If you are a diabetic, or your body struggles with maintaining your blood sugar, chances are, you may need to maintain your blood sugar from the minute you wake up.
Generally speaking, blood sugar levels are often at their highest in the morning. So, the moment you wake up, you should be looking at ways as to how to lower morning blood sugar naturally.
Let us guide you through how to reduce your morning blood sugar in a safe and natural way, to ensure your day gets off to a good start.
Why Is my Blood Sugar Level so High In The Morning?
Have you ever wondered why your blood sugar level is so high in the morning? Well, there are a number of different reasons as to why this might be. However, the main reason, particularly for those of you that are diabetic, should know that your glucose levels rise whilst you are asleep. There is nothing you can do to stop this, it is something that has to happen.
Normally, the process of glucose rising during sleep (also known as gluconeogenesis) does not affect people with normal sugar levels. The same process still applies, but a person who does not suffer from diabetes is able to control this.
How to Lower Morning Blood Sugar Naturally?
If you are diabetic, there is probably medication that you are taking to reduce your blood sugar levels.
However, there are things you can be doing yourself in order to lower and maintain your blood sugar. We all know that natural means best, which is why we have outlined a few key ways to lower your blood sugar levels in a natural way.
Below we have outlined 8 different, yet highly effective, ways in which you can help to reduce your blood sugar levels in the morning.
Bear in mind that everyone is different, and the below methods may or may not work for you. It is all about experimenting with the below suggestions to find one that works well for you!
1. Walking
One of the easiest and cost-effective ways in which you can reduce your sugar levels naturally is via walking. Exercising allows for your blood sugar levels to find the right balance, and ensure that they are not too high.
Even the gentlest of exercises such as walking can help to increase your insulin’s sensitivity, which in essence means that your body is able to use the sugar levels running through your bloodstream.
2. Protein and/or Fat Snacks
You can try this method either the night before or first thing in the morning. Eating a protein or fat snack prior to breakfast helps balance out your hormone levels and allows for your digestive system to work quicker.
Types of snacks that are said to work well in relation to reducing sugar levels include:
- Cheese
- Tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- A handful of nuts
Of course, the above list is not extensive, but it does give you some idea of what we are on about!
3. Eating a High Protein Breakfast
Similar to the above suggestion, easting a high protein breakfast is vital if you suffer from diabetes. By choosing to eat a breakfast full of protein helps to lower the amount of sugar entering your body.
We recommend steering clear from breakfasts containing carbs. Although eating a slice of toast is fine, carbohydrates tend to have some sugar in them, so just be aware when monitoring your morning diet.
Morning foods that we suggest include:
- Peanut butter
- Vegetable omelets
- Protein smoothies
- Fruit smoothies
4. Drinking Lots of Water
Everyone should be doing this already, and we cannot stress enough just how important it is to stay hydrated. Making sure that you are drinking plenty of water will ensure that your sugar levels stay within healthy limits.
The benefit of drinking water is that it allows your blood to be constantly rehydrated with reduces your blood sugar levels.
Remember that drinks such as coffee, tea, energy and fizzy drinks, should all be avoided if you wish to control your sugar levels.
5. Controlling How Much You Eat
It is not just about what you eat, but how much you eat. Controlling your portion sizes is another simple way of reducing your calorie intake and ensuring that your blood sugar levels do not spike at any point during the day.
The best ways to control how you eat include:
- Using smaller plates
- Avoiding restaurants where you can eat as much as you want
- Keeping a food journal
- Measuring portions before cooking
6. Controlling Stress and Anxiety
One of the biggest things that can increase your sugar levels is stress, anxiety, and depression. Maintaining your stress levels is vital if you wish to maintain your blood sugar levels.
Relaxation techniques such as yoga or Pilates is a great way to get rid of any unwanted stress or anxiety. This is a perfect way to start the day – not only will it make you feel less stressed, but you get the added benefit of exercising, too!
7. Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough sleep is vital for anyone who wants to live a healthy life. Without enough sleep, growth in hormones and increases in cortisol levels will affect your sugar levels.
In order to wake up with lower blood sugar levels, make sure that you focus on getting enough sleep the night before.
8. Speak With A Doctor
If you have any concerns about your blood sugar level, realize that none of the above methods are working for you, speaking to a professional could help.
Even if you are not yet experiencing high blood sugar levels, chances are, you are probably doing things in your life that puts you at risk later in the future.
Getting some advice about blood sugar levels, and how to keep them controlled will help you to live a better, happier, and healthier lifestyle.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the signs to look out for with regards to sugar levels is imperative. Ensuring that your lifestyle is as healthy as possible will go along way in controlling your sugar levels. Knowing how to lower morning blood sugar levels is a great way to kickstart everyday in a positive, healthy, and active way.
