5 ways to stabilize blood sugar

Already struggling with insulin resistance or diabetes? These five tips have been shown to help stabilize blood sugar levels.

• This herb contains polyphenolic polymers that improve your cells' ability to use glucose, pulling more out of your bloodstream.
• It doesn't take much. In one study, less than a 2.5 grams (1/2 teaspoon) a day for 40 days significantly reduced blood sugar levels in 60 people with type 2 diabetes.
• Try it on cereal, over fruit or  with low-fat cottage cheese or yogurt.

• Instead of pasta, ladle your tomato sauce and turkey meatballs over soba noodles, made with buckwheat.
• Canadian researchers found extracts of the grain reduced blood glucose levels by 12 to 19 percent in diabetic rats. A similar effect appears to occur with people.
• You can find soba noodles in the Oriental food section of supermarkets.

These sweet-and-sour fruits are filled with powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins. These chemicals can increase insulin production up to 50 percent, according to animal studies.

• Poor sleep and blood sugar levels are directly related.
• One study of 161 people with type 2 diabetes found 67 percent had poor sleep quality.
• Lack of sleep and poor sleep impacts the performance of hormones responsible for metabolizing glucose and regulating appetite.
• Some researchers suggest our 24/7 society may, in part, be contributing to the current diabetes epidemic.

• This ancient Chinese martial art uses a combination of movement and breathing exercises to strengthen the body and mind.
• In one 12-week study, participants showed a significant decrease in their A1c levels, a marker of glucose levels, and fewer pro-inflammatory chemicals.
• People with type 2 diabetes who practice Qigong and tai chi three times a week have better blood sugar levels, lose weight, sleep better and have more energy.

Your lifestyle and blood sugar levels are directly related, so when one's not right, the other won't. But if you improve your lifestyle, and get some sleep, you could get a better handle on your blood sugar levels.