Glucose: The carbohydrates and sugars in what you eat and drink turns into glucose sugar in the stomach and digestive system. Glucose can then enter the bloodstream. The pancreas gradually loses its ability to produce insulin. The result can be a high blood glucose level.

Track Levels Health care professionals can take blood glucose readings and provide recommendations. Tips for Success Eat Smart: Eat a healthy diet of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, plant-based proteins, lean animal proteins like fish and seafood.

Limit sugary foods and drinks, red or processed meats, salty foods, refined carbohydrates and highly processed foods. Move More: Being physically active can lower your risk of developing diabetes and help you manage the disease if you already have it.

Manage Weight: Stay at a healthy weight to help prevent, delay or manage diabetes. No Nicotine: Smoking, vaping, exposure to secondhand smoke or using tobacco can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, many cancers and other chronic diseases.

They found evidence to suggest that carbohydrate -based meals that contain beta-glucan have a link to lower blood sugar levels than meals that do not contain beta-glucan. Stone-ground and rolled oats are typically the preferable forms to consume. People may wish to limit other forms, such as processed oats, instant oats, and cereal bars.

Nuts are very rich in dietary fiber and have low GI scores. Nuts also contain high levels of plant protein, unsaturated fatty acids, and other nutrients, including:.

The American Diabetes Association notes that nuts can be beneficial for diabetes and are a good source of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. As with other foods in this article, it is best to eat nuts that are as whole and as unprocessed as possible.

Nuts with coatings or flavorings have higher GI scores than plain nuts. Legumes , such as beans, peas, chickpeas, and lentils, have very low GI scores. Even baked beans, which are not as preferable, still have a low GI score.

Legumes are also good sources of nutrients that can help people maintain healthy blood sugar levels, including:. People with diabetes may wish to avoid legume products that contain added sugars and simple starches, such as legumes packaged in syrups, sauces, or marinades.

Garlic is a popular component of traditional remedies for diabetes and a wide variety of other conditions. The compounds in garlic may help lower blood sugar by improving insulin sensitivity and secretion. The authors of a review found that garlic supplements helped manage blood sugar and cholesterol levels in people with T2DM.

Fish and other animal proteins do not typically have GI scores because they do not contain carbohydrates. However, consuming fish that contain the omega-3 fatty acids docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid may help manage or prevent diabetes better than consuming other types of animal protein.

The researchers behind a study found that people who consumed oily fish developed T2DM at lower rates than those who did not. Also, in a small study , participants who ate plenty of fatty fish showed better blood sugar regulation after a meal than those who avoided fish.

While more research is necessary, some evidence suggests a potential link between mercury and T2DM. Health experts recommend limiting fish high in mercury, especially for children, pregnant people, and those who are nursing. While more research is necessary, some evidence suggests that yogurt consumption, as part of a healthy dietary pattern, may help reduce the risk of T2DM.

Evidence notes that yogurt can provide many other health benefits. And because eating yogurt can help people feel fuller, it may help with blood sugar management. It is best to avoid sweetened or flavored yogurts, which often contain more sugar than is desirable for a person who is looking to lower their blood sugar levels.

Greek-style yogurt and unsweetened yogurt can be healthy alternatives. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is key. Additional strategies to help lower or manage blood sugar levels include:. People with diabetes may also need to take medications and check their blood sugar levels regularly to reduce the risk of experiencing potentially dangerous symptoms and complications.

Choosing healthy proteins and fats and non-starchy vegetables can help manage hyperglycemia. Carbohydrates that are lower in sugar and contain fiber are less likely to spike blood sugar compared to refined carbs. Lean proteins like chicken, oily fish, and non-starchy vegetables can also be good choices for hyperglycemia.

Hyperglycemia occurs due to a lack of insulin or insulin resistance. However, a diet high in processed carbohydrates and sugars can increase the risk of blood sugar spikes.

High-sugar foods and simple, refined carbohydrate products are best to limit when managing hyperglycemia. Things to specifically limit or avoid include:.

The fastest way to lower blood sugar is to take fast-acting insulin medication. Exercise can also help to bring down blood sugar levels quickly. Diet and lifestyle changes can help manage overall blood sugar levels, but for immediate action, prescription medication or medical assistance may be necessary.

Eating healthy can help people with diabetes manage their symptoms and prevent complications. Learn more about which foods to eat and which to avoid. People with prediabetes may find it difficult to find tasty meal ideas to help lower their blood sugar levels. Here are some ideas.

Researchers said baricitinib, a drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, showed promise in a clinical trial in helping slow the progression of type 1…. A new review indicates that insulin—used to manage diabetes—can be kept at room temperature for months without losing its potency. A study in rat models of diabetes suggests that spinach extract — both water- and alcohol-based — may help promote wound healing, which occurs very….

My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health? Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut Tools General Health Drugs A-Z Health Hubs Health Tools Find a Doctor BMI Calculators and Charts Blood Pressure Chart: Ranges and Guide Breast Cancer: Self-Examination Guide Sleep Calculator Quizzes RA Myths vs Facts Type 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood Sugar Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction Connect About Medical News Today Who We Are Our Editorial Process Content Integrity Conscious Language Newsletters Sign Up Follow Us.

Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. Which foods can help to lower and control blood sugar? Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R. Whole wheat bread Fruits Sweet potatoes and yams Oatmeal and oat bran Nuts Legumes Garlic Fatty fish Yogurt Other methods FAQs Foods with a low glycemic index GI may help people lower or manage their blood sugar levels.

Stone-ground whole wheat or pumpernickel bread. Share on Pinterest Consuming less-processed grains can help blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Most fruits.