Food to lower blood sugar level...

@selece (2357)
Philippines
August 4, 2008 10:02am CST
Umm... My mother's family tree has traces of diabetes. Most of them have diabetes. So... It is not impossible for me to catch the same thing. But I hope not. So as early as now, I'm trying to monitor my sugar level. The thing is, lately, I've noticed my sugar level is near the highest average level. I'm close to getting a high sugar level. Which is not good. Are there any good food that you can suggest? Aside from staying away from sweet foods or the ones with high sugar content. I do that but still I get the same sugar level on my test results. What causes diabetes anyway? I don't want it in me! Huhu.
7 people like this
21 responses
@mialei23 (2385)
• Philippines
4 Aug 08
Hi selece, Less eating rice my friend, it elevates blood sugar level. You need to have a good diet, just less eating carbohydrates, soft drinks and even chocolate. I can't recommend any food/medicine that can lower blood sugar for you unless you are + to Diabetes Mellitus, you have to consult your doctor. FYI, unless you have a genes, probably you can acquire DM when you reach the age of 20 years and up. So my tip for you, "Avoid depressions or stress" Anyway, how old are you? So as early as possible, discipline! you need to be aware of what you eat. Because when your blood sugar level raised it can trigger and will result to diabetes. For other informations, consult your doctor.
4 people like this
• Malaysia
9 Aug 08
Yes, stress does induce the' stress hormones' to elevate the blood glucose higher if you are already a potential candidate or even at prediabetes stage too.
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
9 Aug 08
I hope to get rid of stress soon. Huhu. But it seems a bit impossible right now.
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
5 Aug 08
I am 20 years old... Turning 21 on September. Oh my... huhu. Stress is hard to avoid. About the chocolate, softdrinks I can avoid those. Rice is... well...Ugh... I eat a quite a lot. Guess I need to lessen my intake. Thanks for the advice!
@eden32 (3973)
• United States
4 Aug 08
I am type 2 diabetic and have been for about 4 years now. There is a lot of misinformation in the responses you have received so far. You should of course talk to your doctor for advice. If you know already that your numbers are running on the high side of normal, you may in fact be "borderline" diabetic already. You don't have to give up any food or food group, but you do need to learn to balance your meals properly. Carbs can raise your blood sugar, but they are part of a healthy diet & you can not cut them out completely. What's important is that you understand how much is in a serving of a given food, and that you couple carbs with proteins for a balanced meal. If you can't see your doctor, at least check out some good books on diabetes.
3 people like this
• Malaysia
9 Aug 08
Yes, I do agree with Eden, it's the portions, servings and nutritional value of food intakes to be taken in consideration and with regular exercises.
1 person likes this
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
5 Aug 08
Okay! I will do so. Thanks you so much for the advice!
1 person likes this
@carlaabt (3504)
• United States
5 Aug 08
I had prediabetes (but don't anymore, it's amazing what losing a little bit of weight can do for your health!). What my doctor told me to do was to eat LOTS of fiber. I still eat carbohydrates, but I make sure that it's whole grain whenever possible. I eat fruit, whole grain pasta, rice, bread, etc. I just make sure that there is enough fiber to make it ok. I also make sure to pair it with protein of some kind. I eat lean meats, and low fat dairy products for my protein most of the time.
2 people like this
• Malaysia
9 Aug 08
That's great Carla, good for you. Yes, it is great if an overweight person could lose some pounds and feels lighter toobesides cutting down all the body resistance and boosting up the immunity. Cheers and keep it up.
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
6 Aug 08
Okay! Thanks for the tip! I will keep that in mind. Thank you so much!
@dhangski (3194)
• Philippines
4 Aug 08
Well my friend, if you have a family history of diabetics, the possibility that you will have is 90%. So be aware of it. I have a high sugar level too and we have a history of this disorder. What really helped me to maintain my sugar is I drink Ampalaya (bitter courd) tea at least once a day. And refrain your carbohydrates intake like for example rice. Because carbo when digested will become sugar. Hope this helps. HUGZ!
@eden32 (3973)
• United States
4 Aug 08
Although people with a family history have a higher chance of getting diabetes, it's NOT a 90% chance. With a healthy diet & lifestyle, she has great odds of not getting the disease.
