I always struggled with keeping my blood glucose levels normal. Sometimes it was 300 mg/dl, and just half an hour later it would come down to 60 mg/dl.
I always felt tired and exhausted. I would take naps, but the tiredness would not go.
Like you, I also used to think this was normal, but it wasn’t. My doctor warned me if this keeps happening, it will damage your body.
It was ruining my physical and mental health. Keeping blood glucose levels in a normal range is very important if you want your internal organs to function properly.
In this post, I will share how I managed to decrease my fluctuations in blood glucose levels and regain my normal, healthy energy levels.
How much blood glucose is healthy in a Type-1 diabetic person?
The normal range of blood glucose is between 70 mg/dl and 140 mg/dl. However, a type-1 diabetic knows that their glucose levels will never stay in a normal range all the time.
A t1d person can still stay healthy and active like normal people by keeping their glucose levels under 200 mg/dl and above 70 mg/dl. This is a safe zone for people like us.
We have to keep ourselves in safe zones for longer periods, and our health will be fine. It is not rocket science to keep sugar levels in safe zones. I will share with you all the steps I have taken so far to keep myself in normal ranges.
Always check Glucose Levels before meals
I have a bad habit of following my gut feelings and assumptions about my glucose levels rather than actually measuring with my glucometer.
Develop the habit of checking your glucose at least 15 minutes before you eat food. This way you will know if it is high or low. Then you can simply take insulin if it is high and eat something if it is low.
This single habit can help you keep your glucose levels in safer zones and live a longer and healthier life. Personally, checking my blood sugar before meals helped me maintain healthy weight, avoid overeating, and manage my condition better.
Start Consuming Salads My Friend
I am not joking when I say adding salads to your diet will not only help your body recover from the damage it faces each day with T1D, but it will also enrich you with micro-nutrients that your body needs in order to function properly.
Benefits of eating salads I noticed
- Getting all the micro-nutrients
- Getting good amounts of fiber ( fibers are very important )
- Helps with regular bowel movements
- Improved my digestion-related issues
- Helps in maintaining healthy gut bacteria
People who regularly eat green leafy vegetables also benefit from many other benefits associated with salads. Of course I am one of them.
You can try different recipes of salads each week. There are hundreds of recipes and you don’t have to eat a monotonous, boring diet just to stay alive anymore.
Staying Hydrated
These days you will see lots of articles on why you must drink at least 4 liters of water every day. Well, this is true Staying hydrated is good not only for your skin, hair and eyes but also for all the cells in your body who are dehydrated because of lows and highs.
Type-1 diabetes drains you and it is true when blood sugar level rises; no matter how much you drink, the thirst never ends and mouth stays dry. That’s why you should never forget to carry a water bottle with you.
Drink at least 4 liters per day and never forget to drink in morning just after waking up; it helps to keep the gut clean.
Walking after Meals
Well this is something I do every day. I never go directly to a sofa or bed immediately after eating. Minimum 10 minutes of walking before I sit or lay down. This little ritual affects my blood sugar level in a very positive way.
It stops blood sugar levels from spike rapidly and causing harm, and in a few minutes, insulin gets time to convert the glucose into energy and keep the sugar levels in a safe zone (which is under 200 mg/dl).
Benefits of Walking for Type-1 Diabetics
Walking burns calories. Apart from walking after meals, also try walking in early mornings or whenever you feel energetic in a day. It helps maintain weight and healthy blood circulation.
Walking has also improved my mental health. There’s scientific research on how physical activities like walking, running, and cycling aid in improving and maintaining healthy mental health.
If you feel tired when walking, it may be because of highs and lows. Try walking for shorter distances or 5 minutes in beginning. Your stamina will develop and you will know how your body responds.
Conclusion
It is simple; I have tried all this, and it works really well. This is not a cure but it improves your quality of life and that is something we all need. Type-1 diabetes slowly invites more complications over time. That is why it is important we keep the glucose levels under safe zones.
- Check your glucose levels 15 minutes before meals
- Consume salads at least once a day ( the more colorful the better )
- Drink more water so body can excrete excessive glucose from bloodstream
- Start walking after meals
SendingThese healthy lifestyle changes help me stay healthy and postpone my visits to doctor. Well, nothing is written on stone; try and see what works for you. Thanks for reading. Sending you my best wishes.
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