Your blood sugar levels are not as low as you want them to be? Your HbA1c is registering over 7% and you want it to be less than 6.5%? If you are not making progress in the right direction, let’s start at the beginning and check off these points.

Your weight… weight loss is the strongest predictor of a fall in both your blood sugar levels and your HbA1c level.

What if You Are Eating Too Much?

Do you routinely eat more than you really need to at mealtimes? Don’t eat extra food now because you don’t want to stop to eat later… an insulin resistant body likes to eat often. By trying to change this you will find it backfire on you and your body will lay down those extra calories or kilojoules as fat! If you eat more carbs than your insulin resistant body can handle at one time, you will start the roller coaster of high and low blood sugar levels.

Are you eating too much fat? Fat has more calories or kilojoules for its weight than any other nutrient. Every tablespoon of fat gives over 100 calories (418 kj). Do you know one tablespoon of butter has more calories than the bread that you spread it on? Even changing from a full-fat salad dressing to a light dressing can save you 100 calories.

Not eating enough fiber. Fiber is one of the diabetic’s best friends. Fiber can help lower blood sugar levels, blood cholesterol levels, and weight, as well as help you feel full with fewer calories and fewer carbohydrates.

Are you finding you are having mid-afternoon or early evening cravings? This is the most common time for people to crave foods… especially sweets. A major trigger is low blood sugar. This is usually caused by lack of food as a result of going too long between meals or even following a very low calorie (kilojoule) diet.

Are You Stressed?

Check your stress level… stress raises your blood sugar levels. Job worries, financial difficulties, relationship problems or even stress in middle age, does not help during these times. Whatever the cause, stress will help create a blood sugar spike. People with diabetes type 2 who experience chronic or intense stress, find it harder to keep their blood sugar down. Don’t be a hero, talk to someone. Don’t keep your fears bottled up inside… if you don’t have a confidante talk to a counselor or psychologist.

Are You Exercising?

If you are sedentary now is the time to bring some physical activity onto the scene. The average person’s diet is becoming richer in calories (kilojoules), yet no exercise is done to burn off those extra calories. Regular exercise helps to keep you in a healthy weight range and improves your body’s sensitivity to insulin. Exercise really is medicine to the type 2 diabetic… it reduces your blood sugar levels.

How Much Sleep Do You Get?

If you don’t get enough sleep one night, make sure you get it the next night. Making sure you pay your sleep debt helps to control your blood sugar levels.

If you find you are unable to lower your blood sugar levels in spite of your best efforts, your health care provider may need to adjust your medications.