of food or anything that could lower it?

anon71544

Stevia is a type of herb (stevia Rebaudiana) is a natural sweetener also know as "sweet herb" and has been used in many countries for thousands of years.

It's five times sweeter than sugar and has very little effect on blood sugar. It's enormously popular in Japan and used for over 20 years there. There haven't been any known ill effects. It isn't as well known in the US because the FDA implemented seizure campaigns to stop Stevia from being imported here because of industry pressure from the sugar trade blocked it's use.

The FDA approved Stevia as a supplement but not as a food additive. I have used it for over 10 years and can even bake and cook with it. I use it most in my coffee and wouldn't trade it for anything.

anon70894

can diet sodas that have splenda in them raise my blood sugar?

anon70893

I have been told all bread is bad for me. my bg is normally high. anyone care to comment?

anon70396

Stevia in the raw is great for adding to coffee it has no effect on blood sugar. Coffee does raise blood sugar on its own though.

I found some good Stevia based drinks I like. Zevia is a Seattle based company that sells at Whole foods and several other stores. and Sobe Life Water has several flavors of Stevia sweetened drinks also Tropicana OJ has the Trop 50.

I do agree with some of the posts on here that some so called Low GI foods seem to raise my blood sugar levels as well. I think you have to find what works for you.

anon69030

the reason oatmeal and beans and such works to lower blood sugar is because of fiber pick the high fiber oatmeals.

I eat the 10 grams of fiber. fiber slows the absorption of sugars in the body and keeps you full longer. wow! does it work! I have lost 25 pounds and bg keeps getting better. from 500 down 140 to less then 100.

vinegar works before meals. Take two tablespoons and your sugar will be 10 percent lower. Works before bed as well. I use a low carb, high fiber (60 or more grams) good protein, good fat diet with exercise.

I eat slower and enjoy my new foods and don't beat myself up for cheating. One point most people miss is our bodies rejuvenate new cells so I put good stuff in my body and in return expect my body to change to the good body I want.

Do not forget the omega 3s. I eat them every day in several sources, including flaxseed, salmon and walnuts. Good fat burns bad fat. so get rid of desserts and put nuts and seeds in there. it is a good substitute and you will not feel deprived of anything. switch sugar for good fats!

anon68269

My sugars are pretty much stabilized as long as l watch my carbs-- no more then 45 carbs every meal.

In the evening check I check two hours later after supper. If it is good, I have a snack like sugar free pudding with whipped cream. Yummy! Dieticians help.

anon66941

I have a question: I am 30 weeks pregnant and failed my first glucose test. I eat what I thought was a healthy diet, but after reading about all of these "healthy" foods that raise sugar levels, I am not sure.

This is my third pregnancy and I have never failed the first test before and had to take the 3-hour test, so I am wondering if I try some of the things that you were all suggesting for lowering your levels for the next two weeks prior to taking the test, do you think I would be able to pass the test and lower my levels enough?

anon65750

If I had continued on the mainstream accepted low GI diet that is pushed by well known high profile institutions, I would have severe complications by now.

My diabetes life changed when I went low carb and I can honestly say I have never felt better. The normal diet was a struggle for me and I just couldn't lose weight and I certainly couldn't lower the blood sugars.

I exercise twice a day and do stationary cycling at a high intensity level that can easily reduce the BFL in as little as 10 minute session, however I do longer for added health benefits (I also walk and do weights, etc.)

I supplement with good quality oils, chromium and a good multi vitamin. I eat organic if I can. The diet I follow is Bernstein Diabetic Solution.

Ultimately it's up to the individual to find the right combination for them. I for one do not want to go on any medications until I absolutely have to.

This life style, however, is helping me stay away from the medications which we all know can cause horrific side effects. Take good care.

anon65135

Don't eat carbs. Fat and protein do not contribute to heart disease and keeps your blood sugar low. Insulin causes heart disease, both in diabetics and non-diabetics. Save your life, get off sugar, flour, rice.

anon61691

Make sure you eat healthy on your trip and avoid fried food, white bread, white rice, salad dressing and walk at least an hour a day.

Even a high sugar reading can be lowered to less than half just by walking for an hour. any type of bread would sky rocket your sugar.

Note to all: White bread turns into sugar faster than a candy bar.

anon60133

I recently started being thirsty all the time and went over to my mother's where she pricked my finger for a test. It was about one hour after we ate dinner and the reading was 466. She said it was bad.

I am going on a trip in a day for four days. Can i just cut back on foods for the trip and be okay until i get back to see a doc about this?

anon57799

My last sugar count was 240, and it was 140 before that. I started a habit of eating holiday foods and now I am suffering from a bladder infection. I do not exercise. I sit down all day at my clerk's position at work and I am over 60 years old. Your website woke me up to eat right and exercise if I want to fully live a happy and long life. Thank you so much!

amypollick

Anon56992: There really isn't a hard and fast rule about how high a diabetic's blood sugar level will get before it causes a coma. Everyone is different. It all depends on the person.

