Post Time: 2025-07-18
Do you have a fasting blood sugar of 108 mg/dL? This reading might be raising some questions, and rightly so. Understanding what this number signifies is the first step towards taking control of your health. A fasting blood sugar level of 108 mg/dL falls into the category of prediabetes, signaling that your body isn't processing sugar as efficiently as it should. While it's not yet diabetes, it's a critical point where lifestyle changes and, potentially, the right blood sugar supplement can make a significant difference. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore what a fasting blood sugar of 108 means for you, the steps you can take to lower it naturally, and when to consider additional support, including the potential role of diabetes gummies and understanding the landscape of diabetes drugs.
Decoding Fasting Blood Sugar: Why 108 is a Wake-Up Call
Fasting blood sugar is measured after an overnight fast of at least eight hours. It provides a baseline reading of your blood glucose levels, indicating how well your body regulates sugar without recent food intake. According to the American Diabetes Association, here’s how fasting blood sugar levels are generally categorized:
- Normal: Less than 100 mg/dL
- Prediabetes: 100 to 125 mg/dL
- Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher
A reading of 108 mg/dL firmly places you in the prediabetes range. This is not a diagnosis of diabetes, but it's a clear indication that your blood sugar levels are higher than normal and that you are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. It's important to see this as an early warning sign – a chance to take proactive steps and prevent progression to full-blown diabetes.
Why is this happening? Prediabetes often occurs when your body becomes resistant to insulin, a hormone produced by your pancreas that helps glucose enter your cells for energy. When insulin resistance develops, glucose builds up in your bloodstream, leading to higher blood sugar levels. Factors contributing to insulin resistance and prediabetes include:
- Excess weight: Especially around the abdomen.
- Lack of physical activity: Sedentary lifestyles contribute to insulin resistance.
- Unhealthy diet: High in processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.
- Family history of diabetes: Genetics play a role in predisposition to type 2 diabetes.
- Age: Risk increases with age, particularly after 45.
- Certain medical conditions: Like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and sleep apnea.
It’s crucial to understand that prediabetes is often reversible. By making targeted lifestyle changes, you can often bring your blood sugar back into the normal range and significantly reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Natural Strategies to Lower Your Fasting Blood Sugar
The good news is that lifestyle modifications are incredibly powerful in managing prediabetes and lowering fasting blood sugar. Here's a breakdown of effective strategies:
1. Dietary Adjustments: Fueling Your Body the Right Way
Your diet plays a pivotal role in blood sugar management. Focus on making these key changes:
- Prioritize whole foods: Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These foods are rich in fiber, which helps slow down sugar absorption and keeps blood sugar levels stable.
- Limit processed foods: Cut back on processed snacks, sugary cereals, white bread, and fast food. These items are often high in refined carbohydrates and unhealthy fats, leading to rapid blood sugar spikes.
- Control carbohydrate intake: Be mindful of the amount and type of carbohydrates you consume. Choose complex carbohydrates like quinoa, brown rice, and oats over simple carbohydrates like white bread and sugary drinks. Portion control is also essential.
- Increase fiber intake: Aim for at least 25-30 grams of fiber per day. Fiber slows down glucose absorption, improves insulin sensitivity, and promotes satiety. Good sources include beans, lentils, fruits with skin, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Choose healthy fats: Incorporate sources of healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil. These fats can improve insulin sensitivity and overall health.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps flush out excess sugar and keeps you feeling full, preventing overeating.
- Portion control: Be mindful of your portion sizes to avoid overeating, which can lead to blood sugar spikes. Use smaller plates and bowls to help with portion management.
