10 Unexpected Ways To Lower Blood Sugar

Surprising ways to bring blood glucose down. These things come from my personal diabetes experience and are inspired by a paper I recently studies: 42 factors that impact blood sugar.

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I regularly release videos covering diabetes topics. Let me know if you have any questions or topics you would like me to cover. I really appreciate your input!

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional and my videos are not medical advice. What works for me might not work for others. Please consult your medical professional regarding your diabetes treatment.

Disclosure: Links in the video description might include affiliate links (I will receive a small provision if you use these links for your purchase).

#typeonetalks

[TypeOneTalks]

This video was a bit different from what I usually do. I didn't only reflect on my personal experience but I also included points Adam shared in his paper. Please let me know if you liked this tweak to the video style!

[jayjaykay]

Also type 1 (LADA). I used to eat high healthy carbs and low fat, but my weight and insulin resistance increased steadily over the last 5 years since diagnosed. I have now completely changed my macros - still low fat, but also low carb and high plant-based protein. This is a game changer! I have lost 10 kg in 3 months, blood sugar is low and extremely stable, decreased insulin by 70%. I also go for a 15 minute walk after lunch, I no longer need insulin for lunch.

[BillB]

I am T2D using a CGM to help control my BG readings. A dinner of steak and some red wine results in lowering my BS immediately and continues with ow overnight readings. I usually do 20 minutes on my spin bike late in the evening which can lower BS from dinner and keep the overnight readings low as well. Using a CGM allows for documenting diatery input thus developing knowledge of foods that keep BS readings low over time. Good episode.

[stiksmommy]

I'm a non diabetic parent of a t1d, and that dose timing before meals really does seem to make a huge difference. If I can get a good idea of the carbs in the meal I'll have my kid dose a good 15-20 minutes prior to starting the meal. It also seems to make a difference in the food types as well, a meal with more fat or fiber content will change the blood sugar levels differently, and i sometimes will estimate slightly higher on the dose to accommodate those variances. Daily activity is very helpful in maintaining a more steady BG, and exercise has an impact even hours after the activity. I would absolutely agree with this list (except we don't know about the alcohol effect since our child is still a child). We are nearly a year into this and it seems like things are finally a little less daunting. Our t1d opted to do the omnipod and we are still waiting to jump back to the g7 now that it's compatible. We have found the pump to be more smooth in the ups and downs, and definitely spend more time "in range". One thing I will say is that the dietary recommendations for a pediatric t1d is really a good guideline for everyone. Nothing is off limits (in theory anyway), but it's more like being conscious of the balance between the food types and working any "treats" into life in a more healthful manner (instead of gorging on junk because it's a celebration). It's really a better approach to diet no matter who you are and sustainable because it's not super restrictive.

[Aniejayandmei]

If only it was “easy” to get more sleep. Such a struggle to get a full nights sleep!

[PhucDuc-]

Drinking green tea with a little cinnamon will help reduce blood sugar (I am applying this recipe).

[ron]

Very interesting and a great reminder of some of the points for keeping Glucose levels acceptable. I personally disagree with the Alcohol intake, but that's only because I have an extreme addiction to Alcohol which I developed from one of you favorite sayings, Don't be so hard on yourself. Just means I'm now 45 years Alcohol free and have not missed it at all.

[worthybookjourney]

More sleep sounds great. However, it is often interrupted by blood sugar problems. If less sleep causes blood sugar problems that is a hard one to fix.

[johnbassett]

Carbs don’t really work for some of T2 folks, even the “Good Carbs”. Ultra low carb works best if you have fallen off the cliff.

[l-bird]

I lived a lot of my life in Arizona, not there now. I remember that when it was hot outside, salads for dinner were very popular and more desired than heavier meals. Perhaps this accounts to lower blood sugar when it's hot out.

[ruthcormack]

Just a tip I discovered after watching your 'best bread' video: I noticed that many of the zero gluten breads ('free from') have great carbs to fibre ratios, 3 or less. And compared to normal white bread where I just have sandwiches for a meal, using these prevents next day numbness/tingling in my feet.
Anyway thanks Tom for being a diabetic trailblazer!

[blue_jm]

Yes, eating late is one of my biggest problems. I am on (T2D) Ozempic so I often I just don't get the hunger prompt until very late in the night like 9-10 pm. It's definitely problematic for the night values.

[teresabagley]

I have been following you for a long, long time. I absolutely love your advice. I am also a type 1.

[shelleyhodgkinson]

Always interesting and i agreed with everything you said. The weather is a big one for me. And meal timing

[hannanorton]

Adam Brown wrote a book “Bright Spots and Landmines…” that I read when newly diagnosed. It helped start a healthy relationship with my T1D. I highly recommend the book.

[samibouhadida]

Honestly, my expectation was to find taking vinegar before the meal in the list. Thank you for debunking this myth 😊.

[theresamelvin]

Great video and advice I agree with the weather as I found out the other week being so hot my sugar levels had plummeted

[mad]

Note: alcohol consumed while taking metformin can contribute to a buildup of lactic acid, potentially leading to lactic acidosis. For that reason, the medicine label should have a warning to limit alcohol use to no more than 2 units per day. I've personally found that taking l-carnosine can help offset this to an extent. Regardless, suffice it to say that caution is advised.

[ywbryqb]

Thank you 🙏Tom! You are also so funny when you said - when I was going and stupid ! 😂

[fozana]

2.time of day. I think this one depends on what time you take your long acting insulin as I used to take it at night and I would often have hypo in the middle of the night but now that I take it in the morning it helped stabilize my sugars more during the day.