If you are Type 2 diabetic, or at risk for becoming diabetic, the following tips may be helpful as a low cost way to lower your blood glucose without relying on medications. Please remember that you want to monitor your sugar levels so as not to become hypoglycemic (that's when your blood glucose is too low).

1. Exercise - Losing weight is often the answer to a variety of health problems. If you are diabetic losing weight will require you take less medication in order to manage your diabetes. One of the main short term benefits of exercise is that it lowers your blood sugar, often within minutes. A brisk 20 minute walk can significantly lower your blood sugar and regular exercise is a great way to keep it lowered.

2. Take vitamins and supplements - Nature Made makes a diabetic vitamin pack that you can take once or twice a day. The main ingredient that lowers blood sugar is chromium. You can buy these vitamins at any GNC but I recommend buying them at Costco where you get double the amount at half the price.

3. Drink unsweetened green or black tea - Ordinary tea, prepared without sugar or milk, has been shown to increase the insulin by more than 15-fold-a dramatic effect by any standard.

4. Drink decaf coffee - Caffeine has been shown to have a negative effect on blood sugar levels; however other components in coffee seem to actually lower blood sugar levels. A cup of plain decaf coffee may have a positive effect on your blood glucose levels.

5. Eat cinnamon - Cinnamon has been shown to successfully reduce blood sugars. You can either add it to your food or take it in capsule.

6. Breathe deep, relax - Stressful situations release hormones that raises blood sugar. When you begin to feel worried drink a cup of tea or take a slow, relaxing walk and breathe deeply. Or, if necessary, you can go sit in your car and scream until you feel better. Whichever method works best for you.

8. Sleep well - There are studies being done to show whether sleep apnea causes elevated blood sugar. If you are having difficulty sleeping and notice elevated blood sugars prior to having your morning meal, check with your doctor to see if this could be the cause.



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