Example Meal Plan for Lowering Fasting Blood Sugar:
| Meal | Example Foods | Blood Sugar Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | Oatmeal with berries and nuts; Scrambled eggs with spinach and whole-wheat toast | High fiber, protein, and healthy fats; slow release of glucose |
| Lunch | Salad with grilled chicken or fish, mixed greens, and a vinaigrette dressing | Lean protein and fiber-rich vegetables; lower in carbohydrates; healthy fats from dressing |
| Dinner | Baked salmon with roasted vegetables (broccoli, carrots, bell peppers) and quinoa | Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and complex carbohydrates; balanced macronutrients for stable blood sugar |
| Snacks | Apple slices with almond butter; Greek yogurt with berries; Handful of almonds | Fiber, protein, and healthy fats; keeps you feeling full and prevents blood sugar crashes between meals |
2. Regular Physical Activity: Moving Your Way to Better Blood Sugar
Exercise is a powerful tool for lowering fasting blood sugar and improving insulin sensitivity. When you are physically active, your muscles use more glucose for energy, helping to lower blood sugar levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling. Incorporate strength training exercises at least two days a week, as muscle mass is crucial for glucose metabolism.
Benefits of Exercise for Blood Sugar Control:
- Improves insulin sensitivity: Making your cells more responsive to insulin.
- Lowers blood glucose: By using glucose for energy during activity.
- Helps with weight management: Excess weight contributes to insulin resistance.
- Reduces stress: Stress hormones can elevate blood sugar levels.
- Improves cardiovascular health: Reducing the risk of complications associated with prediabetes and diabetes.
3. Stress Management and Sleep: Holistic Health for Blood Sugar Balance
Chronic stress and poor sleep can significantly impact blood sugar levels. When you're stressed, your body releases stress hormones like cortisol, which can raise blood sugar. Lack of sleep also disrupts hormone balance and can worsen insulin resistance.
Strategies for Stress and Sleep Management:
- Practice relaxation techniques: Meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, and tai chi can help reduce stress.
- Prioritize sleep: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night. Establish a regular sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine.
- Manage stress triggers: Identify sources of stress in your life and find healthy ways to cope with them. This might involve setting boundaries, delegating tasks, or seeking support from friends or family.
- Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness practices to become more aware of your body's responses to stress and develop better coping mechanisms.
Blood Sugar Supplements: Nature's Support for Glucose Control
While lifestyle changes are fundamental, certain blood sugar supplements can provide additional support in managing fasting blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity. These supplements are not meant to replace a healthy diet and exercise but can be a valuable addition to a comprehensive approach.
Key Ingredients to Look for in Blood Sugar Supplements:
- Chromium: Essential for insulin function and glucose metabolism. Studies have shown that chromium supplementation can improve insulin sensitivity and lower fasting blood sugar.
- Cinnamon: May improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. Some research suggests cinnamon can mimic insulin's effects and enhance glucose uptake by cells.
- Berberine: A natural compound found in several plants, berberine has been shown to be as effective as some diabetes drugs in lowering blood sugar, improving insulin sensitivity, and reducing HbA1c levels.
- Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA): An antioxidant that may improve insulin sensitivity and nerve function in people with diabetes.
- Magnesium: Involved in insulin signaling and glucose metabolism. Magnesium deficiency is common in people with type 2 diabetes, and supplementation may improve insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control.
- Gymnema Sylvestre: An herb traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to help lower blood sugar levels. It may help reduce sugar absorption in the gut and stimulate insulin secretion.
Important Considerations When Choosing a Blood Sugar Supplement:
- Quality and Purity: Choose supplements from reputable brands that undergo third-party testing for quality and purity.
- Ingredients and Dosage: Look for supplements containing clinically studied ingredients at effective dosages.
- Consult Your Doctor: Before starting any new supplement, especially if you are taking medications or have underlying health conditions, consult your healthcare provider. They can help you determine if a supplement is appropriate for you and ensure it won't interact with any medications you are taking.
Diabetes Gummies: A Palatable Path to Blood Sugar Support?
The idea of taking supplements can sometimes feel daunting, especially if it involves swallowing large pills. This is where diabetes gummies come into play. These gummies offer a more palatable and enjoyable way to incorporate blood sugar supplements into your daily routine.