2 people like this
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
5 Aug 08
I am aware that diabetes has high hereditary issues so I wanted to at least prevent it. Anyway, I drink that too, but not often. Hehe! Thanks for the advice!
• Lubbock, Texas
4 Aug 08
Eden32 has given good advice. Balanced carb to protein is a must. Also eating 5 healthy mini-meals a day instead of 3 big ones. This keeps your insulin levels up where they need to be. I would suggest you have a check-up and talk to your Dr. about healthy eating. Or you might consult a nutritionist. Some Dr. will refer you to a nutritionist if you're diagnosed with DM, but since you're at risk, I'd definitely have regular check-ups.
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
5 Aug 08
I see. And thanks for supporting Eden's advice. It proves that it is very true and reliable. Thanks a lot!
1 person likes this
• Philippines
4 Aug 08
Good day...Sadly the only way to prevent DM is to prevent challenging your pancreatic B cells from secreting insulin. In order to do this, it is tantamount to decrease your sugar intake. Treat yourself like a diabetic in order to become a diabetic. So I think you should decrease or avoid sweets and simple carbohydrates.
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
5 Aug 08
I am trying to avoid sweets now and lessen my carbohydrate intake. Thanks for the advice!
@howard96h (11640)
• New York, New York
4 Aug 08
Hi my friend how do you know what your sugar level is, do you have a monitor? The advice "Eden32" has provided is excellent especially that you don't have to cut out certain important food all together, just balance them.
2 people like this
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
5 Aug 08
I will keep that in mind. It was a very good advice. Thank you!
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
4 Aug 08
hi selece yes indeed veggies, mydiabetes educator calls them the boon of diabetics and says they act like scrubbers and scrub away any excess glucose in your tummy, and most all are really healthy for you and most fruits have fiber and that also helps to get rid of excess sugar. also exercise daily is an excellent way to keep your blood glucose level down to normal.Lean meat like chicken and fish and some lean beef also work to lower blood sugar. Usually in type t wo diabetics overweight causes diabetes as it raises the cells resistance to accepting insulin so if you are in any way overweight lose at least ten percent of your body weight. but you dont look like a fat person to me. right now is a good time to practice diabetes prevention in yourself. you might want to have your family doctor check your blood glucose levels and see what he has to say. just to be on the safe side so to speak.
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
6 Aug 08
I am definitely not a fat person. Hehe. Thank you so much for the advice and information. I'll keep that in mind! Thank you!
@mentalward (14691)
• United States
4 Aug 08
I found this terrific website that plans meals out for you. It is for diabetics but, since you are borderline already, you should begin eating a well-balanced meal aimed at diabetics. Here's the link: http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/lf_hl_diabetic_planner/0,3151,FOOD_29017,00.html Also, it is important that you watch your weight. As we age, most of us have a tendency to put on a few extra pounds. From your picture, it looks like you don't have to worry about that, at least for now. No one in my family has ever had diabetes, but I had gained weight from a medication I was taking and became what they called "pre-diabetic". All I did was lose some weight and my blood sugar is now at a good level. So, watch your weight as you age. That is good advice for anyone, not just people with a family history of diabetes! I hope this helps!
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
5 Aug 08
Wow! Thank you so much! I'll study the site.I think it's really useful. Thanks for the advice too. I really appreciate it. Thank you!
