Foods that Decrease Blood Sugar

The human anatomy comprises a series of complicated networks and the most amazing life supporting human body systems. One of the networks that has been recently highlighted is that of the organs affected by hyperglycemia or increased blood sugar. A look at the Glycemic Index or GI gives you an idea of how the body's sugar levels respond to certain food intake.

Importance of the Glycemic Index

The Glycemic Index is a chart where the different foods we consume are rated from '0' to '100'. The chart recognizes glucose at the highest position. Relating the glucose content in different foods, they are charted. Carbohydrates on the chart have been clinically analyzed to be potent and increase the body's sugar levels rapidly. On the other hand, the Glycemic Index also records and rates low glycemic index foods that also increase the body's sugar levels, but slowly, like fiber rich foods, without resulting in a condition called hypoglycemia. Understanding the glycemic index diet or chart helps to identify the potential of different foods to aggravate or control a diabetic condition. The subsequent steps taken to control the condition also assist in weight loss.

Factors That Influence Blood Sugar in Response to Certain Foods

The glycemic index gives the diabetic and family members an understanding of the foods that need to be avoided or made part of controlled intake when dealing with juvenile diabetes or adult type-1 diabetes. However, it is not easy to read the chart and it needs interpretation. Hence, implementing certain diabetes related changes to the diet should involve the intervention of a dietician or diabetologist. People react differently to different foods. The difference in response of one person's body to a particular food to another depends a lot on age, activity, insulin levels and the quantity of fiber and fat in the food. The other factors that have to be considered are the extent to which the food is processed and general meal accompaniments. Before setting a diet for diabetes treatment, it is important to also consider the ratio of carbohydrates to fat/protein and the general metabolism. All these factors play a very important role in determining the response of the blood sugar level after consuming certain foods.

Foods That Lower Blood Sugar

Clinical analysis and the entries on the GI have identified foods that decrease or control blood sugar. Though these foods don't really lower the blood sugar levels, the subsequent increase is very low and controlled. The other external factors also need to be considered when narrowing down on a diabetic diet. Foods rich in carbohydrates are usually associated with high blood sugar levels, due to the higher ranking on the glycemic index. These foods, once identified help to subsequently identify a low-carb diet that decreases or controls blood sugar levels. White bread, pastas and even potatoes rank high. However, consumption of whole grain and rye bread helps control blood sugar. Other foods that decrease or control blood sugar include:

• Breakfast cereals made from wheat bran,oats and barley
• Fruits
• Lentils
• Soybeans and baked beans
• Skimmed milk
• Cinnamon coated food
• Lamb, oysters, chicken and sardines
• Almonds
• Salacia oblonga herb
• Multi grain breads
• Jacket potatoes
• Whole wheat pasta
• Boiled vegetables
• Poached fish

The Breakdown

Health experts confirm the use of the glycemic index as a great meal-planning tool to design a balanced diet. The inclusion of foods that control the levels in the diet helps to monitor individual responses to different foods. The monitoring enables weight loss, sustenance of energy levels for prolonged periods of time and prevention of the onset of type-2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. The foods that are identified as effective in controlling blood sugar levels can be eaten in conjunction with other meal programs. There are many diabetic recipes for desserts that enable those with a sweet-tooth to indulge themselves, safely. It is far safer to research and educate yourself on the condition than to deal with complications that set into various vital organs of the body.

Diabetes calls for consistent monitoring of diabetes symptoms and accessing knowledge on the correct food intake and resources. Help is in your own hands.