How to Lower Your Blood Sugar Fast
86Water and exercise can bring down high blood sugar levels fast.
Quick and natural ways to reduce high glucose levels
Dangerously high blood glucose levels (300+) require emergency medical treatment. However, if you find yourself in a situation where you can't get to a doctor or administer your insulin, here are two ways to lower your blood sugar quickly and naturally.
Burn off the Sugar
Use up the glucose in your bloodstream with physical movement. Jog, if you can. Ride on a stationary bicycle or do some calisthenics like jumping jacks. If you are confined to a wheelchair, swing your arms in circular movements. Keep up the activity for at least 10 minutes or more.
Flush out the Sugar
Drink two glasses (8 oz.) of water quickly. Wait for five minutes and drink a third glass. Urinate as soon as possible. Water dilutes the blood and flushes out the sugar from your bloodstream.
Symptoms that Require Emergency Treatment
If your high blood sugar level does not come down within a few hours of the above temporary measures and is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, seek emergency room treatment immediately:
- vomiting
- nausea
- severe diarrhea
- fevervisual problems
- excessive sleepiness
- foggy or impaired thinking
If left untreated, high glucose levels or hyperglycemia could cause life-threatening dehydration and loss of consciousness (diabetic coma.)
Not a Replacement for Doctor-prescribed Care
These are temporary measures for lowering your glucose level and should not be used as a replacement for doctor-prescribed treatment. Keep your blood sugar levels within acceptable levels by taking appropriate medication, regular exercise, plenty of water and a healthy diet monitored by your diabetic counselor.
Why Blood Sugar Spikes
Common reasons for skyrocketing glucose levels include the following:
- not taking insulin or diabetic medication properly
- not getting enough exercise
- not following dietary guidelines for diabetics (eating starches and sugars)
- malfunction of diabetic pumps
- change in medications
- illness or infection
- surgery
- stress or trauma
- pregnancy
How to Recognize High Blood Sugar Level without Testing
Sometimes, there is no way to test your blood sugar (running out of testing supplies or leaving them at home when you're out) but there are symptoms to watch for that appear before you reach the critical stages that require emergency room treatment:
- dry mouth
- increased thirst
- increased urination
- increased hunger
- blurred vision
- sweating
- drowsiness
- fatigue
Any of the above symptoms are signs of high blood sugar. Be sure to follow the two emergency, temporary blood glucose lowering methods (engage in physical exercise and drink water) and test your blood as soon as possible. Your medication dosage may need to be adjusted and your doctor may have further guidelines for you to follow.
Other natural methods for lowering blood sugar
There are other natural, clinically proven ways to lower high blood glucose-although they are NOT fast-acting-that include consuming green and black tea, cinnamon and cactus petal juice (opuntia.) Please read “How to Lower Blood Sugar with Cactus” on Hubpages.com.
The Insulin Resistance Diet Book
 | Conquer insulin resistance. Reduce cravings. Eat your favorite foods. And lose weight! Amazon Price: $8.82 List Price: $16.95 |
 | Celebrity-studded cast and everyday people both find throw themselves into a 30-day diet with amazing results. Reality media at its best. Featured at the Independent Film Festival. Amazon Price: $14.47 List Price: $29.95 |
vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (50)
- Funny (2)
- Awesome (9)
- Beautiful (7)
- Interesting (4)
CommentsLoading...
GREAT LOTS OF TIPS 99
Your Hub cleared up some questions I was having,Thanks
Great hub. Great explanation for urgent care. Clearly listed info.
Good advice,, every morning,my sugar is always high. 11.5/14.0 high. couldn't lowered it to where l needed to be. it's since trying 3 glass of 8oz water and doing the treademill(10min).before going to bed. My glocuseis between 6&7 in the morning. Thanks again
Gr8 article! thanks for trying!
thank you for the tip i am going to try them
Thank you for interesting Dia-info!:-)Ingar
i really need to know what to eat on a daily basis please help
i want to thank you so much....