• United States
29 Sep 08
There are foods out there that WILL naturally lower your blood sugar...things lke cinnimon ...vinigar and anything considered low clycemic. Also as Eden says...DO NOT cut out carbs as a whole...if you do you can develope what is called Ketosis and that is not something you want to deal with. Eat properly follow a dr prescibed diet or seek out a nutritionist....Real medical information is what is going to help you most. Advice is great from those who experience the same problem but all people and bodies are different and will respond differently to different meds and foods. I have been diabetic for 7 years and went thru what you did in the beginning...taking any info i could possiby get...take all this in account but please before doing ANYTHING...see your doctor...then if you are DM test test test and follow all of your doctors advice...you will be glad you did
• Malaysia
9 Aug 08
Hie Selece, don't be despaired by this as it could be controlled through your lifestyle modifications as you already have the empowerment and motivations. I think you are in the prediabetes stage, just like me from a strong family of diabetics. It is a good that you are doing something about it now than when already confirmed as a diabetic, it is harder and will be living with it the entire life and not reversible. I would suggest to you , do get a thorough check up from a doctor then do a glucose tolerance test ( a glucose drink given and then after an hour or two , a blood sample taken )to get a confirmation whether you are actually a prediabetes ( borderline ) or having diabetes. I am not sure whether you are having any sign or symptoms of losing weight ( you do look on the thin side ), constant thirst, frequent urination or even lethargy lately. This are a few typical signs of high elevation of blood glucose in a person who are affected. As most mylotters here have advised you, see to your food intake esp high carbos & hidden sugars that you might not be aware. Increase more exercises to reduce the body resistance + weight and even 30 mins /day really helps. Whatever it is, you still need to eat some carbos ( complex ones better )for energy, so don't try to skip meals or not to eat at all. It will great if you and mum could spend some time with a dietitian & diabetes educator to guide you further in self care management. Do hope this help and best wishes. Cheers,
1 person likes this
• Malaysia
10 Aug 08
Ohhh...really, that is good, so what's your secret ..huh/ I do hope you are not too stressed up with you life at present. I certainly wish you and family well and in good health. I forgotten to include this link the last time - www.joslin.com. Hope it will be useful to you in understanding more of the diabetes management. Cheers and have a good day
1 person likes this
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
10 Aug 08
Hehe. I dont know actually. Haha. My father was like this too, so I probably got it from him. I eat well but I still maintain this kind of weight. Hehe. Thank you for the site. Ill look through it.
1 person likes this
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
9 Aug 08
I have been thin all my life. LoL. I will take note of your response. I find it pretty useful. Thank you so much!
@relundad (2310)
• United States
4 Aug 08
There are many foods that will raise your blood sugar level not just sweets or stuff that you normally associate with sugar. My father is diabetic and whenever he eats foods that are starchy like pasta, rice or potatoes his levels are off the chart. A lot of processed foods will raise the numbers as well. The only time his rates are good is when he eats lots of fresh vegatables and lean meats. Also alot of fresh fruits also have very high in sugar. Some juices like apple juice for instance normally doesn't have added sugar but is still very high.
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
4 Aug 08
I am also a diabetic and if you eat apples, oranges, melons, berries of all kinds you get enough fiber that it counteracts any sweetness at all the American Diabetes assoc. recommends thes fruits f or diabetics, and we all need fiber, fiber help;s control blood glucose so well.
1 person likes this
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
5 Aug 08
I see. Thanks for the info. I will go for fresh vegetables and fiber-rich foods often. Thank you so much!
@joyadalia (1408)
• Philippines
9 Aug 08
Since your risk factor is very high, you should really to check your diet. If you really want food that will lower your sugar level then you might like to try eating ampalaya or bitter melon. It has been proven by experts to lower blood sugar level especially in diabetics. Eat more vegetables. You should also control your carbohydrate intake and make it as minimal as possible. You may also try not eating in fast foods too much. It's better to avoid eating junk foods, too. Stay healthy. One last thing: exercise for at least 30 minutes a day.
1 person likes this
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
9 Aug 08
I do that occasionally. Guess I should do it more often. Thank you so much for your advice!
@joyadalia (1408)
• Philippines
9 Aug 08
You should ;O)
• Philippines
5 Aug 08
I do think that self-discipline and healthy lifestyle can help a lot to prevent diabetes. I believed if it's hereditary, it has a high possibility to get this disease, however, it can be avoided if you're aware with the do's and don'ts. Like me, i'm careful enough to avoid this disease because my family background has it. Diet, exercise and eating moderately is my primary concern. Too much of everything is dangerous. So i need to be careful tho'. Life is precious, i should say. Eating too much sweets should be avoided especially when age gets high. Softdrinks is not good for our body. Eating ampalaya is good especially the tea. Rice and carbo should be avoided. Regular check-up from your physician is necessary.