Advantages of Diabetes Gummies:
- Taste and Convenience: Gummies are easier to swallow and often taste better than traditional pills or capsules, making them more appealing and convenient for regular use.
- Improved Compliance: Because they are more enjoyable to take, gummies may improve adherence to a supplement regimen, which is crucial for long-term benefits.
- Pre-portioned Dosage: Gummies typically come in pre-portioned doses, eliminating the need to measure or count pills.
- Discreet and Portable: Gummies are easy to carry and can be taken discreetly, making them convenient for people on the go.
What to Look for in Diabetes Gummies:
- Sugar-Free or Low-Sugar: It's essential that diabetes gummies are sugar-free or very low in sugar to avoid counteracting their intended benefits. Look for gummies sweetened with sugar alcohols or natural sugar alternatives like stevia or erythritol.
- Key Ingredients: Ensure the gummies contain effective ingredients like chromium, cinnamon, berberine, or other scientifically supported compounds for blood sugar management. Check the ingredient list and dosages.
- Quality and Brand Reputation: Choose gummies from reputable brands that prioritize quality ingredients and manufacturing processes.
- Third-Party Tested: Look for gummies that have been third-party tested for purity and potency to ensure you are getting a safe and effective product.
Example of a Diabetes Gummy Ingredient Profile (Illustrative):
| Ingredient | Dosage per Gummy | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Chromium Picolinate | 200 mcg | Enhances insulin function, improves glucose metabolism |
| Cinnamon Extract | 100 mg | May improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar |
| Vitamin D3 | 400 IU | Supports overall health and may impact insulin sensitivity |
| Sugar | 0g | Sugar-free to avoid blood sugar spikes |
Important Note: While diabetes gummies can be a convenient and palatable option, they are still supplements and should be used as part of a broader diabetes management plan that includes diet, exercise, and medical supervision when needed. They are not a substitute for prescribed medications if needed.
When Diabetes Drugs Become Necessary: Understanding Medical Intervention
For some individuals, lifestyle changes and blood sugar supplements, even convenient diabetes gummies, may not be sufficient to manage fasting blood sugar and prevent the progression to type 2 diabetes. In these cases, diabetes drugs prescribed by a physician become necessary.
Situations Where Diabetes Drugs May Be Required:
- Persistent High Blood Sugar: If fasting blood sugar consistently remains above 126 mg/dL (diabetes range) or if HbA1c levels are elevated despite lifestyle modifications and supplement use.
- Significant Risk Factors: Individuals with strong family history of diabetes, multiple risk factors, or signs of organ damage related to high blood sugar.
- Inability to Achieve Target Blood Sugar Levels with Lifestyle Alone: For some, genetic predisposition or other factors may make it challenging to manage blood sugar solely through diet and exercise.
Common Types of Diabetes Drugs:
- Metformin: Often the first-line medication for type 2 diabetes. It works by reducing glucose production in the liver and improving insulin sensitivity.
- Sulfonylureas: Stimulate the pancreas to release more insulin.
- DPP-4 Inhibitors: Help increase insulin release and decrease glucose production.
- SGLT2 Inhibitors: Increase glucose excretion through the urine.
- GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: Slow gastric emptying, increase insulin release, and decrease glucose production; often given as injections.
- Insulin: Used when the body doesn't produce enough insulin on its own, typically in more advanced stages of diabetes or type 1 diabetes.
Choosing the Right Diabetes Drug: The choice of medication depends on individual factors, including blood sugar levels, other health conditions, medication tolerance, and lifestyle. Your doctor will determine the most appropriate diabetes drug or combination of drugs for your specific needs.
Diabetes Drugs vs. Lifestyle and Supplements:
It's important to understand that diabetes drugs are powerful tools for managing blood sugar, but they often come with potential side effects and do not address the root causes of insulin resistance in the same way that lifestyle changes do. Lifestyle modifications and supplements, particularly diabetes gummies for convenient support, aim to improve overall metabolic health and can often be effective in the early stages of prediabetes or as adjunct therapy in conjunction with medications.
