fasting blood sugar

Question

I got my fasting blood sugar tested last week, and it came out higher than expected. The report showed 118, which I guess is in the prediabetic range? I wasn’t really expecting this, because I don’t have diabetes in my family, and I feel fine most of the time. But for the last few months, I have been feeling more tired in the mornings, and sometimes I wake up with a dry mouth. Could these be related to my fasting blood sugar levels?

I don't eat a lot of sweets, but I do have a habit of eating dinner late, sometimes even around 11 PM. Could that be affecting my fasting blood sugar? Also, I tend to drink tea first thing in the morning before my test. Could that have messed up the results?

I really don’t want to go on any medication if I can avoid it. I’ve heard Ayurveda has natural ways to balance blood sugar – is there something I can do to lower my fasting blood sugar naturally? Are there specific herbs or home remedies that work? Also, should I be changing my diet completely, or just avoiding certain foods?

One more thing – I noticed that my hands sometimes feel numb when I wake up, and I get thirsty more often than before. Are these also signs that my fasting blood sugar is high? Or am I overthinking this? I want to control this now before it turns into a bigger problem. Any Ayurvedic tips on how to keep my fasting blood sugar stable?

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

It's understandable to feel concerned about your fasting blood sugar level of 118, which does suggest prediabetes, especially given your dry mouth, increased thirst, and morning fatigue, which could indeed be related. Your late dinner at 11 PM can certainly disrupt your digestion and potentially raise your blood sugar upon awakening, as the body doesn't have enough time to process the food before your next fasting period. Drinking tea before your test may not significantly impact the results, but it’s best to test fasting blood sugar without consuming anything.

To naturally support balanced blood sugar levels through Ayurveda, consider incorporating the following changes into your lifestyle. Start by eating your last meal of the day at least 2-3 hours before bedtime to allow for proper digestion. Emphasize a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods such as vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and healthy fats while minimizing refined sugars and simple carbohydrates. Spices like cinnamon and fenugreek can help regulate blood sugar levels; consider adding them to your meals or taking them as supplements after consulting with a healthcare provider.

Hydration is important, so ensure you're drinking enough water throughout the day. For herbal support, you can explore using bitter herbs like neem or bitter gourd juice to help manage blood sugar levels, but it’s best to start with small amounts and monitor how you feel.

For the numbness in your hands and increased thirst, while they could relate to blood sugar levels, they might also have other explanations such as nerve compression or dehydration, so keep monitoring your symptoms. Aim for regular physical activity, which not only supports weight management but also enhances insulin sensitivity. Additionally, consider mindfulness practices such as yoga or meditation, which can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

Lastly, keep check on your symptoms and consult with a healthcare professional if they persist or worsen. Your proactive approach to managing your health is commendable, and Ayurvedic practices can certainly support you in this journey.

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