Will your mom listen to anyone? A trusted friend, a relative? Someone who can convince her to get the medical treatment she needs?

This is something of a terrorist tactic, but you might consider it: call 911 and tell the dispatcher your mom is confused and her sugar is over 500. When the EMTs arrive, no matter what she says to them, tell them she's not in her right mind and not able to make decisions for herself. They will get her to the ER, where she will probably be admitted with IV insulin to get her sugar down. She will probably be seriously pissed off at you, but at least she will be alive.

I warn you, though. A diabetic must make the decision on his or her own to be responsible for treatment. It is a lifestlye change. Some people are willing to make it; some are not. I hope you can convince your mother to make the necessary changes in her lifestyle to live a longer, healthier life. Let us know how she gets along.

anon56992

My mom's is a diabetic and her reading keeps going up in the 500's and she is always confused and sleeping and I don't really know what to do. She is way too stubborn to go to a hospital! I really don't know what to do. I don't know what the highest level you can reach is before slipping into a coma. Can someone please help me? I have been searching on here for the danger zones for a diabetic and I haven't found anything! Thank you!

amypollick

Okieraider: Sounds like you're a victim of the infamous Dawn Phenomenon. A simple explanation is that diabetic livers have ADHD and if you don't give them something to do, they will *find* something to do -- and that something usually involves dumping glucose into your blood, just about 4 a.m. or so.

First, if you're on oral meds, make sure you're not taking anything after them that could interact with them. Take them at least three hours before you take any other bedtime meds, so they will already be in your system.

Second, and I know this sounds counter-intuitive, but it can work very well. Have a small, protein-based snack before bedtime. You can try a handful of nuts, a couple of pieces of deli meat or cheese, some beef jerky, peanut butter on crackers, PB on a celery stick if you like celery, or cream cheese on a celery stick, or a hardboiled egg (or even a scrambled egg). Anything along those lines.

What this does, basically, is to give your liver something to do during the night besides dumping glucose. It does need to be a very low-carb, protein- based snack to do the job, but many people have had good success in bringing their morning numbers down with this method.

Try it and let us know if it works for you! Good luck!

okieraider

when I check my blood in the morning its always over 200 but by the evening it is around 90 - 110. What can I do to have lower readings in the morning?

anon56041

My blood sugar has been as high as 22 in the past few weeks and cannot seem to get it under 14 no matter what I eat or how much I exercise.

anon52969

I'm thinking anon44469 might be talking about stevia. It is a sugar substitute and has been shown to help control diabetes.

anon45202

I was told the following by a diabetes advisor: Foods that raise blood sugar are starches, fruits, juices, milk, sweets, carbohydrates. Also, stress and illness raise levels. Things that lower blood sugar levels are exercise, insulin, water, weight loss, cinnamon, low carb foods.

anon45197

Doubting Tom, You just stop drinking so much caffeine and the cysts and lumps will get so small that they are of no effect. --Laura

anon44967

my mom has diabetes for a while now. she is the type to try new stuff and then leave it as soon as she starts. she got a real hard pain in her chest and started to gasp for air. her blood sugar is above 400. its 407! she doesn't want a doctor. what do i do?

anon44470

Anon44469, I am diabetic and have never heard of this kind of sugar. As far as I know, the only way to really get your sugar under control is to limit your carbohydrate intake and take your medicine, along with doing some form of exercise. Personally, I aim for about 100 grams of carbohydrates per day and I try to walk for 20-30 minutes several times a week. If you can't walk this much to start with, that's fine. But you need to do some activity, even if you start at five minutes per day. If you have tried all these options, then you may need to talk with your doctor about your treatment program. My last A1c was 5.3 and my average morning blood sugar is 89-95. When I was diagnosed, my A1c was 7.6. I've lost about 90 pounds since diagnosis. You also need to check your blood sugar several times per day to see how different foods affect you. Take a diabetes education class too, if you have not done so. They are very helpful.

anon44469

I have been a diabetic for about six years and I still do not have my sugar under control.I was told about a type of sugar that diabetics can use, and the more you use it the more it controls you blood sugars. Does anyone know what this sugar is called? Thank you.

anon42022

I'm helping take care of my aunt who is a diabetic. I just took her blood sugar and it was 348! That's the highest it has been! I'm scared, but she said she feels fine, and she is drinking a lot of water. What else can I do? Is this high blood sugar going to hurt her? Help! Thank you!

anon38622

My mother's blood sugar is around 16. What can she do to lower her blood sugar?

smartguy

My best friend just recently discovered that she has diabetes. she is also a HIV/AIDS victim. she started losing serious weight in the last 1 week. her former doctor got a promotion and now works in california and her husband just her divorced because of her condition. she has nowhere to go. i decided to take her in and she refuses to eat. please what do i do.

