How to Reduce Blood Sugar Level Immediately

Introduction

For good health, especially for people suffering from conditions like diabetes or prediabetes, keeping blood sugar levels in check is key. High sugar levels in the blood could lead to many health problems. Hence, it’s crucial to regulate these levels.  

In this article, we will delve into different elements that shape blood sugar levels. Besides, we will touch upon tried-and-tested ways and guidelines that may help manage and bring down blood sugar levels right away. Lastly, we will answer some frequently asked questions regarding this topic.  

Understanding the Factors Affecting Blood Sugar Levels

1. Food

The kind of food you eat affects blood sugar control. What you eat, how much you eat, and when you eat can directly impact your blood sugar levels¹.  

• Types of foods: Different foods can change your blood sugar levels in different ways. Mostly, carbohydrates ignite a significant change since digestion breaks them down into glucose. But carbohydrates that are slow-digesting or have low absorption rates like whole grains and fiber-rich foods, may help stabilize blood sugar levels^2,3.  
• Meal timing and blood sugar: Steady meal schedules are key to controlling blood sugar levels. This may help avoid sudden spikes or dips in blood sugar levels. 

2. Exercise

Exercise aids in blood sugar regulation. It’s important to balance different exercise types, as they affect blood sugar levels in unique ways.  

• Different exercise types and their effects: Aerobic exercises like walking, swimming, and cycling seem to lower blood sugar levels. They increase the body’s sensitivity to insulin and boost glucose breakdown. Resistance training, such as lifting weights, help build muscle mass, enhancing long-term control of blood sugar^4,5. 
• Finding the right balance of exercise for managing blood sugar: It’s key to find the right mix of aerobic exercises and resistance training to manage your blood sugar effectively. For a personalized exercise plan, your healthcare provider can guide you according to your specific needs and aims.  

3. Medication

People, especially those with diabetes, often need medication to keep blood sugar levels in check.  

• Insulin: Insulin, a hormone, regulates blood sugar levels. People with diabetes might need insulin shots to either supplement their body’s insulin production or replace it if they have type 1 diabetes. Also, in case of uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus as well, insulin may be advised.   
• Oral medications: Oral medicines can enhance insulin sensitivity, improve insulin production, or aid glucose absorption in the body. These are  used mostly in type 2 diabetes.   
• Adjusting medication based on blood sugar readings: Your healthcare provider may need to tweak your medication dose based on regular blood glucose readings. Regular testing of blood glucose levels is important when taking medication for managing diabetes.  

4. Illness

Illness can significantly shape blood sugar control. Infections, fever, stress, among other factors, can lead to a surge in blood sugar levels. During sickness, it’s crucial to monitor your blood sugar levels closely and modify your diabetes management plan if needed.  

• Effect of illness on blood sugar: Illness typically raises the body’s energy demand. This, in turn, can elevate your blood sugar levels. Plus, stress-related hormonal changes during illness can directly affect blood sugar control.  
• Managing blood sugar during illness: When you’re sick, keep taking your prescribed diabetes medicines. Also, check your blood sugar levels frequently. Consult your healthcare provider for advice on adjusting your medication or insulin dose. They can also provide guidance on staying well-hydrated and managing your diet.  

5. Alcohol

Drinking alcohol can directly shape your blood sugar levels.  

Drinking moderate amounts of alcohol can lead to low blood sugar. This happens as alcohol limits the liver’s ability to release glucose. Drinking too much alcohol, especially with sugary drinks can elevate  blood sugar levels.  

• Safe consumption guidelines for diabetics: If you have diabetes and choose to drink alcohol, limit your intake. The American Diabetes Association suggests no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men⁶. Make sure you discuss your alcohol drinking habits with your healthcare provider to understand how it could impact your blood sugar levels.  

6. Menstruation and menopause

Fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone during menstruation and menopause can directly affect insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control. This can lead to more variability in blood sugar levels⁷.  

