Eight Ways To Help Keep Your Glucose Levels Stable

Glucose is a sugar that circulates in your bloodstream and provides your cells with energy. It powers what you do, from the pumping of your heart to the movement of your muscles when you go for a run.

The body produces glucose; most of it is made by the liver and some by the kidneys. It is also obtained when your body breaks down carbohydrates in your diet.

The speed at which this happens can vary depending on the type of carbohydrate that you eat or drink, with sugars like the sucrose in sweets or fizzy drinks rapidly converted to glucose, causing the amount in your blood to rise rapidly.

Meanwhile, complex carbohydrates found in foods like brown rice or lentils take longer to convert into glucose, resulting in a slower increase in the amount in your bloodstream.

1. LIMIT SUGARY FOODS - Sugary snacks and beverages can cause your glucose to spike, so are best eaten in moderation. 

2. 'DRESS UP' CARBS - Instead of eating 'naked' carbohydrates, pair them with protein and healthy fats like those found in avocados and olive oil. This will slow down the rate at which glucose is absorbed by your body. 

3. GET MOVING - Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day can help regulate your glucose levels over the long term. 

4. EAT PLENTY OF VEG - Leafy greens and non-starchy vegetables like kale, spinach, and broccoli contain fibre (a type of carbohydrate), which slows digestion and helps you feel fuller for longer. 

5. MANAGE STRESS - Increased stress can cause your glucose to spike, so managing it is key. 

6. DRINK LOTS OF WATER - Staying hydrated is crucial for overall well-being, including for metabolism and glucose control.

7. decrease YOUR ALCOHOL INTAKE - Beverages like beer are carb-heavy and can cause your glucose to spike, while alcohol before bed can interfere with your sleep. 

8. FOCUS ON SLEEP - When you don’t get enough quality shut eye, it can interrupt your body’s ability to regulate glucose and increase your chance of spikes and dips.Dailymail