Excessive thirst, hunger and urination are potential signs of hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar. While most anyone can experience it, hyperglycemia is often the first notable symptom of diabetes, according to the American Heart Association. Certain foods, infections, skipping diabetes medications, stress and reduced activity can cause hyperglycemia. If you're prone to high blood sugar due to diabetes or other conditions, certain foods may help prevent or reduce your symptoms. For severe or long-lasting symptoms, seek medical attention.
Whole Grains
Whole grains contain all nutrient-packed components of the grain plant. As a result, they are digested more slowly than refined grains, such as white flour, and are considered low-glycemic, meaning they have a mild impact on your blood sugar levels. Lowering your glycemic load may help lower your blood sugar levels and reduce your need for diabetes medications, according to MayoClinic.com endocrinologist Dr. Maria Collazo-Clavell. To accomplish this, replace enriched breads, pasta and snack foods in your diet with whole grains. Nutritious examples include 100 percent whole grain breads and cold cereals, steel-cut oatmeal, long-grain brown and wild rice, quinoa, pearled barley and air-popped popcorn.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are vital components of most healthy diets. In addition to supplying antioxidants -- nutrients that help your body fend off and recover from infections and disease, they have a mellowing impact on your blood sugar levels, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Avoid juices and canned fruit stored in heavy syrup, which are less beneficial nutrient and blood sugar-wise. Fruits and vegetables particularly low in glycemic index include berries, citrus fruits, plums, kiwi, tomatoes, leafy greens, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, bok choy, cabbage, asparagus, onions, artichokes and mushrooms.
Fish and Lean Poultry
Fish and lean poultry provide valuable amounts of protein. Since protein-rich foods digest slower than starches, they may help reduce high blood sugar levels or prevent blood sugar imbalances from developing in the first place. One useful dietary way to balance your blood sugar, according to the American Diabetes Association, is known as the "plate method." At your lunch and dinner meals, fill half of your plate with non-starchy vegetables, such as leafy greens or broccoli. Fill one remaining quarter with a complex carbohydrate, such as brown rice, and the other quarter with a lean protein source, such as a grilled skinless chicken breast or fish fillet. Choose fish and lean poultry over fatty meats, which may increase your risk for diabetes and heart disease, most often. Fatty fish, such as salmon, albacore tuna and halibut, provide the added benefit of omega-3 fatty acids -- necessary fats linked with positive heart-health and brain function.
Low-Fat Dairy Products
Low-fat dairy products are rich sources of protein, calcium and vitamin D. As low-glycemic carbohydrate sources, they also suit a hyperglycemia-friendly diet. The American Diabetes Association recommends consuming an 8 oz. serving of skim or low-fat milk with your well-balanced meals. Since whole milk and high-fat cheeses are high in saturated fat, stick primarily to lower-fat varieties. Try preparing hot cereal, such as oatmeal, with low-fat milk in place of water for a higher protein to carbohydrate ratio. No-sugar-added pudding provides a calcium and protein-rich dessert option. If you do not tolerate or consume dairy products, opt instead for soy-based products or other non-dairy equivalents.
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