8 Ways to Control Your Blood Glucose Level

Controlling blood glucose levels is one of the first issues newly diagnosed diabetics meet. Fortunately, today, people with T1D and T2D have more options than ever to keep their blood sugar in a normal range. In the article, we talk about the most effective ones and explain how the InRange app can help you easily manage your condition.

Way 1. Regular blood glucose tests for controlling diabetes

For people with diabetes, regular tests are essential to control their condition. These tests measure blood glucose levels and help doctors and patients identify trends over time. The proper monitoring can also alert your doctor of any complications that may arise from diabetes.

Your doctor will advise you on the frequency and types of tests needed to keep your sugar within a healthy range. Here are some of them.

Fasting plasma glucose (FPG). With this type of test, diabetics check their sugar in the morning, after eight hours without any food or drink except water.
Random plasma glucose test. It is taken up to several times a day for controlling sugar changes before and after meals, sports, taking medications, or injecting insulin.
Hemoglobin A1C. This one is used for measuring average sugar level for the period of 2 or 3 months and understanding whether a person succeeds in controlling their condition.

The results of these tests can help you make decisions about your diabetes management, such as adjusting medications or lifestyle changes.

Way 2. Continuous glucose monitoring

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) implies real-time tracking of blood sugar levels. The systems typically involve the use of a small sensor placed under the skin that measures sugar concentrations in interstitial fluid. The sensor is connected to a transmitter, which sends data to a monitor or device that can display readings.

CGM data can be used to better understand and control diabetes by providing instantaneous feedback on sugar trends, patterns and alerts for high or low levels. Thus, it can help you reduce the risk of long-term complications.

CGM systems can be synced with smartphones or other devices for easy access to glucose data. This allows for tighter control over sugar levels and improved overall health outcomes for people with diabetes.

Way 3. Apps for managing diabetes

Diabetes apps emerged as a major tool for individuals living with diabetes to optimize their health and well-being.

The apps allow users to monitor, store, and analyze data related to their condition, such as sugar levels, carbohydrate intake, exercise routines, and more, depending on their type and feature set.

Nutrition apps are used to select food that can keep blood glucose in a healthy range. Scan a barcode of an item, and you’ll find out the nutrition value, info about carbs, and ingredients.
Diabetes tracking apps help monitor sugar level changes and highlight trends. With the data, you and your doctor can manage your condition and improve the treatment plan.
Diabetes recipes apps offer numerous healthy meals you can easily cook from diabetic-friendly ingredients. Moreover, they generate shopping lists after the recipe is chosen.
Conversation apps help people with diabetes discuss their experiences and needs with others, feeling the community support.

The apps offer additional features such as reminders to take insulin or medication, diet tracking tools, and even telemedicine options to connect with healthcare professionals. With the rise of the apps, anyone can ensure they are taking the necessary steps to stay healthy and safe.

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Way 4. Diabetic diary

A diabetic diary is used to track sugar levels, insulin doses, physical activity, weight changes, and notes about how you’re feeling. It helps to easily identify patterns in blood sugar levels and lifestyle habits that can influence diabetes management.

By recording these data regularly, you can make changes to your diet and medication regimen if necessary.

Tracking this information over time can help healthcare providers more effectively monitor a patient’s condition changes, which is essential for preventing long-term complications of the disease.

Keeping a diabetic diary doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. It’s enough to write down the results of your self-monitored blood sugar tests, treatments you’ve taken, and food or beverages

Way 5. Medicines for controlling T2D

When it comes to treating type 2 diabetes , there are a number of medications that can be used. Some of these medicines are taken orally while others can be injected directly into the body.

Oral medicines include metformin, sulfonylureas, meglitinides, thiazolidinediones and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors.

Metformin is usually the first line of treatment, as it helps regulate sugar and reduce insulin resistance in the body.
Sulfonylureas work to increase the amount of insulin produced by the pancreas.
Meglitinides act quickly to stimulate the release of glucose from the liver.
Thiazolidinediones help to increase the sensitivity of cells to insulin.
Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors reduce sugar by blocking an enzyme that breaks down glucose.