Ideally, a holistic approach involving lifestyle changes, potentially supplements like diabetes gummies, and medication when necessary, under the guidance of a healthcare professional, provides the most comprehensive and effective strategy for managing blood sugar and preventing diabetes complications.
Taking Control of Your 108 Fasting Blood Sugar: Actionable Steps
Having a fasting blood sugar of 108 mg/dL is a signal to take action. Here's a summary of actionable steps you can take:
- Consult Your Doctor: Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss your fasting blood sugar reading. They can perform further tests, assess your overall health, and provide personalized recommendations.
- Implement Lifestyle Changes: Focus on dietary adjustments, regular physical activity, stress management, and prioritizing sleep.
- Consider Blood Sugar Supplements: Discuss with your doctor if a blood sugar supplement, perhaps in the convenient form of diabetes gummies, could be beneficial for you as part of your overall plan.
- Monitor Your Blood Sugar: Regularly monitor your blood sugar levels at home as recommended by your doctor. This helps you track your progress and adjust your strategies as needed.
- Follow-Up Regularly: Maintain regular follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your blood sugar, assess your progress, and make any necessary adjustments to your management plan.
- Stay Informed: Educate yourself about prediabetes and diabetes management. Reliable resources like the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) offer valuable information.
Don't wait! Taking proactive steps now to manage your fasting blood sugar of 108 can significantly improve your health and well-being, reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and empower you to live a healthier life. Explore the potential benefits of lifestyle changes and blood sugar supplements like convenient diabetes gummies, and work closely with your healthcare provider to create a personalized plan that’s right for you.
Sweets are a symbol of celebration and happiness in life. You can’t live a day without eating anything sugary. For instance, your morning tea or coffee, or the honey water, or your fruit juices or breakfast cereals, etc. all have sugar in them. Sugar is in almost everything. All types of medicine branches - Ayurveda, modern medicine, Chinese medicine, and Greek medicine, stand unified about one fact: that white sugar is bad for your health. But what about natural sweeteners like Honey, Dates, Stevia, and Maple syrups? But which amongst Honey vs Sugar vs Maple syrup and others is good for you? Knowingly or unknowingly, we eat sugar in numerous forms. Unlike white sugar, natural sweeteners are not just sucrose; they are also rich in minerals and loads of antioxidants. Today, we will take a closer look at the different aspects of natural sweeteners: their origin, health benefits, nutrient profile, price, and shelf life, to help you figure out which sweetener, honey vs sugar vs maple syrup, fits your health criteria. Honey has several medicinal properties. It is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial in nature. It helps in weight loss and liver detox, promotes metabolism, boosts the immune system, cures cough and cold, treats dandruff and dry skin conditions, improves sleep patterns and memory, and reduces stress and anxiety levels. Honey also heals wounds and prevents 9.6 blood sugar gum disorders like gingivitis, etc. Maple syrup is also rich in antioxidants and is helpful in reducing inflammation. It is good for skin health, boosts immunity, and may help in controlling weight due to its lower glycemic index (54) than honey (58). White sugar has no health benefits, except one– it provides instant energy/glucose for the body. Other than this, it is the cause of several health diseases like diabetes, leaky gut syndrome, Candida, IBS, gas, bloating, constipation, cramps, etc. Honey has multifold blood sugar at 110 health benefits over Maple syrup and white sugar. It has been graced by several years of research and wisdom from ancient sages and today's scientists. Maple syrup is still new, and many studies are underway to know more about its effects on the human body. Read the full blog here : Check out our organic honey : About Two Brothers Organic Farm: Our Farm is a Bio-diverse, Organic ecosystem, certified by ECOCERT and located in the beautiful village of Bhodani in Maharashtra. Our prediabetes low blood sugar work is inspired by ancient wisdom and sustainability. Every time you buy from us, you help pull back carbon from the atmosphere into the soil, secure rural livelihoods and empower women in our villages. Find us on instagram - Explore more about TBOF -