Fruits and vegetables are examples of healthy carbohydrates that are rich in fiber. If you live with diabetes, it’s important that you partner with your health care provider and dietitian to create an eating plan that works for you. Use healthy foods, portion control and a schedule to manage your blood sugar level. If you don’t follow your prescribed diet, you run the risk of blood sugar levels that change often and more-serious complications.
Try peanut butter on celery for a fresh and satisfying snack, or add walnuts or pecans to your oatmeal or granola mix. Starting out, you may have to take some time to look at nutrition labels. With practice, this will become a quick and easy process and will help you get a sense of which foods are most carb-heavy so you can adjust accordingly.
Experts noted that research limitations prevented being able to provide definitive conclusions. Fatty fish contain omega-3 fatty acids that can help reduce inflammation and other risk factors of heart disease and stroke. Plus, it’s a great source of protein, which is important for managing blood sugar. Figuring out the best foods to eat when you have diabetes doesn’t have to be tough. To keep things simple, your main goal should be managing your blood sugar levels. It’s also important to eat foods that help prevent diabetes complications like heart disease.
Next, it can cause bleeding in the retina (back of the eyes) which can lead to blindness, and third, it can cause painful neuropathy [nerve damage] that never goes away. However, you don’t have to follow a low-carb diet if it doesn’t work for you — physically or mentally. However, the closer you get to the recommended A1c target, the less benefit you will get from lowering your A1c further. For example, taking your A1c from 12.0 percent to 11.0 percent makes a big difference, while lowering your A1c from 7.0 percent to 6.0 percent provides a much smaller benefit. Your doctor or endocrinologist should test your A1c regularly (typically every 3 to 6 months). The doctor simply pricks your finger (or earlobe tip, if you prefer) and takes a tiny blood sample.
Lowering your A1C levels is crucial for managing diabetes and reducing the risk of complications. One of the most effective ways to lower your A1C is by following a healthy diet. Certain foods can help control blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
Vegetables
Factors such as life expectancy, treatment response, and medical history also have an impact. When glucose enters the blood, it binds to a red blood cell (RBC) protein called hemoglobin. This protein is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.
Vegetables are an essential part of a diabetes-friendly diet. They are low in calories and high in fiber, making them an excellent choice for lowering A1C levels. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and broccoli are particularly beneficial for stabilizing blood sugar.
Because carbohydrates break down into sugar, they have the greatest effect on your blood sugar level. To help control your blood sugar, you may need to learn to figure out the amount of carbohydrates you are eating with the help of a dietitian. It’s important to keep track of the amount of carbohydrates in each meal or snack. A 2021 review concluded that probiotic foods had a notable effect on blood sugar regulation in people with type 2 diabetes. Researchers noted that these foods had the greatest impact on people whose diabetes was not well managed and those who were not on insulin therapy (35).
Whole Grains
Whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, and oats are rich in fiber, which helps slow down the absorption of glucose in the bloodstream. This can prevent spikes in blood sugar levels and contribute to better A1C control.
Lean Protein
Lean protein sources like chicken, fish, and tofu can also help lower A1C levels. Protein-rich foods have a minimal impact on blood sugar and can help you feel full longer, preventing overeating and excessive snacking.
Fruits
Fruits are a healthy source of natural sugars and antioxidants. Berries, apples, and citrus fruits are excellent choices for managing blood sugar levels. However, it’s essential to consume fruits in moderation to avoid spikes in glucose.
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats like avocados, nuts, and olive oil are beneficial for lowering A1C levels. They help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation in the body. Incorporating these fats into your diet can have a positive impact on your blood sugar control.
In conclusion, choosing the right foods plays a crucial role in lowering A1C levels and managing diabetes. By including vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, fruits, and healthy fats in your diet, you can effectively control your blood sugar and improve your overall health.
