Diabetes and high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) are issues that millions of Americans face. In 2015, 30.3 million Americans had some form of diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported over a whopping 100 million Americans have diabetes or prediabetes. If you’re among this group, there’s a good chance you’re looking for a way to keep your blood sugar under control.

Luckily, there are many ways that you can lower your blood glucose level. While there’s rarely a magic solution, there are a few simple steps you can take that can make a real difference.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking more water in general is a good idea. On average, most Americans don’t drink enough water. Falling short of your recommended daily water intake goal can lead to a large number of complications. Dehydration is even more important to avoid if you have high blood sugar. Why?

Hydration seems to have an inverse relationship with one’s risk of developing hyperglycemia, meaning as a person drinks more water, they’re risk of developing high blood sugar levels seems to decrease. It’s theorized this happens for two reasons. First, drinking more water can dilute the concentration of glucose (sugar) in your blood. Secondly, hydration can also …ahem… flush extra glucose out of your system.

Hydration can also …ahem… flush extra glucose out of your system.

When it comes to hydration, it’s important that you choose water or a low-sugar drink. Sweetened juices and sodas will probably only make matters worse by putting more sugar in your system. In fact, sugary drinks are a leading cause of diabetes and hyperglycemia. So, when it comes to rehydration, it’s smart to stick to water. Just don’t drink too much water. Once you reach a certain level of hydration, more water will not dilute your blood sugar level any further. Further, water intoxication can be life-threatening.

Drink Apple Cider Vinegar

We’ve talked about this one before, but if you want to lower your blood sugar, drink a shot of apple cider vinegar each day. It’s currently one of the trendier suggestions that’s floating around right now, but it’s based on good science.

Adding vinegar, specifically apple cider vinegar, to your diet can directly influence your blood sugar levels. It can improve both your insulin sensitivity and insulin responses. This makes it highly effective at combating hyperglycemia.

Drinking vinegar on its own can burn your throat and esophagus. It can also damage your teeth, thinning and weakening the enamel.

Don’t go downing a shot of straight vinegar yet. Drinking vinegar on its own can burn your throat and esophagus. It can also damage your teeth, thinning and weakening the enamel. Instead, dilute it in water or a low-sugar juice, so it’s not as acidic going down.

Attain a Healthy Weight

As with most things health-related, a little weight loss can go a long way. Your blood sugar levels could improve if you lose weight. Your waistline is a key signifier in your likelihood of developing diabetes and high blood sugar. The larger someone’s waistline, the larger their chances are of developing cardiometabolic diseases, like diabetes. What’s interesting is that losing weight lowers your risk for such diseases. One study even found that following successful lifestyle interventions can lower one’s chances of developing diabetes by 58 percent.

The larger someone’s waistline, the larger their chances are of developing cardiometabolic diseases, like diabetes.

For many, weight loss is a genuine struggle, but if you want to avoid diabetes, it may be a struggle well worth the effort. Everyone is looking for an easy way to shed pounds, but there’s really only two surefire ways to do it — eating healthier or exercising. That said, look at your diet first, since there are many diabetic-friendly diets that help people lose weight and lower their blood sugar.

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Ultimately, these are only a few simple actions that could lower your blood sugar and help you avoid diabetes. It’s always worth discussing your health concerns with your doctor as well. They should be able to prescribe medication, if it’s needed, or make further suggestions to help you out.

Medicare offers assistance with diabetes management and prevention. If you’re looking for a Medicare insurance plan that will help cover your hyperglycemia or diabetes needs, check out the Shop & Enroll Plan Finder.