High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, is a condition caused mainly by diabetes. Hyperglycemia means high blood glucose and it occurs when the body has too little insulin or when the body does not use insulin properly, according to the American Diabetes Association. If hyperglycemia is left untreated it can cause severe complications in the nerves, kidneys and the heart.
Fiber
Dietary fiber is in most fruits, vegetables, legumes and whole grains. Fiber is known to relieve digestion problems, especially constipation. Eating a diet rich in dietary fiber can help lower blood sugar and blood cholesterol, normalize bowel movements and aid weight loss. Fiber slows the absorption of sugar and improves blood sugar levels. In addition, insoluble fiber reduces the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Fruit and Vegetables
Fruit and vegetables are high in fiber. Certain fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli and apples, are known to reduce insulin levels. Apples are full of fiber, but are also rich in pectin. This ingredient is found on the inner portion of the apple, according to Diabetes Mellitus Information. Pectin helps to detox the body and lower the body's insulin needs. Broccoli is a vegetable that supplies the body with chromium, which regulates insulin and blood sugar. Broccoli is also rich in fiber, which makes it a good choice for diabetics who also need to watch their cholesterol levels.
Fresh Garlic
Garlic belongs to the same family as onions, leeks and shallots. Garlic is often used in cooking, or taken as a supplement. However, garlic can also be used to lower blood sugar and cholesterol. According to a study in "The Journal of Nutrition," fresh garlic, as opposed to boiled garlic, can significantly help lower blood lipids and blood sugar levels.
Vitamins and Supplements
Vitamins are essential to human health. Some fat-soluble vitamins are stored within the body, whereas water-soluble vitamins are not and must be replenished everyday. In most cases, people who eat a healthy diet do not need to take vitamin supplements. However, people with diabetes may have to take vitamin supplements, in addition to eating a balanced diet, to reach the daily required value. Vitamin E is one of the main vitamins that diabetics need an excess of, because it improves insulin activity, according to Holistic Online.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid foods with empty calories, especially refined carbohydrates, such as white flour, white rice, potatoes and table sugar. Instead, try eating complex carbohydrates that contain whole grains and legumes, which work to lower blood cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose.
References
- American Diabetes Association: Hyperglycemia
- MayoClinic.com: Dietary Fiber
- Diabetes Mellitus- Information: Foods that Control Diabetes
- University of California: About Garlic
- The Journal of Nutrition: Significance of Garlic and Its Constituents in Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease
- Holistic Online: Nutritional Supplements for Diabetes