anon33036

Eating fruit, beans raises my blood sugar. My sugar goes up big time when I eat oatmeal. I don't know how this article can say it's low low-glycemic.

anon31814

Few things that I have tried to control my diabetes for last 10 years are:

1. drinking bittermelon juice ( an Indian vegetable juiced using JackLalaine juicer)...acts like insulin

2. Fenugreek powder

3. AlphaLipoic Acid

4. Cinnamon powder

5. Turmeric powder

6. Biotin

7. Accupressure under ring finger on heart line

8. using Flaxseed bread ...6 gms carb/slice (trader's joes)

9. Edemame young soybeans pods

If my sugar after a meal goes over 250, I immediately drink bittermelon juice and within an hour the readings are normal.

You must try these and feel the change in energy level, eye sight, feet sensitivity, etc.

Good Luck!

anon31491

I don't know how eating oatmeal is good for a diabetic. I eat it and my blood sugar level spikes. Also, eating fruits elevates it also.

anon31200

my mother in law is diabetic and she has been using fenugreek and it helps to lower her sugar, i went online to read about it and sure enough it is used to lower blood sugar, it is available in organic stores, i recommend it to anyone that is suffering from high blood sugar.

anon30701

Chromium Picolinate, Alpha Lipoic acid and cinnamon(already mentioned) are nutritional supplements that all assist insulin or replace insulin in helping glucose go across the cell membrane so the cell can use it in cellular respiration which produces energy. Also, white kidney bean extract when taken 30 minutes before a meal block the affect of amylase, an enzyme that digests starch and sugar into glucose, thus decreasing the amount absorbed. This taken with a high carb meal will decrease the total amount of glucose absorbed so blood sugar will not go so high.

anon23754

I am only a kid but i eat a kind of pasta that you can actually eat more than a serving with out going up in the 400's. you can get it at sprouts on 835 west foothill blvd in claremont. you can eat fruit too. they're just 15 carbs for 1 serving (a handful). you just need to be a bit smarter.

anon19958

Fruit can raise it, & the answer to the pasta affecting more than the candy bar- most candy bars have more protein & fat than actual 'sugars' so it is processed more slowly, which is why eating candy bars for lows will not work as efficiently as a 4 oz glass of 0J :]

anon17918

I have diabetes and I can assure you fruit is forbidden for me. I can eat one orange or an apple and my sugar goes up just as much and sometimes more than if I eat a big bowl of pasta. Carbs make my levels go up higher than a candy bar (I've experimented)and forget about soda or juice. I feel like a prisoner of my own body. I love food and now there if it tastes good I can't eat it because my glucose levels sky rocket.

anon8952

Dear Wisegeek

I would like to thank you for this enlightening medical info and website, for I learned a great deal about the things I wanted to know about ways to control blood sugar.

sincerely,

S. Ross

anon8941

Excellent article. It is spot on - just do it. I've had fantastic success with my blood sugar levels by stepping up my exercise and taking the low GI diet seriously, losing 10kg from 100kg weight (Female, aged 53) so far.

High blood sugar absolutely wrecks your body, you will never regret making your health a priority.

It feels good to know to know that with this new knowledge of low GI eating and the amazing benefits of exercise, you can probably fully avoid the horrors of diabetes.

somerset

According to the Mayo Clinic, chocolate contains more than just trace amounts of caffeine. A Hershey's milk chocolate bar contains about 10% of the amount in an 8 oz cup of regular coffee. Dark chocolate contains about double that. A decaf cup of coffee contains what I would call a "trace" amount of caffeine though...about 2 milligrams (which is like 2% the amount of caffeine in regular coffee).

anon3568

Doubting Tom,

I'm not an expert of any kind, but have had enough education/experience to feel like I can offer some insight.

1. I would be EXTREMELY surprised to hear that caffeine intake by parents had any effect on a child. The exception is a pregnant mother, obviously.

2. Caffeine doesn't really hide in places where you're not expecting it. Hot drinks, like coffee and tea are known for caffeine. Sodas usually have caffeine added. Chocolate sometimes has trace amounts, depending on the quality and the refining process.

3. Regular caffeine use has been linked to benign lumps in breast tissue, as well as extended memory in older women. These side effects are seen to disappear as caffeine intake is eliminated.

doubtingtom

Regarding Caffeine Levels: 300 mgms per day:

Does the level vary with the hereditary habits like higher intake of caffeine in the family, particularly parents? Most of them grow to be most insensitive to the intake of caffeine with next to nil side- effects.

Would you also give me a list of Caffeine-rich food / beverages / drinks items?

Can excessive caffeine intake result in cyst formation / lumps in Female Breasts? Any effective cure for it?

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