People diagnosed with diabetes, prediabetes, or any other condition that affects their blood sugar levels need to maintain a balanced diet to keep their sugar levels in check. Some foods help lower blood sugar levels. It is important to note that some are more effective than others. 

While other factors such as physical activity, body weight, and genetics play a massive role in maintaining blood sugar levels, your diet is vital for blood sugar control. Here are some foods you can add to your diet to help regulate your blood sugar levels better.

Sea Food

Shellfish and fish are a source of protein, minerals, antioxidants, healthy fats and vitamins that regulate blood sugar levels extensively. Protein is also essential in controlling blood sugar, and it slows digestion after a meal, reducing sugar spikes and increasing the feeling of fullness. It also helps reduce overeating hence promoting fat loss. Studies have also shown that eating fatty fish like salmon and sardines helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Nuts And Nut Butter

Studies have shown eating nuts is among the most effective ways to regulate blood sugar levels. Eating nuts throughout the day as part of a low-carb diet reduces the post-meal and fasted blood sugar levels.

Okra

Okra is a fruit, but it is often used as a vegetable. It is a rich source of flavonoid antioxidants and polysaccharides, which help lower blood sugar levels. Rhamnogalacturonan is the main polysaccharide in okra and is recognized as a powerful antidiabetic compound. It also contains powerful flavonoids that help reduce blood sugar by inhibiting some enzymes.

Lentils And Beans

Beans and lentils are high in nutrients such as fiber, magnesium, and protein, which help lower blood sugar levels. They also have high quantities of resistant starch and soluble fiber, which helps slow digestion and helps the body respond to blood sugar after meals.

Studies also show that eating lentils and beans benefits blood sugar regulation and helps protect the body against diabetes.

Kale

Often described as a superfood, kale is packed with compounds that greatly reduce blood sugar levels. It has flavonoid antioxidants and fibers. Studies have shown that kale’s antioxidants, including kaempferol and quercetin, have insulin-sensitizing and blood-sugar-lowering effects.

Oat And Oat Bran

Oats have a high soluble fiber content which helps regulate your blood sugar levels. They have also been shown to have blood-reducing properties by reducing HvA1C and fasting blood sugar levels compared to other meals.

Eggs

Eggs are nutritious sources of protein, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants. Research has linked eating eggs to better sugar control. A study with 42 overweight adults with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes showed that having one large egg per day reduced the fasting blood sugar levels by 4.4.% and improved insulin sensitive  

Avocados

Avocados have few carbs, healthy fats, and huge fiber content. You, therefore, need not worry about raising your blood sugar levels if you love avocados. Eating avocados regularly has been linked to lowering BMI and body weight and not forgetting improved diet quality. 

This makes diabetes an ideal snack for people with diabetes or anyone who wants to lead a healthy lifestyle. 

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are great for people with diabetes. They are high in fiber and very low in digestible carbohydrates. The fiber in chia seeds can help lower your blood sugar levels by slowing down the speed at which the food moves through your gut and how fast it is absorbed.

Chia seeds can help you lose weight by helping reduce hunger and making you feel full for longer. They also help in glycemic management in people living with diabetes.

Greek Yogurt

Research has shown that a daily serving of Greek yogurt is linked to helping reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It is also linked to weight loss and improved body composition for type 2 diabetes patients. It is rich in protein, calcium, and special fats, known as conjugated linoleic acid, which helps you feel fuller for longer.

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