It’s important to control your blood sugar, even if you aren’t diabetic. Balancing blood sugar and insulin levels lowers the risk of many serious health conditions, like heart disease and cancer.

Blood sugar is glucose that your body absorbs every time you eat. It’s essential to fuel your body and brain. The levels fluctuate all the time depending on how you eat, exercise, and manage stress. Your doctor can perform simple tests to help you track your blood sugar.

You can lose weight more easily, increase your energy levels, boost your mood, sleep better, strengthen your memory, and even see more clearly by keeping your blood sugar in balance.

Try these tips to keep your blood sugar at beneficial levels.

Diet Solutions for Managing Blood Sugar

1. Drink more water. Your body flushes out excess glucose through urination. By drinking more water, you make the whole process more efficient.
   
   
2. Pick the right carbohydrates. All foods stimulate your blood sugar, but simple carbohydrates like white bread or cookies cause the most extreme spikes. Opt for brown rice and vegetables instead.
   
3. Indulge in healthy fats. Getting about 30 percent of your daily calories from fat is a good rule of thumb. Choose olive oil, nuts, and fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
   
   
4. Use vinegar. Acidic substances help to stabilize your blood sugar. Dress your salads with vinegar. You can even use it as a dip with French fries. Citrus juices, like lemon and lime, have similar effects.
   
   

Exercise Solutions for Managing Blood Sugar

1. Aim for 30 minutes a day. A half-hour of exercise several days a week will help keep you in shape and lower your blood sugar. Try a full hour if you’re trying to lose weight.
   
   
2. Pick activities you enjoy. You’re more likely to stick to a routine if you can have fun doing it. Sign up for a dance class with a friend. Go biking with your children.
   
3. Diversify your workouts. Develop a variety of activities to choose from. Then you’ll have some type of exercise to do regardless of the weather. Alternating between tennis and basketball also challenges your body more by targeting different muscles.
   
   

Experts believe that more than 15 million Americans have high blood sugar. Get tested and follow your doctor’s recommendations to prevent diabetes, feel healthier, and live better.