THANKS SO MUCH FOR THE WATER TIP......IM AT 512 RIGHT NOW, AND CANT GO TO THE HOSPITAL DUE TO NO INSURANCE, GONNA TRY THAT ALONG WITH MY INSULIN.....
lifting weights is best way to keep your sugar in control
for type 2 diabetes
Thank you soooo much for the info. I am trying the water tip now.
I eat a lot of ice each day and drink lots of water. I have also found that I can bring my sugar down by eating a spoon full of peanut butter.
Thanks for the info...I've slacked off going to the gym and because of it, my blood sugar spiked (322 at its worst). I was recently taken off one medication for type 2 because the exercise was helping regulate it naturally, (along with healthier food options too). Please take my advise and get exercise in...it really does help, (when I exercise regualrly I am at 99 to 120 before meals and 160 to 190 after). Thanks again for the tips. It's a terrible feeling when your sugar is too high.
I apreciate the article and the tips and also the comments.
I wonder why this isn't common knowledge?
my dads blood suger is 549 and he pies anddrinks alot, hs beeen doing that for about 3 months now... he seems fine! and he wont take his meds, is not on incilin!!! what should i do???
You just remind me, I need to flex my legs. Been up longer than usual online. Your sugar-lowering handy tips are fine. Keep posting dia-tips.
I have heard that Dill Pickle Juice will help also. My Mom is trying it now. Hers is 323 was over 400 20 min.s ago. Prayers welcomed
Great info Lori. I am fortunate enough to be able to control my diabetes without medication and am constantly researching and writing blogs on diabetes myself.
You have provided great information in a very concise manner that many people can benefit from as you can see from the comments. Keep up the good work. Are you also a diabetic?
Cinnamon used in a 1/2 teaspoon before meals. And at bedtime..really help so much. I cant advises everyone enough to read up on the benefits of useing cinnamon its awesome. I just mix it in a small amount of water with a sweetener. Or you can use it in your foods as well. They have cinnamon pills you can buy. Youtube has wonderful videos to help teach us thing we all need to learn.
If you drink warm to hot water I find its better than cold water for lowering blood sugar,also small amount of salt on meals makes a difference not to much though.someone suggested peanut butter thats probably because of the salt content.stay away from sugar drinks and beers spirits wines to much of them push the sugar up
the tips are great. My blood sugar is at 225 now. I will try the water tip as well as apple cider vinegar. Thanks......
My blood sugar was 280 after I ate 4 hours ago. My wife tried to get it to come down. I wasn't thinking and ate a cookie and it is now 597 what do I do. Trying to exercise and water now!!!!
Thanks:)
I was 575 about three months ago. If you panic your blood sugar will go up not down. Drink as much water as you can. If you have the pump could have pulled out. Or if you are on shots your insulin might not have got through. If you are not on insulin then you ate to much sugar. Try going on a low carb diet you can loose alot of wieght too.
Thank you so much for the information, ,I am in need of help at the moment and this has helped me gain insight!
This helped so much my blood sugar was 125 and I excercised for 50 min drank the water in instantly fell to 90 after three or four hours and I had an ounce of spaghetti for dinner thanks !
I was just diagnosed with diabetes. I's a frightening thing. Thanks so much for the tips. My sugar is running high in the morning, but comes down during the day.
I am currently obese, I weigh 240 and I'm a female. Has anyone got their diabetes cured from losing a lot of weight?
Thanks
omg, thanks for the water tip.i was having constant headache and decided to check my blood glucose. it was 140 and i was frightened. then i started researching and stumbled on this page. i tried the dancing game on my wii for about 10mins, drank half the bottle of water, did the same 3times and went to pee.checking my glucose 30mins later, it came down to 84.i am so happy. i guess i will do this every night
hello great tips and um they really worked good for my grampa thanks
I care for my grandmother who is a diabetic. I have no problem getting sugar in her but when her sugar level goes up shes a bear-cat, it was a nice tip to drink water. I have administerd the magical h2o and i will check her again... thankyou
Thank you so much.
