Diabetes Problem-Solving

Despite your best efforts, sometimes the highs and lows of blood sugar are still difficult to manage.

A high-carb meal or snack, medications, illness, stress, lack of activity and even hormone fluctuations can cause your blood sugar to rise. On the other hand, too few carbs, medications, missing a meal, a cocktail or more activity than usual can cause your sugar levels to plummet.

Our bodies also change as we age. An estimated 11 million Americans between 45 and 64 have Type 2 diabetes. A variety of factors must be considered when managing your blood sugar levels. So, the next time your blood sugar spikes or drops, consider these steps as you get a handle on your situation.

Analyze the circumstances. What's different? Did you eat something new or eat at a different time of day? Are you stressed? Identifying what caused your blood sugar to get high or low will help you avoid the situation in the future.

Have an open, positive mindset. Sometimes you need to try a new solution. Approaching it with a positive attitude can help you make it through the change. Long-term, highly stressful lives can increase cortisol levels, spike cholesterol, raise triglycerides, up blood sugar and elevate blood pressure.

Lean on your care team. If a solution for your blood sugar problems no longer works, reach out to your primary care doctor, endocrinologist or diabetes educator. Always consult your doctor before making a change to your diabetes management plan. By working together, you can find the solution that's right for you.

Manage your schedule. Pick the ideal time for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and stick to it to help regulate your blood sugar levels. Set a reminder on your calendar if you tend to forget.

Meal prep. Take time to plan healthy meals throughout the week, then prep the ingredients on Saturday or Sunday. You'll be more likely to eat what you cooked versus hitting a drive-thru.

Take notes. Anytime you decide to try a change, record the symptoms, challenges and successes you experienced— including when and how it happened. Keeping a log of the details can help your doctor identify possible patterns.

Watch your portion sizes. A serving of meat should be the size of a stack of cards. The biggest portion should be vegetables, not carbohydrates. If you struggle with portion control, you can also purchase portion control plates with dividers for your carbs, meats or fruits/vegetables.

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