Injectable medicines include exenatide and liraglutide, which work to delay digestion and increase the amount of insulin released by the pancreas.

It's important to remember that different people respond differently to different medications. You shouldn’t try any of this stuff without your doctor’s permission

Way 6. Insulin delivery for controlling T1D

For those with type 1 diabetes, insulin delivery is an essential part of life. The therapy helps the body regulate sugar and can prevent serious complications from diabetes. However, choosing the right delivery method for your individual needs can be challenging.

Insulin pumps are small, electronic devices that attach to the body and continuously deliver insulin into the bloodstream throughout the day and night. The pumps require some effort to set up and can be costly, but they offer a number of advantages over traditional injection therapy.

They are designed to mimic normal pancreatic activity by delivering pre-programed amounts of insulin at scheduled intervals. This helps maintain glucose levels throughout the day, reducing the risk of high or low sugar episodes.

Additionally, pumps are discreet and can be worn under clothing for a greater sense of convenience and privacy.

Insulin pens are another option for people living with T1D. They are small and easy to use, making them a convenient option for those who may not have the time or ability to set up a pump. Pens can also help with accuracy when it comes to delivering the correct amount of insulin.

Finally, there is traditional injection therapy, which is most often used in combination with meal planning. This method involves injecting with a syringe or pen prior to meals and snacks. While this is the least expensive option when it comes to insulin delivery, injections may not be able to provide the same level of convenience and accuracy as a pump or pen.

No matter which form you choose, it's important to work with your doctor or diabetes educator to find the best option for you

Way 7. Healthy habits

Diabetics should practice a healthy lifestyle in order to maintain their normal sugar level and feel well. Here are some tips for developing habits that can help you manage your condition.

Nutrition. Taking meals at regular times is especially important to maintain blood glucose levels.

A healthy breakfast can help keep the sugar stable throughout the day and prevent overeating at other meals.
It's highly recommended to include slow-digesting foods such as whole grains, nuts and legumes, as well as fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables.
It's important to pay attention to portion sizes. Consuming too much food at once can lead to spikes in sugar. Eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day can keep you healthier.

Vitamins may offer you additional health benefits.

D helps regulate insulin, which is important for managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
C boosts your immune system, as well as improves the absorption of iron.
B6 regulates your sugar level.
B12 protects against nerve damage.

Sport. Regular physical activity helps better control sugar, reduce the risk of complications, improve overall well-being, cardiovascular health, increase energy, and enhance mental wellbeing.

Moderate-intensity exercise can help improve insulin sensitivity, which helps the body use it more efficiently. It can be walking, biking, hiking, swimming, and more.

Note: when engaging in physical activity, it is important to monitor your blood glucose levels closely and adjust your food intake accordingly.

Sleep. Diabetics should prioritize getting enough sleep each night. Research has found that those who don’t get enough sleep are at a higher risk of developing health problems and complications associated with diabetes, including high sugar levels and increased insulin resistance.

Talk to your doctor to determine what is best for your individual needs. And don’t forget to listen to your body to understand how to feel better.

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Way 8. Reducing stress

For people with diabetes, stress can have a significant impact on their sugar levels. Stressful situations can cause hormones to be released that affect how the body processes sugar. Diabetics are therefore encouraged to find ways to reduce their stress and maintain healthy sugar levels.

Some strategies for reducing stress include meditation, exercise, and communication. Meditation can help calm the mind and body while promoting relaxation. Exercise helps reduce stress hormones in the body while increasing serotonin which can improve moods. Communication can provide emotional support during stressful times.

Wrapping up

With the right commitment and care, living with diabetes can be manageable and you can enjoy a higher quality of life.

InRange is a new healthy habit you can try. Monitor your TIR, continuous glucose changes, and other vital metrics to live longer and feel better than ever.