5 Habits to Break in 2025 for Better Blood Sugar Control
Managing blood sugar levels can be challenging for those living with diabetes, but making a few simple changes can have a big impact.
Whether someone is dealing with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, there are common habits that can interfere with blood sugar control. For anyone looking to improve their health in 2025, here are five key things to stop doing to avoid the blood sugar roller coaster and achieve better control.
1. Stop Guessing On Carb Counts
One of the biggest mistakes people with diabetes make is guessing when it comes to carb counting. It’s like playing roulette with blood sugar levels without accurately counting carbs. This often leads to either dangerously low or high blood sugar levels. A Type 1 diabetes dietitian recommends taking an extra 45 seconds to a minute before each meal to carefully examine the food, check for hidden carbs, and accurately administer insulin. This small adjustment can make a big difference in maintaining stable blood sugar levels throughout the day.
2. Stop Skipping Medication or Taking It Late
For both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, timing medications is crucial. Those with Type 1 diabetes who rely on insulin need to know that rapid-acting insulin starts working around 15 minutes after injection, peaking in about 45 to 60 minutes. If someone waits too long to take insulin, the carbs consumed during the meal can cause blood sugar to spike before insulin kicks in. Similarly, for those with Type 2 diabetes, staying consistent with oral medication as prescribed by a care team is vital for managing blood sugar levels. Consistent medication timing ensures that insulin or oral medications work effectively and keep blood sugar balanced.
3. Stop Rage-Bolusing to Fix High Blood Sugar
When blood sugar is high and doesn’t seem to come down, it can be tempting to correct it with more insulin. However, this can often cause even bigger problems. A diabetes dietitian advises against “rage-bolusing,” which is when someone repeatedly takes insulin in frustration, hoping to lower their blood sugar faster. This can lead to a sharp drop in blood sugar levels later, causing a dangerous low. Instead, the best strategy is to wait about two hours before making additional corrections to allow the insulin time to work. This approach helps keep blood sugar levels more stable and prevents extreme fluctuations.
4. Stop Over-Treating Low Blood Sugar
When blood sugar drops too low, it’s easy to overeat in an attempt to bring it back up. This can lead to a cycle of blood sugar swings, making it harder to get back on track. A Type 1 diabetes dietitian recommends finding a snack that isn’t too tempting—like candy corn—and only consuming the minimum amount needed to correct the low. This prevents overeating and helps avoid the next blood sugar spike. Over-treating low blood sugar often leads to feeling out of range for hours, which can feel discouraging and exhausting.
5. Stop Grazing During Social Events
Grazing throughout the day—especially at social events—can cause blood sugar levels to rise without notice. Snacking on small amounts of food here and there is easy, which can add up quickly. The best way to avoid this is by preparing ahead. Whether it’s at a family gathering or a party, it’s essential to count the carbs in meals and snacks and ensure insulin or medication is taken at the right time. If going for seconds, it’s crucial to stick to the same principles to avoid unwanted blood sugar spikes.
Final Thoughts
For anyone looking to improve blood sugar control in 2025, these five things are easy to stop doing and can have a significant impact. Whether working with a Type 1 diabetes dietitian, Type 2 diabetes dietitian, or a Diabetes Educator, following these tips can help avoid the common pitfalls that cause blood sugar fluctuations. Consistency is key, and by making these small changes, anyone can achieve better blood sugar management.
