• The amount of glucose in your blood determines your blood sugar level. The pancreas regulates a body's production and release of insulin, a hormone responsible for triggering muscles, fat and liver to pull glucose from the blood to store as energy. If your pancreas is not able to produce insulin to keep glucose levels in the normal range of 82 to 110 milligrams per deciliter, you are susceptible to a range of potentially serious health problems. These include weakness, unconsciousness, kidney failure and nerve damage. A combination of medical interventions and home remedies can help prevent the dips and spikes in your glucose levels that can cause health problems.
  
  

Insulin Therapy

• If your pancreas fails to maintain insulin production, or if your body develops a resistance to insulin, you may develop hyperglycemia, or chronically high blood sugar most often associated with the disease diabetes. Insulin therapy has been used to treat poor insulin production or insulin resistance since 1921. With insulin therapy, you increase your supply of insulin by ingesting synthetic insulin via a needle. Pumps, which deliver a consistent stream of insulin directly into your body from a pump that you wear clipped to your waist band, eliminate the need for multiple injections throughout the day and allow you more freedom with your diet. Insulin therapy is widely regarded as a safe and effective means of controlling blood glucose, particularly when combined with other modes of control.
  
  

Diet

• Different types of food affect your blood sugar level in different ways. A 2004 study published in "Diabetes" reported that a high-protein, low-fat and low-carbohydrate diet significantly reduced participants blood glucose levels, suggesting that diet might be an effective way to manage glucose levels. Avoid or limit foods with high levels of refined sugars and flours, found in carbohydrates such as breads and baked goods. These sugars and flours are quickly metabolized into glucose in your blood; switch to whole grain breads for most of your bread products. Focus instead on lean proteins such as chicken without the skin or low-fat dairy cheeses. Just a small amount of protein is transformed into glucose. High-fiber vegetables and fruits such as spinach, kale and pears are also key components to a glucose-sensitive diet because they don't trigger insulin spikes and help regulate digestion. Coordinating your meals with any medication you are taking, as well as maintaining a consistent eating schedule, are also important components of a glucose control plan.
  
  

Exercise

• Maintaining a healthy weight is integral to managing the symptoms of diabetes. Physical activity combined with a healthy diet is one of the most effective ways to maintain or lose weight. Exercise also positively effects insulin production and insulin sensitivity. A 1996 study published in "Diabetes Care" found that moderate and high intensity exercise regimens resulted in lowered glucose levels through increased insulin production and more effective use of stored glucose during the activity. The most effective exercise plan focuses on sustainable, moderate levels of activity most days of the week. Thirty minutes of aerobic activity such as walking or biking five times a week is an effective way to manage both weight and glucose levels. Invest in a heart rate monitor so that you can sustain your heart rate in its target zone during your workout.