HI EVERYBODY,NICE BLOG.I AM SWISS NATIONAL& JUST GETTING MARRIED.MY BLOOD SUGAR WAS CONTROLLED BY SB FROM INDIA BY COMMON TREE LEAVES.NOW MY SUGAR IS UNDER CONTROL.NO TABLETS SINCE I AM TAKING SB HERBAL MEDICINE. CONSULT SB IF ITS DIFFICULT 4 YOU 2 CONTROL SUGAR LEVEL.
HIS MAILING ADDRESS ( sbsidh317@gmail.com ))that's what i have with me.not sure if SB has changed the mailing address.
sb is very kind person.for sure he will help you out.
HI ,I AM FROM AUSTRALIA.
EVEN SB HAS HELPED ME IN REDUCING SUGAR.MY INSULIN HAS STOPPED BCOS OF SB.EVEN I AM ON HERBAL MEDICINE.
( sbsidh317@gmail.com ) its same mailing address of SB.
THANKX
CAROL
I have had a 'diabetic scare' in past few days: sugar level of 11.1, then 6.2 before food & 6.0 after eating rye bread with cucumber & cheese + 1 cup of coffee with 3 sweetners. according to my GP I should adjust my diet, which I've done(yesterday),so I'm not diagnosed with diabetes. My GP did a urine & finger prick test.I woke this morning feeling awful, but unsure whether I'm Hyper- or Hypoglycemic, since I used to have a problem with the latter. After Googling diabetes, I realise that the condition entails dealing with both ends of spectrum & I'm just wondering how to tell whether it's high or low, since I already mistook hyper for hypo? I'm feeling quite desperate, since I work in a busy bar and can't afford to mistake one for the other(as I have already done-I would eat sweets when I began to feel bad, thinking that I was hypoglycemic and couldn't understand why I wasn't getting results), in case I pass out at work...I do not have any way of testing my blood glucose level.Please help!
hello cosult sb, he will guide you.i have been reading lot of people comment ,they sb name.personally i dont know him.but my friend had mailed him.he got good respose.i hope he helps you out.
smiley even my mom got diabetes,very soon e going to consult sb .tablets dont work on her.better go for herbal.sb gives herbal medicine.
My blood sugar is awesome I am usaully between 80-150 because of all the tips! Thanks! :)
For any diabetics out there, this might help as well:
http://www.rawfor30days.com/themovie.html
“Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days is an independent documentary film that chronicles six Americans with diabetes who switch to a diet consisting entirely of vegan, organic, uncooked food in order to reverse disease without pharmaceutical medication. The six are challenged to give up meat, dairy, sugar, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, soda, junk food, fast food, processed food, packaged food, and even cooked food for 30 days. The film follows each participant’s remarkable journey and captures the medical, physical, and emotional transformations brought on by this radical diet and lifestyle change. We witness moments of struggle, support, and hope as what is revealed, with startling clarity, is that diet can reverse disease and change lives.
The film highlights each of the six before they begin the program and we first meet them in their home environment with their families. Each participant speaks candidly about their struggle to manage their diabetes and how it has affected every aspect of their life, from work to home to their relationships.”
Thank u this helped me out
I am wrestling with shingles and I had an epidural yesterday. My blood sugar shot up to 417 last night. I followed your advice, drank the 24oz water, did the treadmill for 20 min, lowered my blood sugar to 343. When I awoke this morning my fasting blood sugar was 242. Much better, thanks!! BTW - normally I am around 140 in the mornings.
Smiley I have had the same issues, if I get low which for me is 85, I start to feel bad, but above 120 makes I start to feel bad
My blood was 30 just a second ago so I've tried injecting about 10 units across multiple sites (arm and stomach). I'm now lifting a few weights and doing sit-ups along with drinking loads of water.
