You might have often heard how high blood sugar level causes health issues. It is very important to keep sugar levels in control; else, it invites many diseases. Before you read more on how to lower blood sugar levels, you must know several facts about blood sugar and diabetes.

The beta cells of your pancreas secrete a hormone called insulin. When the production of insulin is inadequate, or the cells don’t respond appropriately to insulin, you suffer from a group of metabolic diseases, which raise the blood sugar level of your body. This is called diabetes.

Types of diabetes
There are three types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. 90percent cases of diabetes are Type 2. It is caused when the body produces an inadequate amount of insulin, or the body’s cells are insulin-resistant. Initially, the pancreas secretes extra insulin to keep up with this. But it is not able to make enough insulin after a point of time, and the sugar builds up in your blood, thereby raising the level.

Normal blood sugar levels
A normal blood sugar level, for a person who is fasting, is between 70 and 99 mg/dL (milligram per deciliter). Two hours after eating, the normal blood sugar level of an individual is 140 mg/dL. When the sugar level becomes greater than 126 mg/dL (during fasting period) or becomes greater than 200 mg/dL during any hour of the day, then it indicates diabetes.

How to test blood sugar levels
From self-tests to lab tests, there are many ways to find out your sugar levels. The method of testing is selected according to the type of treatment one is going to receive.

A1C test – The average blood sugar level is observed for 2-3 months, and then the amount of blood sugar that remains attached to hemoglobin is measured. High hemoglobin indicates a high blood sugar level.
Plasma glucose test – This test requires you to fast for eight hours. It measures the glucose level in plasma.
Lab test – Your blood is drawn and tested to keep a tab on diabetes and other health problems.
High blood sugar level has many adverse effects on our body, including increased risk for heart diseases, loss of sensation, kidney failure, and damaged blood vessels. Very low blood sugar level is also a threat to us. So it is very important to regulate the blood sugar level in our body.

How to lower blood sugar levels
Regulating your blood sugar level requires a lot of effort, experimenting, and patience. To know how to lower blood sugar levels, go through the below-mentioned methods:

Lose weight – For people who are overweight, shedding some extra kilos can cut down the risk of diabetes.
Exercise – A simple act of walking for about 30-40 minutes every day can help a lot because muscles use insulin while moving.
Follow a proper diet and drinking habit – Foods containing a high level of carbohydrates, sugar or fats should be avoided. Controlling eating pattern helps maintain the blood sugar level. Too much intake of alcohol fluctuates the level of sugar. So it is wise to reduce the consumption of alcohol or drink it along with proper food.
Medications – Doctors suggest medicines depending on the requirement of the treatment.

These are the medications suggested by doctors often and will be available only with a prescription.
Metformin – It is recommended for type 2 diabetic patients. It reduces the glucose production in the liver and makes our body tissues sensitive to insulin so that the body can use insulin efficiently.
Sulfonylurea – This medication helps the body produce more insulin, but the risk of low blood sugar dipping to very low levels remains in this case.
Meglitinide – Like Sulfonylurea, this drug also stimulates the cell to produce more insulin, with the risk of retaining low blood sugar. But for a short term, the effect of the medicine is quite fast.
Thiazolidinediones – This drug also makes the body’s tissue sensitive to insulin.
DPP-4 inhibitors – This reduces the blood sugar, but the effect is moderate.
Insulin therapy – This includes taking supplements of insulin to regulate the level of blood sugar.

Dealing with diabetes might become confusing when at times your blood sugar level becomes too high(hyperglycemia) or too low(hypoglycemia). In the case of hyperglycemia, when the blood sugar level is more than 240 mg/dL, it can be moderated through proper diet, medications, and exercise. Hypoglycemia makes people dizzy and ill. Moreover, there is a chance of loss of consciousness, which is very dangerous. People are suggested to carry glucose tablets for an emergency. Anyway, juice, soda or items containing carbohydrate of about 15 grams can do the job.

Now that you know how to lower blood sugar levels, you can treat your problems effectively. But, if you still have any queries about this issue, then don’t hesitate to have a discussion with your doctor.