Everyone loves a good sugary or carb-loaded treat now and again, but if you suffer from diabetes or even prediabetes, it’s important to manage your diet so that you don’t push your blood sugar level to a dangerous place. If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes, the good news is that diet can help to significantly to reverse the condition.
On the other hand, if you are diabetic, medication is most likely necessary to control your body’s blood sugar levels.
There is no food, herb, or supplement that can lower blood sugar, but there are certain foods that are good for a diabetes diet because they don’t raise blood sugar when consumed. Luckily, there is an easy way to determine which foods these are.
The scale that manages how much a particular food raises blood sugar is called the glycemic index. Foods that are low on the glycemic index are ideal for people watching their blood sugar. We have collected a list of 11 low glycemic foods, and despite what you might think, they are all flavorful choices you won’t have to force yourself to eat. Some, like #4 and #7, are even sweet!
There has been a lot of talk in the media about the fact that avocados represent “good fat” but little explanation of what that actually means. The fats in avocados are primarily polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which can actually improve insulin sensitivity as well as improve blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and increase feelings of satiety after eating.
Avocados are a low glycemic food that researchers believe can lower your risk of developing metabolic syndrome, which is simply a name for a group of risk factors that can lead to diabetes. Except for the steep price tag, there’s no reason not to enjoy avocado every day.
Protein is one of the major building blocks of our cells. It allows the body to maintain and repair itself, yet it doesn’t impact blood sugar levels. Protein is also much more filling and satisfying than carb-heavy meals, so it helps manage blood sugar because the urge to snack is reduced.
Fish are a great source of protein with the added bonus of omega-3 fatty acids. That makes fish an ideal protein for a diabetes diet because omega-3 fatty acids have been found to increase levels of a hormone called adiponectin which improves insulin sensitivity and lowers the risk of developing full blown diabetes. The best types of fish for omega-3s include salmon, albacore tuna, mackerel, trout, and halibut.
