Diabetes, severe stress or a long-term illness can all cause hyperglycemia, or extremely high blood glucose levels. Despite its cause, high levels of glucose in the blood can have devastating short- and long-term medical effects, including problems with vision and circulation, as well as heart, kidney and liver disease. A balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains in conjunction with daily physical activity is the best way to combat high blood glucose levels.
Complex Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates in the foods that you eat become glucose that provides your body with energy necessary for survival. The body absorbs simple carbohydrates, like those found in fruits, dairy products and sugar-sweetened foods, very quickly, resulting in steep spikes in blood glucose levels. Complex carbohydrates, like those found in legumes, grains and starchy vegetables, absorb into the system slowly over a longer period, resulting in more stable blood glucose levels and less severe spikes. When blood glucose levels run very high, you should only consume complex carbohydrates that have a rating of 55 or less on the glycemic index.
In general, avoid white foods. Eat sweet potatoes or yams instead of white potatoes and brown rice instead of white rice. Choose whole grains whenever possible. MayoClinic.com reports that one slice of white bread contains 66 calories, 1.9g of protein and 0.6g of fiber, while one slice of whole-wheat bread contains 69 calories but provides 3.6g of protein and 1.9g of fiber, making the whole-wheat bread the better choice.
Nuts
Nuts are a rich source of proteins and are rich in good fats. The fat content of nuts like peanuts, walnuts, almonds and cashews, helps the body's cells react more sensitively to insulin that your pancreas produces, possibly lowering insulin resistance and blood glucose levels, notes Reader's Digest. The nuts' fat content can also help you to feel full for a longer period, helping you to cut down on between-meal snacks that might raise levels of blood glucose.
Cinnamon
A study led by USDA's Agricultural Research Service chemist Richard Anderson and published in the December, 2003 edition of the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" reported that polyphenolic polymers derived from cinnamon bark greatly increased sugar metabolism in fat cells and insulin sensitivity. An earlier study by the ARS conducted with Type 2 diabetics reported that 1/2 tsp. per day for 40 days reduced blood sugar levels by roughly 20 percent. Cinnamon sprinkled on or mixed with food also slows down the absorption rate in the body, avoiding severe spikes in blood glucose levels. Further study is needed to determine whether cinnamon can help lower blood glucose levels in the long-term.
Berries
Preliminary research published in the March, 2010 issue of the "Journal of Nutrition" indicates that anthocyanins contained in bilberry extract and other brightly colored fruits including blueberries, purple grapes, cranberries and cherries may help to reduce blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Researchers are planning clinical trials on human subjects.
