The human body relies on glucose to function properly. Your cells use glucose to produce energy. Your body produces glucose naturally; it’s made by the liver. A lot of the foods that you eat also contain glucose. When you consume glucose, or sugar, it enters the bloodstream and is transported to the cells of the body.
High blood sugar, or hyperglycemia, occurs when your body either can’t make insulin, or it is unable to respond properly to insulin. The former is referred to as type 1 diabetes, and the latter is referred to as type 2 diabetes. The body relies on insulin so that glucose in the blood can make its way to the cells of the body, where it can be used for energy. For people who have developed either type 1 or type 2 diabetes, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, which results in hyperglycemia.
If your blood sugar levels are too high for too long, it can lead to serious health complications if it is not treated properly. High blood sugar can cause damage to the vessels that provide blood to vital organs, including the kidneys, the liver, the heart, and even the brain. Hyperglycemia leads to an increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, vision problems and issues with the nerves.
Since high blood sugar can cause devastating effects on the body, it is essential to keep the levels in check. You can take certain medications to help control blood sugar levels (such as insulin), but you can also control it with your diet. Even if you are taking medication, it is important to make changes to your diet in order to ensure that your blood sugar levels are kept in a healthy balance and so that you don’t end up suffering grave consequences.
Fortunately, there are several foods that have been found to lower blood sugar levels. Here’s a look at 20 options that you are definitely going to want to include in your diet if you are prone to high blood sugar levels.
1. Chia seeds
A gluten free grain that has been consumed for centuries, chia seeds are famed for offering several health benefits. Among these benefits include stabilizing blood sugar levels, improving insulin sensitivity, and managing the effects of diabetes.
They can also help to balance cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and reduce extreme rises in blood sugar after eating a meal. In addition to all of these benefits, chia seeds are also packed with a number of vital nutrients, including fiber, potassium, magnesium, iron, folic acid and calcium. You can sprinkle chia seeds on top of a salad, mix them in with yogurt, or add them into a smoothie.