It's coming down fast now, no need to panic. :)
Thank You!
Thanks for the information. My blood sugar is 376 and didn't know what to do to lower it quickly.
to check if your level is low put your hand out not flat ways and if it is shakeing that means it is low and to decrese it from going high have a bath with cold water not hot not freezing too jus enif where you can have a bath and at eating times when chewing food chew it 32 times before you take it in and no fast food or bad food and no swee drinks also drink water 8 glasses a day you will notice the difference no harm in trying and try exerese as much as often
I just tried the water drinking thing. After supper my sugar was still 248 after about an hour. I drank the 3 glasses of water and jogged (about 10 mins)in place and 45 minutes later my sugar count was down to 164! Thanks for the tip!
I've been a diabetic for 29 years. I know that excercising while ur blood sugar is above 200 is extremely dangerous. It can raise it higher. Reason is-the adreneline. It raises ur heart rate therefore it will raise the blood sugar. Any dr.'ll tell u 2 not do anything physical while blood sugar levels r nt good
When my blood sugar spikes I take a 20oz cup of water and a cinnamon stick that I break into pieses and put in water and micro wave for 4 min,let cool and drink.Works every time,and quick.
I NEED HELP I BLOOD SUGAR IN THE MORNING IS HIGH, NO MORE THAN 225mg/dl. and during the day its in the 300. I've been under a lot of stress lately. i don't know if that has anything to do with it. If anyone knows of a natutral way to lower blood sugar pls post.
Hi Martha,
Please read my article on How to Lower Your Blood Sugar with Cactus and How to Lower Your Blood Sugar with Bitter Melon. Both cactus (nopales) and bitter melon are highly effective in lowering your glucose levels. Eat less carbohydrates. In fact, your carb calories should come from vegetables and NOT fruit or anything processed or starchy. Exercise and drink lots of water!
i have recently been diagnosed and im seventeen this i will have to try cause im type one.
hello ,i started with bitter powder of SB group. my sugar level reduced 140 points. it works. i'm happy.
Thanks to this site for giving sb information.
also relax,if you freak you it might go even higher...
I had an emergency at work when my glucose hit 285. I found this article and tried it. Lowered my glucose almost imediately. THANKS
Don't exercise with high blood sugar levels unless you consult your MD (I'm sure he will tell you not to. Every other comment on here seems to be on target but exercising is going to strain your heart which is already ultra stressed because of high glucose levels.
If you exercise without sufficient insulin in your body it makes your blood sugars higher..... the advice to exercise when you have a very high blood sugar is crazy!!!! Anything over 14mmol/l means no exercise until it comes down.
My sugar was 216 this morning. A brisk walk for 10mins plus the three glasses of water brought it down to 136. I'm a believer now. Thank you.
My mom just had a change in medication for her diabetes and just moments ago she checked her sugar level and it spiked to 217 when she is supposed to be under 140. I told her to try the water but I wonder if it is safe or not for her to exercise due to the many debates here saying exercising could make high blood sugar even higher. If that bit could be made just a bit clearer for us all, i would be grateful.
yup, SB medicines has also reduced my sugar level, my novo insulin unit has been reduced.good job.
Exercise can be dangerous for anyone, depending upon one's current health condition. Too much, vigorous exercise when you're not used to such activity is dangerous whether or not your blood sugar is high. Drinking too much water (gallons) all at once can be dangerous, too. But unless you have pre-existing health problems (heart condition, etc.) it is SAFE to do some walking for TEN minutes and/or drink several glasses of water to help lower your glucose levels when you do not have any insulin in an emergency situation. This article was meant for those types of emergencies when going to the ER or administering insulin is not possible. If your blood sugar is super elevated (over 400) you need to see an ER doctor. But one of my friends' glucose level was 500 and she got on a stationary bike and lowered her b/s that way. Did she take a risk? Yes, but she had no other choice. Be wise when dealing with your diabetes. Seek medical treatment. But for some, it's just not possible.
