It is estimated that over 175 million people in the world today have high blood sugar and are suffering from diabetes. High blood sugar comes with serious risks - it can cause organ failure, heart attacks, stroke, blindness and even mortality. The good news is that high blood glucose levels can be prevented and controlled.

Steps to preventing and controlling high blood sugar:

• Check your sugar levels: You should get tested for high blood sugar during an annual physical exam. There are easy to use kits available for home testing as well. Knowing if you are diabetic or pre-diabetic is an important step towards taking the necessary precautions
  
  
• Lose weight: Obesity is considered one of the primary causes of high blood sugar. Harvard University researchers have found obesity causes stress in a system of cellular membranes called endoplasmic reticulum (ER), which in turn causes the endoplasmic reticulum to suppress the signals of insulin receptors, which then leads to insulin resistance. Therefore losing weight is essential in lowering and controlling blood glucose levels.
  
  
• Exercise: Exercise is very beneficial in controlling high blood sugar. It increases insulin sensitivity and helps process blood glucose. It lowers triglycerides and LDL and raises HDL cholesterol levels. It lowers blood pressure, improves cardiovascular health and helps reduce weight.
  
  
• Diet: Change your diet to include foods with carbohydrates and fiber such as whole wheat, beans, legumes and vegetables. Get protein from fish and vegetable sources such as soybeans and spirulina. Eliminate processed foods and sugars as much as possible. Eat several small meals a days instead of two or three big meals.
  
  
• Heed warning signs: If you are urinating frequently, feel lethargic all the time, have trouble with eyesight, tingling or numb sensation in the hands and feet, have itchy skin or have wounds that are taking a long time to heal, you should get yourself checked for high blood sugar. According to Japanese study, a fast heart rate indicates that obesity and diabetes can develop later on.
  
  
• Herbs and spices that help reduce blood sugar: Herbs such as Gymnema, Karela and Neem and spices such as Cinnamon are known to control blood sugar levels. Incorporating such herbs in your diet as health supplements are considered helpful in maintaining normal blood sugar levels.
  
  

You may also be interested in the following articles:

Diabetes - What it is, Symptoms and Risk Factors
Information on Diabetes types, what to watch out for and herbal remedies

High Blood Sugar levels, tests and remedies

How Gymnema works to control diabetes, blood sugar, cholesterol and obesity

Foods that help in diabetes

Beta Cell Regeneration : How herbs can prevent depletion & promote regeneration of beta cells

Blood Sugar Control With Herbs - Herbal Remedies That Maintain Glucose Levels

Reduce Diabetes Risk - Even 1 healthy habit can improve chances of not getting diabetes

References:

The Medical Advisor - The complete guide to Alternative & Conventional Treatments

Himalaya Herbals Company



Products for normal blood sugar levels

Karela / Bitter Melon
Maintains normal blood sugar levels, Improves Metabolism

Neem
Maintains normal blood glucose levels, detoxifies

Gymnema
Neutralizes sugar cravings, improves sugar metabolism