23 Foods to Control Blood Sugar Spikes

meals

What’s your blood sugar level? When you’re managing diabetes, that’s a question you ask yourself multiple times a day.Maybe you’re managing diabetes with diet, lifestyle changes, and medication right now. Maybe you measure your blood sugar levels every couple of hours.

The goal: Keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range, and avoid big spikes that can take a toll on your health.

High blood sugar levels increase your risk for:

Heart disease
Nerve damage
Kidney failure
Vision problems
Poor circulation, and
Other complications

What causes big spikes in blood sugar levels? It’s usually from eating foods high in carbohydrates or with a high Glycemic Index. If the food you eat digests rapidly, you’re more likely to experience a spike in blood sugar levels.

But it doesn’t have to be this way. Eating the right foods can help regulate blood sugar levels and prevent spikes that put your health at risk.

When you have diabetes, most of the food you eat should come from fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, and legumes. And you should avoid fast food, meals made with highly processed ingredients, and sugary drinks, treats, and desserts.

So what types of foods should you eat? Check the Diabetic-Friendly menu for a variety of choices. Or create a meal plan with some of these 23 low Glycemic Index foods that help regulate blood sugar levels.

Meats

Chicken
Turkey
Beef
Pork
Tilapia
Salmon
Eggs

Grains

Whole-Grain Pancakes

Vegetables

Carrots
Corn
Peas
Zucchini
Asparagus
Broccoli
Cauliflower
Celery
Mushrooms
Onions
Bell Peppers
Spinach

Legumes

Black Beans
Kidney Beans

Dairy

Cheddar Cheese

Hungry for something healthy that won’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels? Plan a meal with these foods. Or pick your favorites from the Diabetic-Friendly menu, all meals are made from fresh ingredients, and only take minutes to prepare.