For non-diabetics, the body does a remarkable job of regulating blood sugar levels to prevent them from dropping too low. This process involves a delicate balance between hormones, food intake, and physical activity.
This effect is seen in both children and adults with hypothyroidism and should be monitored as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Having a drink with a meal rather than on an empty stomach can help buffer some of alcohol’s effects on blood sugar. Choosing foods with fiber, protein, and healthy fats can help maintain stable blood sugar levels. If you continue to have low blood sugar episodes, share your blood sugar, insulin, physical activity, and food logs with your doctor. They may be able to identify patterns and help prevent lows by adjusting the timing and amount of your insulin, physical activity, and meals. If you used glucagon because of a severe low (54 mg/dL or below), immediately call your doctor for emergency medical treatment.
If you must be hospitalized due to dangerous blood sugar levels, a clinician with expertise in diabetes management should be part of your treatment team. Depending on the reason for hospitalization, correction of high blood sugar, as in DKA, will include hydration, insulin, and electrolyte replacement. High blood sugar is considered dangerous when it presents with ketones, which is more common in type 1 diabetes. High blood sugar with ketones can also occur in people with type 2 diabetes treated with insulin or an oral class of medications called sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors. Check your blood glucose level before, during, and right after physical activity.
There’s a lack of rigorous research on how CBD may affect type 2 diabetes, but early studies and anecdotal reports suggest it may help manage stress, … Check out this Diabetes Daily story to read about one woman’s experience managing diabetes. You can also take three to four glucose tablets or a tube of glucose gel, Dr. Galindo says. By Anastasia Climan, RDN, CD-NCliman is a registered dietitian nutritionist with certifications in adult, adolescent, and child weight management. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Wearing a medical ID bracelet with basic information about your medical history can also be beneficial in case of an emergency.
What are some ways non-diabetics naturally maintain stable blood sugar levels?
You can help manage your blood sugar levels with dietary changes, regular physical activity, and medication if needed. Glucagon is a hormone produced in the pancreas that stimulates your liver to release stored glucose into your bloodstream when your blood glucose levels are too low. Glucagon is used to treat someone with diabetes when their blood glucose is too low to treat using the rule. Throughout the day, depending on multiple factors, blood glucose (also called blood sugar) levels will vary—up or down. If it varies within a certain range, you probably won’t be able to tell. But if it goes below the healthy range and is not treated, it can get dangerous.
If you think you have hypoglycemia unawareness, speak with your health care provider. Your health care provider may adjust/raise your blood glucose targets to avoid further hypoglycemia and risk of future episodes. CGM involves wearing a device that measures your glucose levels 24 hours a day. The device uses this data to form a graph that shows a more complete picture of how your blood sugar levels change over time. Due to all of these varying factors, it’s essential to monitor your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
In general, symptoms often begin for people with diabetes when their blood glucose is around 70 mg/dL or lower. If your blood sugar is falling rapidly, you may experience symptoms before this point. If your blood sugar drops below the healthy range, it causes certain symptoms like shakiness and a faster heartbeat and can be life-threatening if it goes too low. This is because your brain needs a continuous supply of glucose to function properly. Extremely low and high blood sugars can become immediate dangers, and prompt action must be taken. All people who use a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) should also have a blood glucose monitor to confirm high and low blood sugars.
- Eating balanced meals: Non-diabetics typically eat a variety of foods that provide a steady release of glucose into the bloodstream. This includes complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.
- Regular exercise: Physical activity helps the body use up glucose for energy, preventing blood sugar levels from dropping too low.
- Listening to hunger cues: Non-diabetics often eat when they are hungry and stop when they are full, maintaining a consistent supply of glucose for the body.
Are there any other factors that play a role in regulating blood sugar levels in non-diabetics?
- Sleep: Getting enough rest is important for overall health and can impact blood sugar regulation in non-diabetics.
- Stress management: High stress levels can affect hormone levels and lead to fluctuations in blood sugar, so non-diabetics may practice techniques to manage stress.
In conclusion, non-diabetics rely on a combination of healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and lifestyle factors to keep their blood sugar levels stable. By maintaining this balance, they can prevent hypoglycemia and support overall well-being.