If you have Type I diabetes, you should NOT exercise heavily without constantly monitoring your blood sugar level. Type I diabetics are insulin dependent. This advice in this article is NOT meant to replace insulin treatment.
The last time I took Diabetes medications was in 2004. I was on 11 medications plus Insulin. My blood sugar does not ever come down...It is now 423. Day and night it is very high. Dr wants me to go on Glucophage and Byetta. I walk and drink water all day. It still doesn't come down any..Usually stays at 300 or above.
very very cold water works well I was 240 and in 30 mins I was 180.
Jeanne, you really must seek medical attention and follow your doctor's advice. These types of self-help articles are in no way substitutions for personal medical care. Also, if your diet is high is glucose-raising foods, drinking water and walking will not offset the blood sugar spikes. Also, this article recommends water and slight exercise in temporary and emergency cases when you cannot get medical care. It does not recommend heavy exercise. HEAVY exercise, indeed, prompts your body to pump glucose into your bloodstream. Please use your common sense and seek regular medical attention to monitor your diabetes.
Diet and exercise are by far the most effective ways to control your diabetes. I have found that cinnamon and peanut butter are not only great as a snack but help in lowering my blood sugar quickly.
I just found out I have Diabetes day before yesterday and have no idea what I'm doing. My blood sugar is at 423 and I've just drank four big glasses of water and ate a spoon full of peanut butter with cinnamon sprinkled. I'm crossing my fingers, thanks for the tips!
Just to let you know, peanut butter is high in sugar which will counter any glucose-lowering benefits of cinnamon. Watch how much you're eating! Most foods will raise your blood sugar so eat to nourish your body, not to lower your blood sugar.
Thanks for your tips. It really worked fast for me. My postprandial BS dropped to 98m/dl when before I was having 180mg/dl. Thank you so much!!!!
I was feeling really crappy the other day and someone suggested I check my BS... wish I hadn't, it was 518! I went to the doctor the next day, he added a medication. All weekend it was well over 300, and at times again above 500. I have no idea why my sugar has all of a sudden spiked like this. In October my A1C was 6.1. What the heck happened to me??? Can someone help?
Actually, it is a GREAT thing that you checked your BS. 518 is seriously high. Start keeping a food diary. What did your doctor say about the spike? There could be medical conditions behind this (other than diabetes).
I have been a diabetic for many years and recently about 4 days ago I got a head cold and its been really bad.I have not had a cold in years ...well my blood sugars have been very high sometimes over 400+ I been very tired and even talking to myself in sleep.My question was 'Does the common cold cause blood sugars to rise?
I am not a doctor, but it is has been reported that blood sugar levels will rise during an illness. Are you on insulin or medication? You might want to call your physician to see if he will make temporary adjustments to your medication dosage. Hope you feel better soon.
Hi my wife is type 1 diabetes and she has been 60%reversed her diabetes with herbal medicine from India. she has been taking advice from SB GROUP and been making her own medication. MR SB SIDH is the person from SB GROUP who has been helping us.MY wife has been taking mustard seed powder, azadirachta indica leaf powder,cashew nut powder,curry leaf powder and saffron water. Same herbal formula didn't work for my friend. this surprised me. this formula was only for my wife according to her body immune system needs. But today she is doing good.MR SB SIDH mailing address (sbsidh317@gmail.com)
i WAS HAVING A CONSTANT HEADACHE FOR NEARLY TWO YEARS, FINALY A PAIN MANAGEMENT DOCTOR XRAYED MY NECK AND DISCOVERED BONE SPURS AND NERVES BEING PRESSED, HE HAD GAVE ME INJECTIONS OF CORTISONE IN THE NECK, IT WORKED, BUT SINCE I'M DIABETIC THEY NEGLECTED TO CAUTION ME ABOUT BLOOD SUGSR SWINGS. MY NORMAL WELL CONTROLLLED BLOOD SUGAR BEGAN TO SPIKE 260 - 290, BUT WOULD EVENTUALLY COME DOWN. I FOUND THE RECOMMENDATIONS USEFUL TO HELP ME BRING THE LEVEL DOW QUICKER, BEFORE I WOULD JUST LAY DOWN SWEAT, STOMACHACHE DRY MOUTH AND HEADACHE. THANKS A LOT.
