5 Things You Need to Know About a High Blood Sugar Diet

1. Combat High Blood Sugar With Diet

Control high blood sugar (diabetes) with a proper diet. This is especially true for Type II diabetes, which is adult-onset diabetes and usually occurs in people over 40. What you eat plays a major role in overall health and a high blood sugar diet may prevent and control Type II diabetes.

2. Eat Regularly

If you struggle with high blood sugar, eat regular meals. Eating at about the same time each day, and controlling your portion size are all part of a diabetic diet. Too much saturated fat and refined white sugar contributes to obesity and may lead to diabetes. Poor eating habits and lack of exercise cause high blood sugar to get out of control.

3. Fuel Yourself With Fiber

Include high fiber foods in your diet. Soluble fiber stabilizes blood sugar by forming a gummy gel in your intestines. This slows the entry of glucose (blood sugar) into your bloodstream. Good fiber sources include apples, blackberries, broccoli, corn, potatoes, prunes, raisins, sweet potatoes, figs, fresh peas, kidney beans and whole grain bread. Oat bran and oatmeal also are excellent sources of fiber. Sprinkle some oat bran or wheat germ on your yogurt, cereals, salads and cottage cheese for extra fiber. Eat fresh fruits in their skins for maximum benefit.

4. Carry on With Carbs

Carbohydrates are necessary for a good high blood sugar diet, but you should avoid simple carbohydrates, such as white breads and white table sugar. Complex carbohydrates carry glucose to fuel your body's cells. Brown rice, beans and whole grain products (including pastas and breads) are among the many complex carbohydrates you can choose. Your doctor, nutritionist or dietitian should advise you on how many grams of carbohydrates you need to support your body's daily dietary requirements. You don't have to deprive yourself permanently of desserts, but keep them to a minimum and compensate for that white sugar by subtracting one of your carbohydrate servings from your daily menu.

5. Note the Difference Between Good Fats and Bad Fats

Not all fats are bad for you. You should avoid the saturated fats you find in many fast foods, such as french fries and burgers. Monounsaturated fats, found in foods such as avocados, olive oil and many nuts, can be beneficial to your diet and your overall health. Almonds are an especially good source of the type of fat that should be included in a high blood sugar diet.

Last updated on: Nov 18, 2009

Must see: Photo Galleries