High or low blood sugar levels can be an early warning sign of serious health problems like stroke, heart disease and kidney problems. That’s why it’s important to have your blood sugar checked regularly, especially if you are overweight or have a family history of diabetes.
“Your blood sugar level is the amount of glucose present in your blood,” explains Waheed Abdurahman, Clicks pharmacist.
“It’s normal for blood sugar levels to rise and drop during the day, but dramatic fluctuations may indicate problems. A normal blood glucose level for a healthy person is somewhere between 65 mg/dl (3.6 mmol/l) and 105 mg/dl (5.8 mmol/l). “If you suffer from sugar spikes or low/high blood sugar levels, a healthy diet and at least fifteen minutes of exercise per day will help to regulate your blood sugar levels,” he says. He also advises regular blood sugar screenings.
Here are some top tips for keeping your blood sugar levels healthy:
- Make smarter food choices – drink at least two servings of low fat dairy products a day and buy bread products which slow down absorption of glucose and decrease possible insulin rises.
- Consider magnesium – studies have shown that magnesium, found in nuts, green leafy vegetables and avocado pears, reduce the risk of diabetes by about 10 percent.
- Take cinnamon supplements – known to help blood-glucose levels drop.
- Walk more – moderate exercise leads to better control of blood sugar.
- Cut out extra fat and reduce your saturated fats intake.
- Eat more regularly and have smaller meals more often – Don’t miss a meal. Your blood sugar levels drop when you are hungry.