I'm so glad they helped, Bob! :) And I hope you're doing better. James, there are a lot of blood sugar-lowering remedies that are natural. Bitter melon, cinnamon, nopales/cactus, tumeric. As diabetes research continues, we'll discover more. :)
Has anyone tried applecider vinegar?
I've heard that apple cider vinegar has medicinal benefits but be careful how you take it as it is highly acid. Instead of drinking it straight, try to add it to foods or dilute in liquids. But apple cider vinegar, according to the American Diabetes Association, contains acetic acid which lowers blood glucose by slowing down starch digestion. Thank you, Bob, because I hadn't heard this until you posted and I looked up the info. It will be easy for me to make a nice marinated cucumber salad or salad dressing with apple cider vinegar to eat with meals.
Thank you soooo much for the tip.. didnt know about this at all.
Its such a convenient way.. at times when insulin isnt available drinking water can be a quick and easy way out..
thanks a lot now i able to give this knowledge to more people bcoz it really works
SB is fraud. Don't believe him.
oh la la la too many cucoos here agains SB. At present I'm in GOA and I don't think so, SB is fraud. I have personally met SB and seen his medicine. Yes people working with him are very helpful people and I have seen SB working 12 to 14 hrs and helping each and every person who takes his medicine.
I myself have taken 2mth medicine from SB sidh and I have not payed him. I think its we people who should be called fraud for not paying consulting fees and for not paying for medicine.My girl friend is very upset bcos SB sidh has helped me to reduce sugar level but I couldn't pay him even after my girl friend gave money to me to give it to MR SB. But I can't help it, I spend all money in pub or playing poker. I feel guilty.
My fasting sugar used to be 250 in the morning and pp was 270 but by doing exercise and diet changes has come down to about 200 . the pp level is now 220. Now inspite of maintaining the same regieme of exercise and diet the levels are not coming down further. please advice.
Thank you for posting, pk. I want to emphasize that I am *not* a physician and it is dangerous for me to give medical advice. I can only tell you what works for me. However, in your case, you should consider that since your b/s levels have plateaued at that number, you need to tweak your exercise and diet regimen. "If you keep doing what you're doing, you'll keep getting what you're getting." Keep a food journal. Back off the evening meal carbs (unless you exercise after dinner). My body manufactures glucose in the middle of the night and that causes a spike. This is when I could use a long-acting insulin but I can't for financial reasons. So I get better morning results if I skip the evening meal carb and do not eat after dinner. But I want to stress that every body is different and you will be safer if you consult your doctor. This article was meant for temporary, emergency measures when there is no medical help available. Meanwhile, congratulations for your success in lowering your numbers!
I WAS NOT FEEELING GOOD AND CHECKED MY BS. IT WAS 165 AND I CAN NOT SEEM TO GET IT BELOW 130. WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
Hi Beverly. I'm sorry but I can't give you medical advice. And there are too many unknowns for me to help you even by offering friendly, non-medical advice! When you say you can't seem to get it below 130, do you mean on a regular basis or only at this particular time? My own B/S levels are a lot higher on a consistent basis, I'm afraid. Your B/S number of 130, while being a little higher than what your doctor might want, is not life-threatening for a one-time event. It would help if you kept a record of your B/S numbers, time of day that you are testing, foods eaten prior to testing, etc. so you can begin to see any patterns to your blood sugar numbers.
metaphysician 2 years ago
Thanks for the tips. I don't think that I have experienced the symptoms of High Glucose Level but they will come handy in case I need it.