(BPT) - Glucose is fuel for all the cells in your body - when it's at normal levels; however, when levels are off it can lead to a host of irrevocable health problems. That's why maintaining a balanced blood glucose level is an important pillar of overall wellness and paves the way for a longer life.

'From endurance athletes to grandparents, blood sugar balance is considered an important wellness marker,' said Karma James-Dulin, Ph.D., Product Development Manager at Standard Process. 'And while the path to achieving this balance is different for everyone, it doesn't have to be complicated.'

James-Dulin recommends incorporating these simple yet impactful steps that can set you on the path to balancing your blood sugar, as well as balancing your health goals.

1. Pay attention to your plate. The biggest health decision you make every day is what you put in your mouth, so don't make it lightly. Food is your body's primary source of energy, but not all foods are created equal. For example, carbs make your blood sugar levels go higher than proteins or fats. The amount of carbs you can eat to stay in your target blood sugar range depends on a number of factors, so make sure to consult with your health care provider about dietary goals.
   
   
2. Prevention is the best medicine. High blood sugar levels usually don't have early signs or symptoms, so it's important to work with your health care provider to find out if it's something you need to be monitoring or if there are specific steps to keep an unbalance at bay. Dietary supplementation can also be part of a well-rounded glucose management strategy. For example, Glucose Assist™ from Standard Process^®, a leading whole food-based nutritional supplement company, is formulated to help support normal blood sugar and energy levels already in a healthy range* by providing a slower and more sustained release of glucose^*. In powder form, it's a convenient, high-quality source of fuel for the body.
   
   
3. Stick with an exercise regimen. Regular exercise can help your cells better use the sugar in your blood, improving blood sugar levels. In fact, a brisk post-meal walk can have an immediate effect on lowering your blood sugar. And what's more, exercise can help manage your weight which is a big contributor to balancing a healthy glucose level over your lifetime.
   
   
4. Regulate your sleep schedule. While you may have convinced yourself that you don't need much sleep, your body feels differently. A regular sleep pattern affects your health in many ways, including supporting normal blood sugar levels. When we are low on sleep, we often reach for refined carbohydrates - or sugar, but sleeping enough at night can curb these cravings. Tips for achieving restful sleep include keeping a consistent sleep schedule with the same sleep and wake times and going technology-free for at least an hour before bedtime.

'Healthy blood sugar levels are essential for good health and can support heart, vision, and kidney health as well as improved mood and energy,' continued James-Dulin. 'The above tips are just some of the ways you can keep your blood sugar and health goals in balance, but they are a good place to start.'

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

^ In healthy individuals with normal blood glucose levels already in a healthy range