It’s crucial to closely watch your blood sugar levels during menstruation and menopause. Work closely with your healthcare provider to modify your diabetes management plan, such as changing medication or insulin doses, as required.  

7. Stress

Stress can directly influence blood sugar control, especially for people with diabetes. Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline can lead to a rise in blood sugar levels. These stimulate glucose production and reduce insulin sensitivity⁸. Thus, managing stress is crucial for keeping healthy blood sugar levels. Practices like deep breathing, meditation, and yoga may help reduce stress, making diabetes management more effective^9,10.  

Although exercising helps lower blood sugar levels, one should avoid exercising if the blood sugar is more than 240 mg/dL. Exercise may increase ketone levels, which increases your chance of developing ketoacidosis. So, if your blood sugar levels are this high, you should first get your ketone levels checked and exercise only if these are not elevated¹⁵.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, BAMS, MD (Ayu)

Methods That May Be Tried to Reduce Blood Sugar Levels Immediately

There are multiple ways and measures that may assist you in managing your blood sugar levels. They may also help decrease the chance of complications linked to diabetes. These include: 

1. Taking prescribed insulin or medication

Taking your prescribed insulin or oral diabetes medicine as guided by your healthcare provider is crucial for keeping healthy blood sugar levels. Follow their advice for dose changes if required. Always consult them if you experience any problems or side effects from your drugs.  

• Insulin dosages and timing: Your healthcare provider will decide the right insulin dosage and timing based on your individual needs, blood sugar levels, and lifestyle. Make sure you follow their guidance carefully and modify your dosage if needed only under their supervision.  
• Other diabetes medications: Oral diabetes drugs, such as metformin, sulfonylureas, and DPP-4 inhibitors, could also be prescribed by your healthcare provider. These drugs work by enhancing insulin sensitivity, boosting insulin production, or aiding glucose absorption. Always take these drugs as directed by your health care provider.  

2. Adjusting food intake

Conscious eating can greatly influence your blood sugar levels. Consider adding healthier choices into your meals, such as whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables^1,2,3.  

• Low glycaemic index foods: Eating low glycaemic index foods can help control your blood sugar levels. They result in a slow and steady glucose release into your bloodstream. Whole grains, legumes, certain fruits and vegetables, and nuts are examples of low glycaemic index foods.  
• Fiber-rich foods: Fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, veggies, and whole grains, can stabilize blood sugar levels. They do this by slowing digestion and glucose absorption.  
• Proper portion sizes: Proper portion sizes also help to manage your blood sugar levels. Eating too much can spike blood sugar, while not eating enough can drop blood sugar or cause hypoglycaemia.  

3. Engaging in physical activity

Regular exercise is key to keeping blood sugar levels healthy. It makes your body use insulin more efficiently and boosts glucose breakdown.  

• Aerobic exercises: Aerobic exercises like walking, running, swimming, or cycling can bring down blood sugar levels. They help enhance insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism. As recommended by the American Diabetes Association, aim for at least 150 minutes of medium-intensity aerobic activity each week⁵. 
• Resistance training: Resistance training, like lifting weights, can improve blood sugar control by building muscle mass and increasing your body’s insulin sensitivity. Plan for at least two resistance training sessions per week on separate days.  
• Impact of different exercise intensities: Your workout intensity can also shape your blood sugar levels. Higher-intensity athletics may need more detailed blood sugar control and tracking, while medium-intensity workouts are usually safe and helpful for most diabetes patients. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise regime.  

4. Staying properly hydrated

Proper hydration is critical for keeping blood sugar levels healthy. Drinking water through the day can help your kidneys flush out extra sugar via urine. It also avoids dehydration which can negatively affect blood sugar control¹¹. 

• Water intake guidelines: The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine suggests daily water intake of roughly 125 ounces (3.7 liters) for men and 91 ounces (2.7 liters) for women. However, individual hydration needs can vary based on factors like age, weight, activity level, and climate¹². 
• Avoiding sugary beverages: Sweet drinks, such as soda, juice, and sports drinks, can cause rapid surges in blood sugar levels and lead to weight gain. Go for water, herbal tea, or other zero-calorie beverages instead¹³.  

