Natural Strategies for Blood Sugar Control
By NaturalGuidance Staff

For the roughly 120 million Americans affected by a blood sugar disorder, the effects can range from peaks and valleys in energy levels to life-threatening ailments such as cardiovascular disease. The body usually maintains "normal" blood sugar levels between 70-110 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter). People with blood sugar disorders are classified into two groups:

Hypoglycemic: People with typically low levels of blood sugar (below 60 mg/dL). Affects roughly 100 million Americans.

Diabetic/Hyperglycemic: People with high levels of blood sugar (above 126 mg/dL). Sometimes, this occurs when the body can't make insulin (type 1 diabetes). Other times, it occurs when the body doesn't respond properly to insulin (type 2 diabetes). Affects roughly 17 million Americans.

Strategies for controlling blood sugar levels naturally vary depending on the disorder. Below, we will outline natural and effective supplements and diet suggestions for high and low blood sugar disorders. Please note that this website is not intended to diagnose a blood sugar disorder or disease. If you believe you may have diabetes or hypoglycemia, please consult your physician or naturopathic doctor immediately.



Natural Supplements for Blood Sugar Control

Managing Diabetes with a Healthy Diet

To understand how to take control of a high blood sugar problem such as diabetes, it's important to understand the cause. Typically, people with diabetes have a problem producing or responding to insulin - a hormone released by the pancreas that helps sugar enter cells from the bloodstream and convert to energy.

As a result, people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes usually struggle to maintain normal energy levels. Without sufficient insulin, the amount of sugar in the bloodstream can become very high, especially after meals with carbohydrates. Untreated, diabetes can lead to cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, joint pain, and even blindness. The following are key dietary goals for diabetics, but are not intended to replace treatment:

      - Avoid sweets and foods with high sugar content.
      - Maintain a consistent meal schedule; eat at the same times each day.
      - Enjoy healthy snacks frequently throughout the day to avoid long         periods of time between meals.
      - Avoid saturated fats to prevent high cholesterol levels in the blood.



Managing Hypoglycemia with a Healthy Diet

Many people suffering from hypoglycemia are diabetics who take insulin or other drugs to lower their blood sugar levels. In these cases, maintaining appropriate doses of insulin is critical.

Other cases of hypoglycemia are caused by heightened production of insulin, resulting in abnormally low blood sugar levels. In these cases, the most notable symptom is a sensation of feeling "shaky" that can only be remedied by taking in sugar. Here are some basic strategies to support a hypoglycemic diet:

      - Eat small, frequent meals throughout the day.
      - Eat meals high in protein and complex carbohydrates.
      - Avoid caffeine which has been shown to promote insulin production.
      - Always keep a sugary snack, juice, or supplement (such as glucose         tablets) on hand in the event of an "insulin attack" (the sensation of         feeling shaky).
      - Avoid alcohol on an empty stomach as it may block the release of         stored sugar from the liver.