Dietitian shares hacks to ‘lower blood sugar in 1 hour’; we verify

According to Dominguez, one can lower blood sugar spike within one hour by opting to

*Drink unsweetened green tea
*Walk 20-30 minutes
*Take stairs for 15-20 minutes
*Drink four glasses of water
*Drink ginger tea

Are these genuinely effective?

Extremely high levels of blood sugar can be life-threatening, said Dr Mule, who highlighted that there is an “immediate need to lower it to avoid potential complications”. “One can try various hacks or techniques to lower their blood sugar levels or maintain them in a healthy range. Make sure that you drink plenty of fluids, such as water. Staying hydrated can help your kidneys flush out excess sugar from the body. Light exercises like yoga or walking can lower your sugar levels as being physically active helps increase sensitivity towards insulin while promoting the uptake of glucose by the muscles,” said Dr Mule.

 

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A post shared by Charmaine Ha Dominguez, MPH, RDN | Reversing Diabetes (@reversingdiabetesrevolution)

Agreeing with him, Dr Manisha Arora, director, internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi said physical activities such as brisk walking, jogging, running, swimming, cycling, and yoga are especially effective, “each capable of lowering blood sugar by 15 to 20 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL)”.

Other effective methods to lower blood sugar include drinking plenty of water, cinnamon water, green tea, or a small amount (one teaspoon) of apple cider vinegar, noted Dr Arora. “Additionally, practicing breathing exercises — such as alternate nostril or diaphragmatic breathing — for 10 to 15 minutes can also support lower blood sugar levels,” said Dr Arora.

Here’s how physical activity helps (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Dr Arora mentioned that these techniques benefit anyone looking to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, especially those who are prediabetic or diabetic. “For people with type 2 diabetes, where insulin resistance is a key issue, these strategies can play an important role in reducing insulin resistance and helping to stabilise blood sugar,” said Dr Arora.

It is essential, however, for individuals with type 1 diabetes to consult their doctor before starting any exercise routine. “Exercise timing is critical for type 1 diabetics to avoid hypoglycemia, especially if insulin has been recently administered,” said Dr Arora. “Ensuring that exercise is performed at a safe time can prevent sudden drops in blood sugar. Similarly, individuals with type 2 diabetes should also consult their doctor before beginning new exercises, as personalized guidance helps ensure safety and effectiveness,” said Dr Arora.

What more to note?

If your blood sugar levels increase to concerning levels, consult your doctor immediately. “Your doctor may use sugar-fast-acting insulin to help quickly maintain your blood sugar levels. Avoiding or delaying the doctor visit can only worsen your condition while increasing the risk of various health complications,” cautioned Dr Mule.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.