The American Diabetes Association estimates that in the United States there are about 29.1 million people who have diabetes. About 8.1 million people don’t even know they have the disease because they have not been diagnosed. Those who know they have diabetes are always looking for ways to keep their blood sugar normal.

Eat small meals

Diabetics should not bank their calories during the day in order to eat a big meal later. In fact, no one should do that. Doctors and nutrition experts encourage patients to eat four to six small meals throughout the day.

That would include breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, and snack.

Always eat breakfast. During the night, the body is fasting. After sleeping for hours, the body needs food to balance out Blood Sugar Levels. A high protein breakfast is recommended, according to a University of Missouri study. It is a myth that skipping breakfast helps a person lose weight. It is also a myth that not eating anything will keep blood sugar levels normal.

Eat resistant starch

Diabetics are encouraged to eat resistant starch. That is the starch found in potatoes and beans. After a person eats resistant starch, his blood sugar will be lower. Resistant starch is found in a cool baked potato but not in a hot or warm one.

A portion of cold potato salad will produce a better blood sugar reading than the same amount of warm mashed potatoes. Other foods that contain resistant starch include beans, lentils, whole grain, corn, cold pasta and unripe bananas.

Lose weight

People don't have to lose a lot of weight in order to see a big difference in their blood sugar readings.

Losing as few as five pounds will produce some good results. Extra pounds cause a resistance against insulin in the body. Therefore, moving a little each day will help. Any amount of movement is good, but aerobic exercise tends to be the most beneficial.

Get enough sleep

It is hard for diabetics to realize that not getting enough sleep affects their blood sugar levels.

A study conducted at the University of Chicago proved that getting a good night's sleep helps with blood sugar control. It also helps if diabetics would keep regular sleeping hours by going to bed around the same time every night.

Eliminate stress

Stress in the body can directly affect glucose levels. When a person has a lot of stress, the body holds onto stored energy. Insulin is not always able to let the extra energy into the cells. Therefore, glucose piles up in the blood. In order to eliminate stress, diabetics could maintain a positive attitude, practice yoga, meditate, and do deep breathing exercises.

When the above tips are used, diabetics will more than likely see a difference in their blood glucose readings.