If you have diabetes it is essential that you make attempts to lower your stress levels. Stress and diabetes are a dangerous combination since stress has been found to increase your glucose levels. Yet, everyone who has diabetes knows that the disease naturally lends itself to stress and worry. So, how can you alleviate your stress so you are not increasing your glucose levels? Here are a few suggestions.

Exercise is not only a great way to lose weight and increase your insulin sensitivity but also releases endorphins which have the ability to relieve pain, reduce stress and even help your immune system. 

Depending on the recommendations from your physician you can choose anything from walking to aerobics to strength training. While getting started on an exercise regime can be difficult, if you set aside a set time each day and stick with it, after a week you will actually begin to look forward to it and should notice your stress levels lowering.

Meditation is another great way to reduce stress. When you meditate your heart rate decreases, your blood pressure normalizes, your immune functions improve, and you use oxygen more efficiently. It is a simple process which simply involves sitting in a relaxed position and letting your mind relax by concentrating on regular, deep breathing, Unlike exercise, which may not always be available when you need it, meditation is free and can be done anywhere by anyone.

Relieving yourself of stress is a vital element when it comes to regulating your glucose levels. Diabetes and stress are a vicious combination but with a bit of exercise or relaxation you can lower your stress and live a healthier life.

While managing your glucose levels is vital when you have diabetes there are times when you may notice that it is too high. If you experience the symptoms of high blood sugar and need to lower blood sugar quickly there are two options that are incredibly successful.

The first option is exercise. Exercise is not only good for your heart and wellbeing but has been proven to help regular blood sugar and improve your body’s insulin sensitivity. If you need to lower blood sugar quickly the best option is to run or jog for 15 minutes. If this is not possible try jumping jacks or any other activity that can increase your heart rate and keep it elevated for at least 15 minutes. If you are wheel-chair bound try swinging your arms windmill style.

The second option is to drink 2 8 ounce glasses of water in quick succession then wait 5 minutes and drink another and urinate as soon as possible.  Excess glucose stays in your blood and you can use the water to dilute the glucose in the blood. The excess will flow over into your bladder and leave your body when you urinate.

The best option is to maintain normal glucose levels on a continual basis. Unfortunately the best option doesn’t always happen. If you find the need to lower blood sugar quickly these two options should help. If they don’t you should contact your physician, especially if your levels are excessively high and you feel dizzy or lightheaded.