If you've been diagnosed as having prediabetes, there is a very high risk that you will develop diabetes at some point, unless you get those blood sugar levels under control. As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Here are 6 natural remedies to help lower your blood sugar levels and reverse prediabetes, decreasing your chance of getting diabetes later on in life.
1. High Fibre Foods
Eating foods rich in fibre helps keep your sugar levels stable and can prevent spikes or drops. Dietary fibre likewise helps decrease insulin resistance to significantly lower your chance of getting diabetes. Try to eat about 35 grams of fibre each day from a variety of fibre-rich sources, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and lentils.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar consumed throughout the day lowers fasting and after-eating blood sugar. It may be a bit too bitter to handle undiluted. However, the taste is not even noticeable when mixed into your favourite fruit or vegetable juice. Another easy way to add apple cider vinegar to your diet is to use it in place of salad dressings. A dose of 2 tablespoons per day should be sufficient.
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3. Cinnamon
Cinnamon has been proven to reduce fasting sugar levels in individuals with both prediabetes, as well as diabetes. A word of caution though - sugar filled cinnamon cupcakes, donuts, or rolls won't do anything to help your blood sugar. Instead, try adding a little cinnamon powder to your tea, coffee, or oatmeal.
4. Chromium
The precise mechanism still isn't completely understood, but an insufficient amount of chromium has been proven to hinder healthy sugar metabolism, leading to higher blood sugar levels. Chromium is important for normal blood sugar regulation, helping insulin work as it ought to. You can find chromium in foods like potatoes, broccoli, oranges, grapes, beef, turkey, and eggs. It's also available as an inexpensive supplement.
5. Extra Sleep
Everyone's body functions so much more efficiently with the right amount of regenerative sleep. Sleep is vital if you're prediabetic, as insufficient or poor sleep can cause your body to be less efficient at utilising insulin. If at all possible, make time for 8 or 9 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night. If getting a good night's sleep isn't always feasible during your work week, make certain you're making up for lost sleep on your days off.
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6. Exercise
Exercise is one of the most important things you can do to naturally lower your blood sugar. So, get moving! Do something you enjoy like walking, hiking, swimming, or dancing, to keep you motivated. Set a goal of fitting at least 30 minutes of exercise into your daily routine.
While receiving a diagnosis of prediabetes from your doctor can be very scary, these simple remedies will help you to get your blood sugar under control, and stop it before it becomes a more serious health problem. Take control of your health, eat smart, keep active and you can significantly reduce your risk of developing diabetes.