5. Monitoring and adjusting blood sugar levels

Consistently monitoring your blood sugar levels is a key part of diabetes management. It lets you make required changes to your diet, exercise, and medication regimen to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.  

• Regular blood sugar testing: Check your blood sugar levels regularly, as advised by your healthcare provider. This may include testing before and after meals, before and after exercising, and at bedtime¹⁴. 
• Recognizing when levels are too high or too low: If you notice that your blood sugar levels are too high or too low, consult your healthcare provider for guidance on adjusting your diabetes management plan.  
• Making necessary adjustments: Based on your blood sugar data, your healthcare provider may suggest changes to your diet, exercise routine, or medication regimen. This may help you better manage your blood sugar levels.  

In my opinion, maintaining proper hydration may help you avoid hyperglycaemic episodes. Water and other unsweetened beverages can aid your kidneys in eliminating extra sugar from your urine during a severe hyperglycaemia episode. If you exert more than normal during an emergency or if the temperature around you is too high, your fluid demands may be considerably higher¹⁶.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Guidelines for Implementing Blood Sugar Management Strategies

Good blood sugar control includes making lifestyle changes and cooperating closely with your healthcare team. Here are some guidelines to follow for better blood sugar control.  

1. Collaborating with your healthcare team

Keeping open communication lines with your healthcare team is vital for successful blood sugar control. Your team may be made up of primary care doctors, endocrinologists, nutritionists, dieticians, and certified diabetes educators.  

• Working with a nutritionist or dietitian: A nutritionist or dietitian will help you create a tailor-made meal plan aligned with your dietary likes and health objectives. This plan will pay attention to food choices and portion sizes that promote stable blood sugar levels while catering to your nutritional needs.  
• Regular consultations with your doctor: Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider ensure your diabetes control plan stays efficient and current. They can keep an eye on your blood sugar levels, adjust your drugs, and offer support and knowledge about lifestyle modifications.  

2. Setting realistic goals

Setting reachable goals is key in managing your blood sugar levels. Start by making small, easy changes to your diet, exercise routine, and everyday habits. Avoid drastic changes which are hard to maintain. Divide a big goal into smaller achievable steps.   

3. Tracking progress

Keeping track of your progress can give useful insight into your blood sugar management and motivate you to stick to your goals.  

• Logging food intake, exercise, and blood sugar: Note down your daily food intake, exercise sessions, and blood sugar levels. This can help you pinpoint patterns, trends, and improvement areas. Talk about these patterns with your health care provider to make effective changes in your management plan.  

Recognizing and Treating Potential Complications

Being aware of and handling possible problems related to high or low blood sugar levels is crucial.  

1. High blood sugar (hyperglycaemia)

Hyperglycaemia happens when your blood sugar levels are consistently above normal. If not managed, it can lead to severe health issues like nerve damage, vision problems, and kidney disease.  

• Symptoms and dangers: Signs of hyperglycaemia include frequent urination, increased thirst, blurred vision, fatigue, and slow wound healing.   

If you experience these symptoms or suspect that your blood sugar is very high, test your blood sugar and consult your healthcare provider for advice on your diabetes management plan.   

2. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

Hypoglycaemia happens when your blood sugar levels get too low. If not treated promptly, it could result in dizziness, confusion, and in serious cases, unconsciousness, or seizures.  

• Symptoms and dangers: Signs of hypoglycaemia include shakiness, weakness, irritability, sweating, a fast heartbeat, and confusion. If not treated, it can lead to unconsciousness or seizures.  

If it seems like your blood sugar levels are too low, check your blood sugar. Consume a source of fast-acting sugar, such as fruit juice, regular soda, or glucose gel, as recommended by your healthcare provider. Test your blood sugar again in 15 minutes and repeat the process if needed.  

