Stabilize Blood Sugar

Blood sugar stabilization is the process of raising a blood sugar level that is too low and lowering a blood sugar level that is too high.

This happens normally for most people with a series of biochemical checks and balances that serve to keep the blood sugar levels in a relatively narrow range at all times. However, certain metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, cause the blood sugar level to stray from this healthy range without direct intervention.

Treat Low Blood Sugar

 * 1) Diagnose low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) by measuring the blood sugar level just before a meal when the blood sugar level is at its lowest. Hypoglycemia is generally defined as a blood sugar level that is less than 90 milligrams of sugar per deciliter of blood (mg/dL).
 * 2) Eat more often. This will allow the blood sugar less time to drop between meals. The sizes of the meals should be reduced accordingly so that the total caloric intake doesn’t change.
 * 3) Select meals that are high in carbohydrates (starches). Carbohydrates are complex sugars that increase the blood sugar level when they’re broken down. A regular intake of carbohydrates will help maintain the blood sugar level throughout the day.
 * 4) Consume some type of simple sugar. People with a tendency towards hypoglycemia frequently carry candy or fruit juice with them to raise their blood sugar level quickly.

Take Emergency Measures for Low Blood Sugar

 * 1) Inject glucagon. Healthcare professionals may inject this hormone directly into the bloodstream in an emergency to raise the blood sugar level quickly. Many diabetics can be trained to self-inject glucagon in an emergency.
 * 2) Administer dextrose intravenously. Healthcare professionals may need to raise the blood sugar immediately when a severely hypoglycemic patient is experiencing a seizure or is in a coma.

Stabilize High Blood Sugar

 * 1) Diagnose high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) by measuring the blood sugar level 2 hours after a meal when the blood sugar level is at its highest. Hyperglycemia is generally defined as a blood sugar level that is greater than 180 mg/dL.
 * 2) Eat more fiber. A diet with at least 50 grams of fiber can help lower blood sugar levels. Fruits and vegetables are high in dietary fiber.
 * 3) Cut down on your sugar intake. A reduction in dietary sugar has a direct effect on the blood sugar level. A physician may recommend that a severely hyperglycemic patient eliminate sugar from his or her diet.
 * 4) Reduce portion sizes, especially carbohydrates. Smaller meals can also help to keep the blood sugar in check.
 * 5) Exercise. Prolonged activities, such as biking or running, can effectively lower the blood sugar level as the sugar is consumed for fuel.

Lower High Blood Sugar in an Emergency

 * 1) Refrain from aerobic exercise if your blood sugar level is above 240 mg/dl and your urine also contains ketones. This combination of conditions can cause the ketone levels in the blood to rise to dangerous levels during exercise.
 * 2) Inject insulin. Diabetics with severe hyperglycemia may need an injection of insulin to quickly lower the blood sugar level in an emergency.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Improve Your Health as a Diabetic
 * How to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes
 * How to Tell if You Have Diabetes
 * How to Check Feet for Complications of Diabetes
 * How to Stop Sweet Cravings

Sources and Citations

 * http://health.med.umich.edu/healthcontent.cfm?xyzpdqabc=0&id=6&action=detail&AEProductID=HW_Knowledgebase&AEArticleID=hw226531
 * http://www.mckinley.illinois.edu/handouts/hyperglycemia.htm