The Right Diet for High Sugar Level

High blood sugar level is one of the main health problems not only in the country but also in the world. And it is not something that can be ignored both financially and health-wise. When left on its own, high blood sugar level can spell a hell-of-a complications, from heart problems to liver problems.


Overview

It is perhaps the problem that causes the most number of complications in the body. Moneywise, it is not cheap to have high blood sugar level. In fact in studies conducted, 1/10 of the spending of the United States in Healthcare goes to high blood sugar levels and its complications. Because it is expensive and difficult to treat when it is already in its complications stage, patients are advised to nip the problem in the bud as soon as they can. If they can prevent it from occurring with a few lifestyle changes especially in eating habits, all the better. This need for change spurned the creation of various kinds of diets that are designed to help maintain healthy blood sugar level on people and help cope with the problem.

Photo by lybrate

Atkins Diet

Although it was primarily conceptualized for people with a heart problems, Atkins Diet is also being used as an alternative diet for people with high sugar level.  This diet is primarily a low carbohydrate diet that aims to cut pounds by forbidding people under the program to eat carbohydrate-rich food. These includes:

  • Rice
  • Potatoes
  • Bread
  • Pasta

According to Dr. Robert Atkins, who created the diet for patients with heart problems in his clinic, the diet can also benefit high blood sugar level patients because the decrease in caloric intake can reduce fats in the body; thereby reducing the risk for Type 2 diabetes.

The diet, however, is only effective with people who have Type 2 diabetes or those whose diabetes is brought on by the lifestyle of the person and his or her eating habits. It cannot do much for people who are already born with a problem in insulin secretion. These are the people with Type 1 diabetes. They depend solely on regular injections of insulin.

Still, there are critics that say that Atkins's diet is not effective and in fact, can lead to further complications. According to experts, the metabolism involved in the burning of fats instead of carbohydrates can cause problems and complications. Also, the intake of animal fat which diet does not restrict can increase cholesterol to dangerous levels; resulting in diabetes and even heart disease.



Best Foods to Control High Blood Sugar Levels

When you have high blood sugar level it does not mean that you have to eat bland food for the rest of your life.  You do although need to learn what is going to be good for you and what is bad for your body.

Fatty Fish

Fatty fish contain omega-3 fats that reduce inflammation and other risk factors for heart problems. Getting enough of these fats on a regular basis is especially important for people with high blood sugar level.

Leafy Vegetables

Leafy vegetables are rich in nutrients and antioxidants that protect your heart and eye health. They are good sources of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants protect  and support eye health.

Eggs

Eggs improve risk factors for heart problems, promote good blood sugar control, protect eye health and keep you feeling full. Eggs decrease inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, increase your "good" HDL cholesterol levels and modify the size and shape of your "bad" LDL cholesterol.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon may improve blood sugar control, insulin sensitivity, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Long-term diabetes control is typically determined by measuring hemoglobin A1c, which reflects your average blood sugar level over 2–3 months.

Squash

Summer and winter squash contain beneficial antioxidants and may help lower blood sugar and insulin levels. Like most vegetables, squash contains beneficial antioxidants. Many types of winter squash are high in lutein and zeaxanthin, which help promotes eye health.

Garlic

Garlic helps lower blood sugar, inflammation, LDL cholesterol and blood pressure in people with diabetes. In one study, people with uncontrolled high blood pressure who took aged garlic for 12 weeks averaged a 10-point decrease in blood pressure.

Strawberry

Strawberries are low-sugar fruits that have strong anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce heart disease risk. Anthocyanins have been shown to reduce cholesterol and insulin levels after a meal. They also improve blood sugar and heart disease risk factors in high blood sugar.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels. It may also help you feel full for longer. Apple cider vinegar has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and lower fasting blood sugar levels. It may also reduce blood sugar response by as much as 20% when consumed with meals containing carbs.

Nuts

Nuts are a healthy addition to a healthy diet. They're low in digestible carbs and help reduce blood sugar, insulin and LDL levels. All types of nuts contain fiber and are low in digestible carbs, although some have more than others.

Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, which may reduce blood sugar levels and inflammation while support heart and kidney health.

Credits: mysouthernhealth



DISCLAIMER

All the content on this blog, including medical opinion and any other health-related information, are solely to provide information only. Any information/statements on this blog are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should NOT be a substitute for health and medical advice that can be provided by your own physician/medical doctor.  We at Nano Singapore Shop, encourage you to consult a doctor before making any health or diet changes, especially any changes related to a specific diagnosis or condition.



SOURCES:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/16-best-foods-for-diabetics