Controlling blood sugar is important, especially for those suffering from diabetes. Spikes in blood sugar provoke increases in insulin production, which in diabetics can result in hypoglycemia within a few hours. Eating foods that affect blood sugar in a more controlled manner is recommended. High blood sugar can cause serious health issues, and should be treated under the guidance of a physician.
Fiber-rich Foods
The University of Illinois reports that eating fiber can help lower blood sugar. Fiber is not digested or absorbed by the body the way other carbohydrates are. The university states that eating 20g per fiber per 1,000 calories consumed daily might help lower glucose levels in the blood and reduce the risk of heart disease. Read the food labels when you go grocery shopping. If the labels show three grams or more of fiber per serving, the food is a good source of fiber. Fiber rich foods include most fruits and vegetables, legumes, peas, and whole grain foods. Fiber supplements are also available for those having difficulty obtaining enough fiber from food sources.
Low-Glycemic Index Foods
Oregon State University recommends foods with low glycemic indexes to control high blood sugar. The glycemic index refers to the ratio a food has relative to very simple sugars such as white bread or pure glucose. High glycemic-index foods have nearly the same rapid effect on blood sugar as one of these control substances, whereas low glycemic-index foods affect blood sugar much more slowly. For those with high blood sugar, foods with low glycemic indexes do not signal the pancreas to significantly increase insulin production, a factor in diabetes. The university identifies such as peanuts, cashews, barley, kidney beans and lentils as relatively low-glycemic foods. Dates, corn flakes, jelly beans and rice cakes are listed as high-glycemic index foods.
Cinnamon
Penn State University states that cinnamon can have positive effects on those with high blood sugar. Cinnamon is a common spice that comes from the bark of a certain species of evergreen tree. Cinnamon contains substances called polyphenolic polymers that activate cell receptors to accept insulin. This allows blood sugar to be used to make energy, lowering the levels in the blood. Cinnamon also lowered fat and cholesterol in the blood, according to the researchers. Treating high blood sugar with cinnamon should be performed under a doctor's recommendations only.
