This means that they can increase blood glucose more. People can add berries and nuts to yogurt for a healthful breakfast or dessert. Walnuts also provide key nutrients, such as protein, vitamin B-6, magnesium, and iron. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. For people who have diabetes and those who do not, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men. Olive oil also contains antioxidants called polyphenols. Beans are cheap, nutritious, and super healthy. Increase to a maximum of 2 tablespoons per day.

All rights reserved. Check the ingredient list for anything that’s “partially hydrogenated,” even if the label says it has 0 grams of trans fat. Research shows that pumpkin polysaccharides improved insulin tolerance and decreased levels of serum glucose in rats (89). They’re also very low in digestible carbs, or carbs absorbed by the body, so they won’t significantly affect blood sugar levels. Eating certain foods while limiting others can help people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.

Citrus fruits are also a great source of: Learn about other beneficial fruits for diabetes here. Go for a variety of colors: dark greens, red or orange (think of carrots or red peppers), whites (onions) and even purple (eggplants). A study in 68 adults with overweight and obesity found that participants who consumed fatty fish had significant improvements in post-meal blood sugar levels, compared with participants who consumed lean fish (9). To incorporate apple cider vinegar into your diet, begin with 1 teaspoon mixed in a glass of water each day. Chia seeds may also help maintain glycemic management in individuals with diabetes. However, as a general rule, people should try to follow the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ MyPlate guidelines and include no more than a quarter plate of starchy carbs in one meal. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional, Learn about other beneficial nuts for diabetes here, Learn about other beneficial fruits for diabetes here. People need a certain amount of healthful fats to keep their body functioning and to promote heart and brain health.

Leafy green vegetables are extremely nutritious and low in calories. Avocados have less than 1 gram of sugar, few carbohydrates, a high fiber content, and healthy fats, so you don’t have to worry about them raising your blood sugar levels (15). Unhealthful fats, such as saturated and trans fats, can make a person with diabetes feel worse. All rights reserved. A study in subjects with type 2 diabetes found that consumption of walnut oil daily improved blood glucose levels (50). It's not always easy to follow your diabetes meal plan day after day, but these delicious recipes may help. Apple cider vinegar is believed to have many other healthful properties, including antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. Our general interest e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics. Some researchers say that eating green leafy vegetables is helpful for people with diabetes due to their high antioxidant content and starch-digesting enzymes. Quiz: What Should You Eat if You Have Diabetes? One way to manage diabetes with diet is to balance high- and low-GI foods. Iceberg lettuce is not as great because it’s low in nutrients. Additionally, yogurt may reduce your risk for diabetes.

Here are 15 natural ways to lower your blood sugar levels. Unflavored water or flavored sparkling water, Unsweetened tea with or without a slice of lemon, Light beer, small amounts of wine, or non-fruity mixed drinks, Coffee, black or with added low-fat milk and sugar substitute, Regular beer, fruity mixed drinks, dessert wines. The benefits of eggs are primarily due to nutrients found in the yolk rather than the white. Garlic helps lower blood sugar, inflammation, LDL cholesterol and blood pressure in people with diabetes. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. For context, one clove of garlic is around 3 grams. Use this list as a guide. Having high blood sugar levels is an incredibly common problem. Polyphenols reduce inflammation, protect the cells lining your blood vessels, keep your LDL (bad) cholesterol from becoming damaged by oxidation, and decrease blood pressure (62, 63, 64, 65). Can You Drink Alcohol if You Have Diabetes. A healthy diet can help you keep your type 2 diabetes in check. Diabetes can cause long-term damage, from foot to nerve complications. You can also snack on a lower-fat cheese stick or a beef jerky stick -- but keep an eye on how much sodium is in them, she says.

Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic. They’re healthy, delicious, and low-carb, Powers says. Then, to ensure a noodle-like texture, cook the noodles for several minutes in a skillet over high heat without added fat. All rights reserved.

A 2019 study in mice found that avocatin B (AvoB), a fat molecule found only in avocados, inhibits incomplete oxidation in skeletal muscle and the pancreas, which reduces insulin resistance (17). Learn more about managing blood sugar spikes after meals. When she’s not writing about food, she’s baking something sweet to feed her chocolate obsession. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. One study found that consuming broccoli sprouts led to a 10 percent reduction in blood glucose in people with diabetes (55). Balancing certain foods can help maintain health, improve overall well-being, and prevent future complications.

When choosing high-GI foods, limit the portions and pair these foods with protein or healthful fat to reduce the impact on blood sugar and feel full for longer.