The CDC reports that over 34 million American adults have diabetes. High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, can cause long-term health complications like cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, gum infections and even eye problems. Hyperglycemia can also damage blood vessels, thereby increasing the likelihood of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.
Because 1 in 3 adults have pre-diabetes (most of which don’t know it), we all can benefit from lower glucose levels to help lose weight, reduce blood pressure and improve overall health. But how do we start?
One way is by rethinking eating habits. Here are five foods that can make a difference.
Berries.Don’t make your trip to the store fruitless. Dad jokes aside, foods like blueberries provide fiber and antioxidants known to lower blood sugar and inflammation. Similarly, one study found strawberries reduced diabetes complications like kidney disease and nerve damage. A study in Obesity found that as the number of raspberries eaten increased, insulin resistance decreased. Other studies suggest combining berries with or following starch-heavy meals can also lower blood sugar.
Go nuts.That’s right—go ahead and snack on almonds, cashews or even pistachios. In one study, pregnant people at-risk for gestational diabetes had lower blood sugar after eating pistachios versus the group that consumed whole wheat bread. However, a quarter-cup of nuts per day can decrease BMI and diabetes risks even if you’re not expecting.
Leafy greens.Veggies like spinach are low-calorie and packed with magnesium, which is good because magnesium lowers your risk for Type 2 diabetes. Dark vegetables like collards and kale provide vitamins A, C, E, calcium and iron. Greens also pack a potassium punch, which is beneficial because vitamin K relaxes blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. The fiber in vegetables can also improve glucose levels.
Non-starchy vegetables.Even if you’re not into kale, other vegetable choices should be on the table—literally. The American Diabetes Association recommends filling half your plate with non-starchy vegetables at meals, such as asparagus, broccoli, green beans, squash and mushrooms. However, the association warns that if you buy frozen or canned veggies, buy the “no salt added” version or rinse the sodium off the produce.
Whole grains.Oats and other whole grains are packed with folate, chromium, B vitamins and magnesium. In addition, these foods are high in soluble fiber lower in sugar than other carbohydrates, making for a choice that can lower cholesterol. So try steel-cut, rolled oats instead of sweet cereals. Simple carbs can cause diabetes, heart disease and obesity.
Find a Doctor
Are you concerned about your blood sugar levels? Find a healthcare provider that test you for conditions like diabetes and who can help you craft a healthcare plan—including a better diet.
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