1 person likes this
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
6 Aug 08
Thank you for the advice and useful information. I appreciate it! Thanks a lot!
@Tanewha (69)
• Germany
4 Aug 08
You want to look for foods that have a low Glycemic Index. These are foods that the body processes slowly so the sugar level in your blood does not rise and fall dramatically over time. Do a web search for low Glycemic Index foods and you will find things that you like and can find locally.
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
5 Aug 08
Oh, Okay! I will do that. Thanks for the info! I appreciate it!
@balasri (26537)
• India
5 Aug 08
Walk walk and walk as much as possible.Then see the blood glucose level.You will be surprised.The idea is to burn away the excess sugar.
1 person likes this
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
6 Aug 08
I do a lot of walking everyday. It's inevitable. Hehe. I guess it helps out a lot. Thank you!
@rsa101 (37952)
• Philippines
5 Aug 08
Well you are near that level to become one. Well it's not only sweet but lessen your carbo intake like breads, rice and others. I think for as long as the level remains inside the normal range of blood then your safe. Some says that stress can also induce your blood sugar to rise so maybe if you're under stress maybe you should lie low for a while. I guess you cold prolong not having that is the best way but totally avoiding that from coming in is something that is impossible at the moment as they have not yet formulated to total cure for that disease. It will come when your body starts to weaken with age. The only you could do is to prolong that level of low blood sugar in your bloodstream.
1 person likes this
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
6 Aug 08
Yeah, you're right... That's the scary part. But I'll do my best at least to keep it at a safe level. Thank you so much!
• United States
4 Aug 08
I believe that I read somewhere that cinnamon can lower your blood sugar. It may be something you'll want to research more online and maybe discuss with a doctor if you can to see if they have any opinions on the subject. You may be able to find a supplement that you can take to help lower your blood sugar naturally as well as eat a bit healthier to prevent it from happening in the future.
1 person likes this
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
6 Aug 08
Whoa, I like cinnamon. Hehe. I should research on that. Thanks a lot!
@cutieweii (374)
• Malaysia
4 Aug 08
Most people said that prevention from diabetes is better than cure, so I think your initiatives to cut down sweet food to control your sugar level is good. But, it's sufficient, as my grandma and mom are diabetes patient so I've learn a bit from their doctors too. In fact, to control the sugar level you have to monitor your carbohydrate consumption too. Too much of rice, bread or pasta can spike your blood sugar level but this can be minimized if you consume whole grain bread or pasta. Besides, low glycemic foods that can help lower blood sugar include fruits such as pears, apples and oranges; oatmeal, peanuts, beans, peas, granola and so forth. So, you can take them as you like, but not too excessive of course. Hope this helps.
1 person likes this
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
6 Aug 08
Thanks for the useful info! I appreciate it!
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
4 Aug 08
Well selece, I wish you the best in trying to keep you sugar level low. As far as I know there are no foods to lower the levels only to try to not make them any higher. I had a girlfriend with diabetes who was very good at watching what she ate. She knew more about the numbers in every food group than anyone I have ever know. We do not speak to each other anymore, but I still know some of her tricks. First of all, the carbs-stay away! The pasta, breads, those were the most damaging. Since they were the biggest offenders in turning to sugar you need to try to not eat them if you can help it. You also have to count how many fruits you eat during the day and count juices and your overall diet of everything containing sugar or anything that breaks down into sugar. I know how difficult this is because I've watched her suffer for so many years. She also has always been obese. She had started to finally lose some weight and excersie. At least you don't have that problem too. You already know that Diabetes is in your gene pool. Unfortunatly my girlfriend's dad has it too. If there is any way that I can help you I will be more than glad to.
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
5 Aug 08
You've helped a lot by sharing what you know. I appreciate it and I'll keep that in mind! Thank you so much! I'm glad a lot of people here were kind enough to share their knowledge. Thank you!
• United States
5 Aug 08
i just found out i am diabetic. you really want to watch your carbs and starches. drink lots of water. i found a site that has really been helping me, www.dlife.com
1 person likes this
@selece (2357)
• Philippines
6 Aug 08
Thank you so much! I'll look through the site. Thanks a lot!