Hyperglycemia, or a high blood glucose level, occurs when there is not enough insulin produced by the pancreas or the insulin produced cannot be utilized properly. Hyperglycemia typically results from having Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. All diabetics will experience hyperglycemia during the course of the disease, but there are some nutritional strategies that can help. According to the "Journal of the American College of Cardiology," following diets such as the Mediterranean or Okinawan diet, and eating lower glycemic index foods, can help.
Mediterranean Diet
MayoClinic.com states the Mediterranean Diet promotes the healthy eating style of those who live in countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea. Besides avoiding hyperglycemia, this diet can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The Mediterranean Diet advises eating more plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Butter should be replaced with the healthier fats found in olive oil. Salt should be eliminated, using herbs and spices to flavor food. Fish, including mackerel, salmon and tuna, should be eaten twice a week, while meat should be eaten only a few times a month. The consumption of moderate amounts of red wine is considered beneficial.
Okinawan Diet
According to UC Berkeley, the Japanese Ministry of Health found a population of elderly Okinawans with surprising low incidence of suffering from diabetes, heart problems, cancer or obesity. The Okinawan diet includes seven servings of vegetables and grains. Whole grain varieties of rice and breads are the type of grains eaten. Two to four servings of fresh fruit, along with tofu, green tea and seaweed are eaten daily. The diet includes fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, three times a week. Other staples of the diet include peppers, sweet potatoes, onions and bean sprouts. Meat, poultry and eggs are eaten only in moderation.
Low Glycemic Index Foods
According to the Australian Institute of Sport, foods having a lower glycemic index can help control blood glucose levels. The glycemic index (GI) rates carbohydrates according to what their immediate effect on blood glucose levels are. Carbohydrate-containing foods that are digested quickly, higher GI foods, release glucose into the bloodstream very quickly as well. Carbohydrate-containing foods that are digested less slowly, the lower GI foods, release glucose more slowly. Including more lower GI and less higher GI carbohydrates in the diet can help prevent hyperglycemia. Examples of lower GI foods--having a GI index less than 55--include bran and oat cereals, whole grain breads and pastas, peas, carrots, mushrooms, peppers, hummus, sweet potatoes, brown rice, cherries and apples.
References
- Journal of the American College of Cardiology: Dietary Strategies for Improving Post-Prandial Glucose, Lipids, Inflammation, and Cardiovascular Health by James H. O'Keefe MD, Neil M. Gheewala MSa and Joan O. O'Keefe RDa
- MayoClinic.com: Choose This Heart-Healthy Diet Option
- UC Berkeley: Eat Like an Okinawan
- Australian Institute of Sport: Diabetes and Sport Nutrition
