At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of brain healthy supplements, please visit us at BrainMD. Let your doctor know if any of these factors apply to you, and ask if you need additional tests to find out.
A 2017 study that followed about half a million people in China for 7 years found that those who ate fresh fruit daily had lower rates of T2DM. Except for pineapples and melons, fruits generally have low GI scores. This is because most fresh fruits contain lots of water and fiber to balance out their content of fructose, a naturally occurring sugar.
But consuming less of certain types of food may help support healthy blood glucose levels and reduce your risk of other chronic health conditions. Probiotic yogurt is a great choice for managing blood sugar levels and in one study was shown to lower fasting blood sugar and hemoglobin A1C among those with type 2 diabetes. It’s full of good bacteria to maintain a healthy gut and contains protein to help manage hunger and maintain muscle — factors that can indirectly contribute to managing your blood sugar. Choose unsweetened Greek yogurt for low sugar content and high protein. Part of diabetes management is keeping your blood sugar levels in the correct range. This means that food choices—specifically those with high simple carbohydrate content—play a major role because the types of foods you eat affect blood sugar differently.
Antioxidants found in strawberries work to prevent or slow down some types of cell damage. A 2017 study discussed how extra-virgin olive oil can prevent and manage diabetes. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between diabetes and extra-virgin olive oil. If your A1c is below 6.0 to 7.0 percent, focusing on increasing your time-in-range will probably have a larger positive health impact than lowering your A1c further. However, if you often experience hypoglycemia, that will result in an “artificially” low A1c reading because your hypoglycemia events are lowering your blood sugar average. However, this doesn’t mean an extremely low A1c is always safe or desirable.
Also, in a small 2017 study, participants who ate plenty of fatty fish showed better blood sugar regulation after a meal than those who avoided fish. The authors of a 2017 review found that garlic supplements helped manage blood sugar and cholesterol levels in people with T2DM. Understanding your A1C levels is an important part of your overall diabetes management. If you have any questions about your A1C or what it means, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor. A1C is a blood test that shows how well your diabetes management plan is working. When building a blood-sugar-focused diet, try assembling a plate that includes protein, fat, and carbohydrates.
Managing diabetes can be challenging, but one important aspect is keeping your A1C levels in check. A1C is a measure of your average blood sugar levels over the past three months. Eating foods that help lower A1C can play a key role in maintaining good blood sugar control.
By replacing the pasta with spaghetti squash, we’re getting less than a quarter of the carbohydrates than we would be getting from regular spaghetti. As an added bonus, you’re getting a much better nutritional value. Two cups of spaghetti squash contains about 15% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin C and about 25% of the daily recommended amount of vitamin B6. Having diabetes doesn’t mean that you need to give up your favorite comfort foods.
Foods to Include in Your Diet:
1. Leafy Greens:
Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are packed with nutrients and low in carbohydrates. They are also rich in fiber, which can help stabilize blood sugar levels.
2. Berries:
Berries such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are high in antioxidants and low in sugar. They make a great snack or addition to smoothies without causing spikes in blood sugar.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Q: Can nuts help lower A1C?
- A: Yes, nuts like almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are good sources of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, which can help regulate blood sugar levels.
- Q: Is it okay to eat whole grains?
- A: Whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats are better choices than refined grains as they provide more fiber and nutrients while impacting blood sugar levels less.
Overall, incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense foods into your diet can help lower A1C levels and improve overall health when managing diabetes. It’s important to work with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to create a personalized meal plan that suits your individual needs and preferences.