Also Read: Is Coconut Water Good for Diabetes? A Fact-Based Discussion

Conclusion

In conclusion, taking care of your blood sugar levels is key for overall health, more so for individuals diagnosed with diabetes or prediabetes. By following guidelines and taking certain measures, like properly adjusting your food intake, getting regular exercise, and working closely with your healthcare team, you may manage your blood sugar levels well and reduce the risk of complications.  

It’s important to remember that consistency and balance are main factors in keeping healthy blood sugar levels. Stay committed to your diabetes control plan and work closely with your healthcare provider for the best possible health outcome.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

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2. Chiavaroli L, Lee D, Ahmed A, et al. Effect of low glycaemic index or load dietary patterns on glycaemic control and cardiometabolic risk factors in diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ. 2021;374:n1651.  Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8336013  
3. Chiavaroli L, Lee D, Ahmed A, et al. Effect of low glycaemic index or load dietary patterns on glycaemic control and cardiometabolic risk factors in diabetes: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. BMJ. 2021;374:n1651. Available from: https://www.bmj.com/content/370/bmj.m2206 
4. Richter EA, Sylow L, Hargreaves M. Interactions between insulin and exercise. Biochem J. 2021;478(21):3827-3846. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34751700  
5. American Diabetes Association. Blood Glucose and Exercise [Internet]. Available from: https://www.diabetes.org/healthy-living/fitness/getting-started-safely/blood-glucose-and-exercise  
6. American Diabetes Association. Alcohol and Diabetes [Internet]. Available from: https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/alcohol-and-diabetes 
7. Schieren A, Koch S, Pecht T, Simon MC. Impact of Physiological Fluctuations of Sex Hormones During the Menstrual Cycle on Glucose Metabolism and the Gut Microbiota. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes. 2024;132(5):267-278 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11093651/ 
8. Sharma VK, Singh TG. Chronic Stress and Diabetes Mellitus: Interwoven Pathologies. Curr Diabetes Rev. 2020;16(6):546-556. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31713487  
9. Kim SD. Effects of yogic exercises on life stress and blood glucose levels in nursing students. J Phys Ther Sci. 2014;26(12):2003-2006. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25540518 
10. Shukla R, Gupta M, Agarwal N, Bajpai A. Mindfulness Meditation as Adjunctive Therapy to Improve the Glycemic Care and Quality of Life in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes. Med Sci (Basel). 2021;9(2):33. Published 2021 May 21. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34064218/ 
11. Vanhaecke T, Perrier ET, Melander O. A Journey through the Early Evidence Linking Hydration to Metabolic Health. Ann Nutr Metab. 2020;76 Suppl 1:4-9. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33774620  
12. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine: Report Sets Dietary Intake Levels for Water, Salt, and Potassium to Maintain Health and Reduce Chronic Disease Risk [Internet]. Available from: https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/2004/02/report-sets-dietary-intake-levels-for-water-salt-and-potassium-to-maintain-health-and-reduce-chronic-disease-risk 
13. Meng Y, Li S, Khan J, et al. Sugar- and Artificially Sweetened Beverages Consumption Linked to Type 2 Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and All-Cause Mortality: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Cohort Studies. Nutrients. 2021;13(8):2636.  Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34444794  
14. Azhar A, Gillani SW, Mohiuddin G, Majeed RA. A systematic review on clinical implication of continuous glucose monitoring in diabetes management. J Pharm Bioallied Sci. 2020;12(2):102-111. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32742108  
15. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Manage Blood Sugar [Internet]. Atlanta (GA): CDC; 2024 May 15 [cited 2025 Oct 07]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/treatment/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/manage-blood-sugar.html
16. American Diabetes Association. Caring for People with Diabetes in Emergency Situations [Internet]. Arlington (VA): ADA; [cited 2025 Oct 07]. Available from: https://diabetes.org/tools-resources/disaster-relief/caring-people-diabetes-emergency

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