Refine Results Show The CDC reports that over 34 million American adults have diabetes. High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can cause long-term health complications like cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, gum infections and even eye problems. Hyperglycemia can also damage blood vessels, thereby increasing the likelihood of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. Because 1 in 3 adults have pre-diabetes (most of which don’t know it), we all can benefit from lower glucose levels to help lose weight, reduce blood pressure and improve overall health. But how do we start? One way is by rethinking eating habits. Here are five foods that can make a difference. Berries. Don’t make your trip to the store fruitless. Dad jokes aside, foods like blueberries provide fiber and antioxidants known to lower blood sugar and inflammation. Similarly, one study found strawberries reduced diabetes complications like kidney disease and nerve damage. A study in Obesity found that as the number of raspberries eaten increased, insulin resistance decreased. Other studies suggest combining berries with or following starch-heavy meals can also lower blood sugar. Go nuts. That’s right—go ahead and snack on almonds, cashews or even pistachios. In one study, pregnant people at-risk for gestational diabetes had lower blood sugar after eating pistachios versus the group that consumed whole wheat bread. However, a quarter-cup of nuts per day can decrease BMI and diabetes risks even if you’re not expecting. Leafy greens. Veggies like spinach are low-calorie and packed with magnesium, which is good because magnesium lowers your risk for Type 2 diabetes. Dark vegetables like collards and kale provide vitamins A, C, E, calcium and iron. Greens also pack a potassium punch, which is beneficial because vitamin K relaxes blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. The fiber in vegetables can also improve glucose levels. Non-starchy vegetables. Even if you’re not into kale, other vegetable choices should be on the table—literally. The American Diabetes Association recommends filling half your plate with non-starchy vegetables at meals, such as asparagus, broccoli, green beans, squash and mushrooms. However, the association warns that if you buy frozen or canned veggies, buy the “no salt added” version or rinse the sodium off the produce. Whole grains. Oats and other whole grains are packed with folate, chromium, B vitamins and magnesium. In addition, these foods are high in soluble fiber lower in sugar than other carbohydrates, making for a choice that can lower cholesterol. So try steel-cut, rolled oats instead of sweet cereals. Simple carbs can cause diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Find a DoctorAre you concerned about your blood sugar levels? Find a healthcare provider that test you for conditions like diabetes and who can help you craft a healthcare plan—including a better diet. Find a Doctor Want More Health Tips?Sign up for our e-newsletter, Live Healthy, to receive a monthly dose of information and inspiration for living well. Back June 29,2020 | If you have diabetes, you know how difficult it can be to manage your diet and control your blood sugar levels. Certain foods cause massive spikes while others actually lower blood sugar, but many people go through years of trial and error before they find out what works for them. Luckily, thanks to years of scientific findings, we’ve been able to determine what foods are better than others. In this article, we’ll discuss the 10 best foods to control diabetes and lower blood sugar. To get the most out of your food, consider diabetic meal planning. Planning and preparing meals ahead of time will reduce the likelihood of snacking or unhealthy eating and will help you save time and energy throughout the week.
If you’re looking for something sweet, try snacking on a cup of strawberries. Strawberries are loaded with antioxidants and have been shown to reduce both cholesterol and insulin levels after a meal.3 If you’re not a fan of strawberries and want to incorporate daily fresh fruit into your diet, opt for raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries, which tend to have lower sugar content than other fruits like apples and bananas. ConclusionDiabetes doesn’t mean that you can’t eat your favorite foods, but you do need to monitor your blood glucose levels to stay safe. By incorporating these 10 foods into your daily diet, you’ll give your body the nourishment it needs so you can indulge a little every now and then. If you need any blood glucose meters or continuous glucose monitoring devices, Byram Healthcare has you covered. We’re proud to provide you with the latest technology in diabetes management, including continuous glucose monitoring. We’ll work with your insurance provider and doctor to ensure you’re supported from start to finish, maximizing your coverage while minimizing out-of-pocket expenses. For more information and added support on diabetes management, sign up for Byram Healthcare’s Caring Touch At Home™ Program. The Caring Touch At Home™ Program combines convenience, affordability, and choice to deliver extensive service and support to people with diabetes. For added support, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Byram’s Diabetes Center of Excellence—a one source, total solution for diabetes care. Our Center of Excellence combines high quality products with clinical and educational research to help you better manage your condition, support all of your needs, and live a long, healthy life. Sources: 1 https://www.diabetes.org/nutrition/healthy-food-choices-made-easy/non-starchy-vegetables 2 https://www.dietdoctor.com/diabetes/diet 3 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/16-best-foods-for-diabetics#section13 How do I bring my blood sugar down quickly?When your blood sugar level gets too high — known as hyperglycemia or high blood glucose — the quickest way to reduce it is to take fast-acting insulin. Exercising is another fast, effective way to lower blood sugar.. whole grains.. fruits.. vegetables.. lean proteins.. What can you drink to lower blood sugar?Whether you're at home or at a restaurant, here are the most diabetes-friendly beverage options.. Water. When it comes to hydration, water is the best option for people with diabetes. ... . Seltzer water. ... . Tea. ... . Herbal tea. ... . Unsweetened coffee. ... . Vegetable juice. ... . Low fat milk. ... . Milk alternatives.. |